Judith Norfolk

Chair of Trustees

I am married with four grown up children and nine grandchildren who all live locally. I have lived in Pudsey all my life and have grandchildren at both Primrose Hill and Waterloo as well as other Pudsey schools. I retired in 2013 from a career of over thirty years in primary education in West Leeds, I worked in the same inner city primary school for over twenty years and was Head there from 2005 up to my retirement. The school has always been judged good by Ofsted under my leadership and since my retirement I have continued working with the school as Chair of Governors. I am passionate about young people and believe they all deserve a first class education to unlock their potential. I see it as our role to support the schools in OMAT to remove any barriers there may be through co-operation and collaboration to deliver high quality teaching and learning.

Term of office: February 2018. - February 2024.

Board appointed.

Guy Gibson

Vice Chair of Trustees

I am now semi-retired and have had an extensive career in the public sector dealing with a wide range of social, economic and physical regeneration and development. I have worked in various Civil Service Departments and latterly for the Regional Development Agency, gaining significant financial, appraisal, project and performance management experience and skills. I am passionate about the education of young people and have had a long association with Pudsey Primrose Hill, having been a governor at the school for over 23 years, the last 10 as Chair of Governors. I have been involved in the development of the Owlcotes MAT since its inception and am excited about seeing it grow and develop to offer an excellent education provision for its children.

Term of office: February 2018 - February 2024.

Board appointed.

Lesley West

CEO

I have had a long career as a teacher, headteacher and as a National Leader for Education. I have worked for the whole of my professional life in Leeds schools and over the years I have successfully worked with a number of schools to support them on their school improvement journey.

Since March 2018 I have been CEO of the Owlcotes Multi Academy Trust. I am proud to be part of this amazing multi-academy trust and to work with so many dedicated professionals who are passionate about education. I believe in providing all children with opportunities and experiences to support them to succeed and the importance of collaboration, co-operation and professional development for staff. 

Term of office: February 2018 - February 2024.

Ex-officio.

John Woods

I have worked for the Environment Agency since 1998, my current role involves managing the flood defence capital programme for Leeds and taking the lead on engagement with partner organisations and flooded communities. I got involved in school governance at Pudsey Waterloo when my daughters joined the school and have been Chair of Governors since 2015. I am passionate about education and Pudsey, ensuring that our children can thrive and develop their talents and abilities in a happy environment. I want our schools in Owlcotes MAT to improve in partnership together with strong governance and inspirational leadership.

Term of office: February 2018 - February 2024.

Board appointed.

Stephen Greene

I have worked for BT since 2007, currently as Director of the service operations for global customers. This includes business transformation - leading a global team and all elements of service and business continuity. As a Dad of 2 boys, both with their school years ahead of them, I want to be a part of making a difference to education and schools in Leeds through this Trustee role with Owlcotes. Outside of work I am a keen runner and golfer, when time allows!

Term of office: November 2020 - November 2024.

Board appointed.

Regional FM Delivery Officer for HMRC. Delivering a range of FM services, specialising in mechanical and electrical systems. Specialism in health and safety and estates management with multiple qualifications in those areas. 

Term of office: June 2022 - June 2026.

Board appointed.

I am an experienced corporate social responsibility professional who is passionate about supporting the Yorkshire community through engaging education and volunteering activities. Throughout my career in the utility sector, I have experience of working across a range of public relations functions including sponsorship, corporate charity partnerships, education, volunteering, internal communications and event management.

Outside of work, I have been involved in school governance since my son started primary school in 2004, firstly at Greenside Primary School, and then with Crawshaw Academy, where I have been Chair of Governors for a number of years.  

I believe that every young person should be offered access to the very best education possible and that they are supported in their individual aspirations and career goals. 

Term of office: October 2022 - October 2026.

Board appointed.

New appointment: Awaiting pen portrait.

Term of office: October 2023 - October 2027.

Board appointed.

I have 11 years of experience working in Human Resources in the education sector and a background in finance. My experience in HR in education has given me a unique insight into the importance of creating a positive and supportive workplace culture. I am passionate about helping OMAT to foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous professional development to aid recruitment and retention of the strongest staff and in turn, prove a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students.

I am passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children, young people, families and the local community. Outside of work, I am mother to two young children who attend local schools & a keen gardener.

Term of office: December 2023 - December 2027.

Board appointed.