Meet Our Board of Trustees

Steve Welsh

Chair

Financial Controller at Network Rail

Steve is a qualified accountant and currently serves as Financial Controller at Network Rail, where he leads multifunctional teams ranging from 30 to 350 colleagues. He has expertise in finance, shared services, business transformation, and senior stakeholder management, along with strong skills in data interpretation and creative problem-solving.

In his role, Steve generates strategic objectives and supports Network Rail in monitoring and tracking progress toward them. He firmly believes that investing in and supporting people can lead to exceptional outcomes. As a former parent governor and vice chair of the governing body at a progressive infants and nursery school, Steve understands the significant value that business skills can bring to an educational setting.

Jemma Monkhouse

Trustee

Senior lecturer in primary and early years education at Sheffield Hallam University

Jemma is a Senior Lecturer in Primary and Early Years Education at Sheffield Hallam University, where she combines her qualifications as an experienced primary school teacher with a specialization in primary English teaching. She has served as a school governor, including as Chair of Governors, and is currently a doctoral student at Sheffield Hallam University, focusing on the role of drama in English education.

Her dual roles as a primary teacher and educator enable her to contribute valuable insights into standards and performance across the Trust. Jemma’s expertise in early career training and development for teachers enhances the Trust’s professional development initiatives. Her governance experience provides her with a solid understanding of school improvement processes, including familiarity with the Ofsted framework. Through her doctoral research, Jemma is well-equipped to challenge current practices and analyze data to drive school improvement.

Ian Levers

Trustee

Quantity Surveying Director and Technical Director for Commercial Management at Mott MacDonald (Global Management & Engineering Consultancy)

Ian is the Quantity Surveying Director and Technical Director for Commercial Management at Mott MacDonald, where he leverages his expertise as a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS) and holder of an International Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management (CIRM). With a strong focus on expanding Mott MacDonald’s defense business and ensuring technical excellence, he has also served as the Global Knowledge Manager, emphasizing knowledge management and business improvement. His experience as a Parent Governor and School Champion at Westfield Infants School and Old Hall Juniors School provides him with valuable insights into Trust operations, making him a key asset to the Trust.

Ross Griffin

Trustee

Former Head Teacher of Derbyshire Primary Schools

Ross is a qualified and experienced former Head Teacher of Derbyshire Primary Schools, with a strong background in school improvement and special needs education as a SENCO. He possesses a thorough understanding of safeguarding requirements in primary education and has served as a school governor for several years across various schools.

His experiences as both a Head Teacher and school governor have equipped him with the insights needed to support schools in their improvement efforts. Ross’s work with diverse student cohorts has given him a broad understanding of the challenges schools face. Additionally, his role as a governor has highlighted the vital contribution that governors make in supporting self-evaluation and driving school improvement initiatives.

Marie-Claire Bretherton

Trustee

Director of School Improvement for Anthem Schools Trust in England and the Education Director for KYRA

Marie-Claire Bretherton began her career as a teacher before becoming a head teacher in Lincolnshire, where she successfully led three diverse schools to achieve improved outcomes for students, even in challenging circumstances. She currently serves as the Director of School Improvement for Anthem Schools Trust in England and is also the Education Director for KYRA, a community focused on teaching, leadership, research, and professional development. Marie-Claire’s extensive experience in educational leadership enables her to drive positive change and foster a culture of continuous improvement across schools.

Darren Tidmarsh

Trustee

Darren Tidmarsh joined Learners’ Trust as a Trustee and later became Vice Chair, bringing over 20 years of experience across the private and public sectors. He currently serves as Chief People Officer, Deputy Chief Executive, and Board Member at Derbyshire Community Health Services (DCHS) NHS Trust.

Darren began his NHS career at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust and has held executive roles in higher education, leading significant people transformations. He has also served as a non-executive director and Chair at Learn Sheffield, as well as a trustee for two multi-academy trusts.

A science graduate from the University of Nottingham with a master’s in HR management, Darren has worked with international companies like Severn-Trent, Nestlé, and Zurich Financial Services. Passionate about learning and development, he is committed to continuous improvement.

Born and raised in Derbyshire, Darren now lives in Chesterfield with his family.

Monica Lewins

Trustee

With an engineering background, Monica Lewins specialises in IT Project and Programme Delivery, bringing extensive experience in initiating, rescuing, and delivering large-scale technology, change, and transformation projects. Skilled in achieving effective business and technical outcomes, she has successfully led complex initiatives across various sectors and challenging environments. Known for her “customer first” approach, Monica provides strong, inspiring leadership that motivates teams to achieve excellence.

