Our Members and Trustees

Chair of Trustees 

Sue serves as the Chair of Trustees, bringing with her 25 years’ governance experience in both primary and secondary schools. She has a strong interest in standards, curriculum, and safeguarding.

Professionally, Sue specialises in secondary mathematics and has worked as a teacher and adviser. Currently, she is the director of a business dedicated to producing mathematics revision materials, drawing on her extensive expertise to support students’ learning.

She believes every young person deserves quality education. Sue sees her role as Trustee as an opportunity to contribute positively, working to create and sustain excellent opportunities for all students and pupils.

Vice Chair of Trustees  

Neil currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

 In his professional capacity, he is a solicitor at a national law firm, where he leads the Responsible Business Team. His responsibilities include developing and implementing strategies focused on diversity, inclusion and wellbeing, net zero and biodiversity, as well as fostering community engagement and outreach.

Although Neil does not have a background in education, his experience includes working extensively with social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations, and he is a director of two additional not-for-profit social enterprises. This expertise enables him to contribute meaningfully to the Trust’s development and governance.

Since beginning his involvement as a parent governor at Haybridge in 2015—where both of his children were students—he joined the Trust Board upon its formation in 2018. His motivation for undertaking this role stems from the positive influence of inspirational teachers during his youth. It is Neil’s aim to give back by helping to enhance opportunities and outcomes for young people.

Trustee

Leonora has been a governor at Cleobury Mortimer Primary School since 2018 and a trustee of the Shropshire Gateway Educational Trust since 2019. She is passionate about ensuring that all students have access to the best possible educational opportunities.

Her career as a civil servant spanned nearly four decades, during which she held a wide range of managerial and policy delivery roles across several government departments. Her understanding of governance, strategic planning, and public accountability is underpinned by a strong commitment to the Nolan Principles of Public Service.

Leonora’s strengths lie in setting strategic direction, supporting and challenging executive leadership, and ensuring robust governance. She remains deeply committed to public service and to securing the best outcomes for all students across the Trust.

Trustee

Jonathan has been a Trustee since October 2023 and currently chairs the Standards and Curriculum Committee.

Before retiring at the end of July 2024, he served as Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at the University of Birmingham for 11 years. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the quality assurance and academic standards of the University’s teaching provision. He contributed to strategic developments in teaching and learning and played a key role in the creation of new programmes. He was also the academic lead for degree apprenticeships and Ofsted inspections related to apprenticeships.

Throughout his career, Jonathan has chaired and worked with numerous committees, including those focused on student and staff conduct. He has a lifelong passion for education at all levels and is committed to contributing to how we educate students in schools.

Working with Four Stones Gateway Trust presents an exciting opportunity for Jonathan to apply his experience and expertise within a school and trust context.

Trustee

Dr Robert Hodge is a Foundation Trustee.  He brings extensive board-level experience from several charities, including those focused on education.

With academic qualifications in pure mathematics, psychology, philosophy, and a PhD in history, Robert offers a unique interdisciplinary perspective. He has a strong interest in financial governance and is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of education.

Trustee

Gaynor has been actively involved in school governance since 2011.

As a Forensic Scientist she gained her Chemistry degree through day release showing her the advantage of working whilst learning and is a firm supporter of this route of education and training.

Over a 25-year career, Gaynor held a range of roles from Scientific Assistant to Senior Manager, giving her a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills. Her passion lies in people—recognising potential and supporting individuals to achieve it is central to her approach.

Gaynor now applies her experience to support small businesses, sharing her expertise to help them grow and thrive

Trustee

Gareth is a member of the Curriculum and Standards Committee. His areas of expertise lie in School Leadership; Curriculum; Teaching and Learning.

With over 30 years of experience in secondary education, Gareth is passionate about supporting schools in their mission to help young people achieve the best possible outcomes. He has worked with schools across the Trust for a number of years and is familiar with the exceptional standards it sets. Gareth is committed to helping colleagues uphold and exceed these standards.

He has served on the Trust Board since October 2024 and is enthusiastic about the new opportunities emerging within Four Stones Gateway Trust

Trustee

Justin is the Rector of the Bromfield Benefice, which comprises eight churches throughout Shropshire, and he brings more than 30 years’ experience as a practicing solicitor.

He also serves as a Notary Public and holds the King’s Commission, acting as Regimental Chaplain in the British Army.

Previously, he has chaired and served as vice chair for three distinct governing bodies and was a director on the Board of SGET.

Trustee

Ben supports Four Stones Gateway Trust in several key areas, including lease negotiations, conducting due diligence for capital expenditure, and property governance. He serves on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and also the Remuneration Committee.

Since July 2020, Ben has volunteered as a Trustee and property specialist. This role enables Ben to utilise his knowledge and experience to benefit the Trust and its stakeholders.

Ben has lived within the local area for the last 15 years and taking on the role of Trustee has provided him with a meaningful opportunity to give back to the community. Ben is passionate about ensuring all students and pupils have access to quality education.

Trustee

Andy has been a Trustee of Four Stones Multi Academy Trust for nearly three years and serves on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. As the Trust evolves into Four Stones Gateway Trust, he remains committed to strong governance and to supporting the strategic development of its schools.

In his professional role as Deputy Director of a West Midlands–based HR consultancy, Andy specialises in employee relations, policy development, and TUPE consultation. He is passionate about ensuring that every young person benefits from the opportunities provided by a high-quality education.