Governance
Strong governance is fundamental to the success of Place Partnership. As a Multi Academy Trust, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of accountability, transparency and strategic leadership to ensure every decision supports the best possible outcomes for children and young people across our academies. Place Partnership publishes key governance, statutory and Trust information in line with Department for Education requirements and is committed to operating with openness and integrity.
Members are the guardians of the Trust’s constitution. They safeguard the Trust’s vision, values and charitable objectives and provide independent oversight of the organisation. Members appoint Trustees where required and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Trust. While they are not involved in the day-to-day running of the Trust, they provide an important layer of accountability and assurance.
Professor Richard Stubbs is Chief Executive of Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber. He has extensive experience across the NHS, academia and industry, with a particular focus on innovation.
Richard has held a number of national and international roles, including work with the commission on the regulation of AI in healthcare. He co-chairs the NHS Confederation’s BME Leadership Network and is a member of the WHO Europe Public Health Innovation Platform and the International Hospital Federation Global Scientific Committee.
He is also a member of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Economic Advisory Council and is an honorary visiting professor at Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield.
Richard is a former student of Maltby Comprehensive and was previously a Trustee of Maltby Learning Trust.
John Ruane is a Business Analyst in the digital team of a large finance sector organisation.
He was formerly a Governor at Ossett Academy, where he was also a Training Link Governor and Vice Chair at Ossett School during its transition to academy status.
Pete Sorsby has built a career in banking and investing, with a particular focus on the region’s small and medium-sized business community.
He first got to know Maltby Academy through the Rotherham Business Growth Board and Chamber. He subsequently joined the Local Governing Body, later becoming its Chair, before becoming a Trustee and then a Member.
Nick Adams is Founder and Managing Director of NPA Associates Ltd, a sales and marketing consultancy specialising in Commercial Skills training, Interim Management and Consultancy worldwide.
Nick joined the Board of Trustees through the Academy Ambassador Programme in 2016 and became a Member in 2022.
Charlotte Haigh has worked in higher education for 25 years. She is Professor of Physiology Education and Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Enhancement and Student Experience at the University of Leeds.
Charlotte was a governor at South Parade Primary School in Ossett for six years, from 2014 to 2020. She has been a Member of the Trust since 2022.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the strategic leadership and governance of Place Partnership. Trustees ensure the Trust’s financial sustainability, educational effectiveness and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. The Board delegates operational management to executive leaders while retaining responsibility for strategic direction, monitoring performance, managing risk and ensuring public funds are used effectively.
- Setting the Trust’s strategic vision and priorities.
- Holding executive leaders to account for educational and operational performance.
- Ensuring effective financial management and value for money.
- Monitoring risk, compliance and safeguarding.
- Promoting strong governance and accountability.
Trustees
Our Trustees bring a diverse range of skills, knowledge and experience to the Trust. They work with Trust leaders to provide challenge, support and strategic oversight, ensuring Place Partnership remains focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
Andrew Lancashire is a strategic transformational education leader with experience as a Service Director, Head of Service, Principal Adviser, School Improvement Advisor and Headteacher.
His experience includes SEND, admissions and transport, early years and school improvement. He was Service Director for Education & Inclusion at Wakefield, with Ofsted recognising the service as outstanding in 2021.
Andrew is Independent Chair of the Barnsley Schools’ Alliance and has undertaken Staff College training. He also works as a coach and mentor.
Glyn Staves joined the Maltby Learning Trust Board soon after the Trust was established in 2014.
He has provided legal expertise across academy conversions, disputes and transactions. Glyn served as Vice Chair until December 2024 before becoming Chair.
Anita Barnwell has extensive experience in HR, business transformation and change management across multiple sites.
Her experience includes strategic planning, risk, change and performance management, as well as staff management, training and development.
Paul Woodcock is a strategic leader in asset management, property, economic development and regeneration.
He has experience of major building projects, planning and building control, emergency planning and business continuity.
Michael Clements has held senior leadership positions across local government, the NHS, criminal justice and social housing.
He has extensive governance experience in local schools and trusts, including as a Governor at Horbury Academy. He joined the Board to bring his broad leadership and governance skill set to the Trust.
Emma Peach has been involved in governance at all levels since 2015. She began as a community governor at Ravenfield Primary before joining Maltby Redwood and subsequently the Trust Board.
Emma brings experience across Business, Finance and HR and chairs the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
Nicky has more than 14 years’ experience in education governance, including as Chair of Governors at Wath Academy and senior governance roles within ECM Trust, including Trustee, Vice-Chair and Chair of Resources.
Nicky has also supported Maltby Learning Trust governance and has held senior finance roles with BT and Openreach.
Their experience includes business transformation, operational delivery and stakeholder engagement, alongside a strong commitment to the work of Place Partnership Trust.
Rachel Denton recently led HR and Safeguarding across a local Multi Academy Trust, working closely with the CEO, Trustees, Principals and external safeguarding partners.
She has served as Safeguarding Trustee for Maltby Learning Trust and works closely with the Trust Strategic Director for Safeguarding and Link Governors.
Rachel has been a Trustee of Maltby Learning Trust since 2023.
Jennifer Yaqub is a strategic People & Culture leader with experience across HR, talent acquisition, learning and development, organisational development, business transformation and commercial operations in UK and global organisations.
Her experience includes leading People functions, developing workforce strategy and supporting organisational objectives, performance, culture and growth.
Jennifer also brings experience across commercial and business development, operational leadership and business ownership. She works with Boards and senior leaders to develop future talent and support long-term organisational success.
Mike Dyson is retired after almost 40 years in the finance industry, including senior executive experience in the Middle East.
He brings significant experience in risk management, commercial leadership and business strategy. Mike also completed the Financial Times non-executive director diploma in 2017.
Governors provide local support and challenge to academy leaders, ensuring pupils, families and communities remain at the heart of decision-making. They bring local knowledge and oversight to monitor school performance and support the Trust’s vision and priorities.
Full information on Governors is available on each academy’s website. All Members, Trustees and Governors complete an annual declaration of business interests and declare any pecuniary interests within meetings.