As a Parent Governor at her local primary school, Monica is actively involved in its operations. She aims to bring her stakeholder management and people skills to the Trustee role to help achieve the Trust’s strategic goals.

Narinder Gill

Trustee

With over 30 years of transformational leadership experience, Narinder Gill specialises in strategic change and innovation across education, social care, and corporate sectors. Expertise includes executive coaching, system leadership, and business transformation, enabling organisations to tackle complex challenges and achieve sustainable impact.

As a former headteacher and school improvement director, Narinder has led large-scale reforms in multi-academy trusts, improving outcomes and pioneering inclusion strategies. This work has influenced national and international education policy, effectively bridging frontline experience with strategic insights.

As a sought-after keynote speaker and published author, contributions to national publications focus on leadership and inclusion. Governance experience spans multiple boards, providing strategic planning and stakeholder engagement advice.

A values-driven approach centred on integrity, collaboration, and excellence empowers organisations to unlock their potential and deliver lasting results.

Whether enhancing leadership capability or refining strategic direction, Narinder brings valuable insight and experience for success at the highest levels.

Mark Wilkinson

Trustee

With 20 years in education, Mark has worked across primary, secondary, and further education, specializing in leadership, coaching, and mentoring. His career began in sports coaching before moving into professional football as Head of Education, working with clubs across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.

He later transitioned to Elite Sport at Loughborough College, supporting young athletes in Olympic and Commonwealth disciplines. Now Academy Director for Access to Higher Education and Teacher Training at The Sheffield College, Mark focuses on strategy, leadership, and educational effectiveness.

He holds a BA (Hons) in Leadership & Management, a PGCE, and additional leadership qualifications, with ongoing postgraduate studies in education.

Ian Powell

Member

Expertise in Marketing, PR, business, education and law , Account Director at Aspire Creative;

Ian Powell is an Account Director at Aspire Creative, specializing in marketing and PR with a strong focus on design and communication. He has extensive experience in recruitment, appraisals, and disciplinary processes, collaborating closely with HR. Ian is skilled in critiquing and analysing data, with expertise in business, education, and law.

His recent projects include a re-brand and marketing package for Westfield School in Sheffield, the acclaimed ‘Leeds Pathways’ website for Leeds City Council, and branding support for the ‘Connexions’ initiative with iGen Group. Ian is passionate about creating engaging communications, particularly in supporting educational organizations, young people, teachers, and professionals, as well as technology and manufacturing companies from his office at the AMP in Sheffield.

Dino Blackburn

Member

Senior Manager Price Waterhouse Coopers

As a Senior Manager in the audit practice at Price waterhouse Coopers, Dino specialises in delivering high-quality audits for public and private businesses, while working closely with clients and their audit committees. His focus on quality and accountability extends to both client work and the firm’s internal quality programs. In addition to his technical expertise, Dino takes pride in his active roles as a career coach, group leader, and relationship manager, where he guides staff development and delivers training to enhance technical skills. He is committed to bringing the same focus on quality, accountability, and staff development to the Learning Trust, using his experience in resolving complex issues and driving continuous improvement. Dino’s goal is to challenge and support the trustees in achieving the Trust’s objectives, ensuring long-term success.

Dr. Kevin Walker

Member

CTO and Co-founder of Image Metrics

Dr. Walker, CTO and co-founder of Image Metrics, has pioneered proprietary real-time video and animation technology for the gaming industry, transforming an innovative idea into a global success. With deep expertise in business growth, leadership, finance, and IT, he has a proven track record of developing large-scale projects and negotiating with key clients. As a member of Faceware Technologies’ advisory board, Walker is well-versed in navigating volatile industry landscapes and driving innovation. His experience in leading startups and executing strategic growth will be invaluable to the Trust, where he is committed to bringing the same high standards of innovation and excellence, serving as a vital link between Members and Trustees.

Sam Coy

Member

Sam Coy is the Director of Quality Assurance and School Improvement at the Flying High Partnership.  Previously, he has served in a range of leadership roles including  the CEO of a small Multi-Academy Trust (Scholars Trust) in Leicestershire and before this was the Associate Education Director for East Midlands, Thames Valley, and London at Anthem Schools Trust , Before this he was the Executive Headteacher at Benjamin Adlard Primary School in Gainsborough and Mount Street Academy in Lincoln. During his tenure as Headteacher at  Benjamin Adlard, the school progressed from Special Measures to a ‘Good’ rating within 12 months and was honoured with the Pearson UK Primary School of the Year award for ‘Making a Difference’ in 2018. Sam is also a judge for the Pearson National Teaching Awards.