Expertise, support, challenge and advice
With our philosophy of maintaining each schools uniqueness we have provided a structure which enhances, challenges and supports the governing body of our schools to drive forward school improvement and shape the life within their own school.
Huw Thomas is Director of Education for the Diocese of Sheffield. He has been a successful Headteacher in two schools and he was appointed as a member of JMAT on 17th November 2016.​
Derek Grover served as a senior civil servant in the Department for Education and Employment, latterly as the Director of Adult Learning responsible for national policy on education and training post-16 outside universities. Derek has been a governor and chair and is an accredited National Leader of Governance. He was appointed as a member of JMAT on 17th November 2017.
Bishop of Doncaster, held by The Revd Canon Sophie Jelley. As 7th Bishop of Doncaster Sophie previously held post of the Director of Mission, Discipleship and Ministry in the Diocese of Durham, and Canon Missioner at Durham Cathedral, a role she has held for four years.
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Dr Richard Punshon is experienced in the education sector. Firstly, as a teacher and later in school governance for 20 years. He has worked in school improvement and also chaired school governing bodies. Richard served 16 years in the Armed Forces and currently owns businesses in the hospitality sector.
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Alan Richards is an experienced Governor in both the Primary and Secondary sector and is licensed as a National Leader of Governance by the National College of Teaching and Leadership. He has a background in Chairing governance at two schools rated as outstanding by Ofsted. Alan is also a Director of a School Improvement company based in Rotherham and is the South Yorkshire Regional NLG Lead with the Teaching School Alliance.
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JMAT Members & Trustee Pecuniary Interest
Our Trustees
Our Directors all are specialists in their fields. They have committed to support the education of the children within our schools through ensuring JMAT provides the very best for all.
Chair of Trustees
Dr Richard Punshon is experienced in the education sector. Firstly, as a teacher and later in school governance for 20 years. He has worked in school improvement and also chaired school governing bodies. Richard served 16 years in the Armed Forces and currently owns businesses in the hospitality sector.
Safeguarding Trustee
Catherine Hewitt (Katie) is a social worker by profession, with a background in Youth Justice leadership. She currently works for Sheffield Children’s Safeguarding Partnership as the Workforce Development Manager, providing and co-ordinating guidance and training to agencies in Sheffield on a wide range of topics relating to children’s safeguarding.
Finance Trustee
Register of Interests
Martin Harrison, Principal and Chief Executive at Dearne Valley College. Prior to becoming Principal Martin had 16 years as either Finance Controller or Head of finance in a variety of organisations, from Sheffield Hallam to Barnsley college and is a trained chartered accountant.
Coaching & Education Trustee
Craig Parkinson is an educational consultant, trainer and coach who has worked with thousands of teachers and senior leaders to embed the key findings of Visible Learning and Singapore Maths in a range of educational establishments. He has been a keynote speaker at international, national and regional educational conferences and is now a leader and coach with Clifton Strengths.
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I.T & Education Trustee
Ian Hutchinson has worked in education for over 25 years and throughout has had a passion for the power of technology in children's lives. He is a South Yorkshire consultant for Computers in Scho​ols Association and has been a lead practitioner and Vex IQ robotics champion. Ian has predominantly worked in Primary Education and has served as both Governor and Chair positions in Local Governing Bodies, has experience at hearing complaints and providing independent review for schools where necessary. Ian has knowledge of the RMBC and DMBC schools within the JMAT Trust, understanding systems and procedures, policy and practice bringing an understanding to the board of key personnel from every aspect of the Trust who lead on each discipline.
Education Leadership Trustee
Vicky Helliwell started her teaching career in Sheffield working in inner-city schools, she took up her first Headship in Nottinghamshire and then became a Headteacher and Executive Headteacher in Rotherham. Following her retirement from Headship Vicky took up an interim appointment as Head of Education for Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. She has worked in school improvement for many years as a National Leader of Education and as Head of Education, supporting and challenging schools across Rotherham.
