Trust Members
Academy trusts are set up as charitable companies and so must have members. The Members are essential to the integrity of an academy trust governance structure, holding the Trust Board to account for the effective governance of the trust. The Members can appoint Trustees and remove serving Trustees, appoint new and remove existing Members, approve any proposal to amend the Memorandum and Articles of Association and appoint the external auditors (on the recommendation of the Trustees). Further detail on the remit of Members can be found in the Trust Articles of Association. The Brontë Members are an effective blend of education, finance and local community knowledge and understanding.
Sohail Mahmood
Chair of Members since July 2016
I am the Director at ‘Sohail Mahmood Consultant Bursar Ltd’. I specialise in Education Financial Management. I have been in this sector for almost 18 years.
I currently support over 30 Schools and Academies. The services offered are varied and in encompass all areas of financial management. I work closely with multi academy trusts, assisting with their formation and providing financial consultancy support. I provide the Responsible Officer role to a number of Academies. I also provide financial training and guidance to governing bodies, head teachers and school business managers about their roles and responsibilities.
Rebecca Poulsen
Member since January 2017
I have been connected with Haworth Primary School for over 12 years initially as a parent of two children and then as a volunteer supporting pupils with reading.
I am also a District Councillor representing the Worth Valley on Bradford Council and am a trustee on Haworth Village Trust, Haworth Education Trust and Nell Bank Outdoor Learning Centre. I am passionate about children achieving their potential.
Kath Waddington
Member since July 2016
I have been both a Trustee and a Member of the Brontë Academy Trust since the very beginning of its foundation. My background is in education, having been in teaching for over thirty years. I worked in many different areas of Bradford before moving to Oakworth where I was Headteacher until my retirement. I therefore know the Brontë area and family of schools very well and am proud of the child-centered philosophy which underpins how the Trust is organised. My role within the Trust is focused on school improvement and supporting the educational provision on offer to the pupils.
Oliver Preston
Member since January 2024
I am a priest in the Church of England, currently serving as Rector of Haworth and Cross Roads - so two of the Academy schools are within my parishes. Before training for ministry I was a youth and community worker in Scarborough, and a youth and schools worker in Birmingham.
I hope to be able to bring my experience and training in community work, informal education, and pastoral care - and my knowledge of our local communities - to support the work of the Trust.
Robin Wright DL
Member since September 2023
A lifetime working and living in the Worth Valley. Managing Director / owner of Haworth based Wyedean Weaving, manufacturers of ceremonial uniforms and uniform accoutrement, suppliers to UK MoD, overseas armed forces and uniform services.
Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire Lieutenancy, long-standing active fundraiser, supporter and committee member for various local charities and good causes. Interests also include Pilot (Rotary & Fixed Wing), Motorsports, Squash, Skiing, Walking, Astronomy & Property Conversions.
Juliet Norris
Member since December 2023
A Privacy Law specialist by trade, I am delighted to have the opportunity to support the Academy Trust as a Member, whilst they work on behalf of the young people in their schools.
I am a working mum with experience in juggling home life and a career (ethical lead for patient data use, data protection, counter fraud and corporate and legal compliance) plus the ever-evolving needs of my teen!. Previously a youth worker with Barnardos and the National Literacy Trust; it is a pleasure to assist and advise the schools’ Trust wherever I can.