The Empower Learning Academy Trust is a company limited by guarantee and a charitable trust. The Board of Trustees has the responsibility for the smooth running of the three academies that currently make up the trust.
These Trustees are also the Directors of the company. Much of the work of the Trustees is delegated to committees – in particular there is a separate committee for each of the academies which works as a Local Governance Committee.
How the structure works
- Members – the role is similar to that of shareholders of a limited company
- Trustees – appointed by Members to oversee Empower, agreeing the overarching strategic direction and ensuring robust governance
- Executive Team – the CEO of ELAT – Simon London – leads this team to ensure the smooth running of the Trust and the schools that belong to it
- Local Governance Committee or Board – provide challenge and support to each Academy’s Leadership team
Trustees
Name | Date of Appointment | Term | Business & Pecuniary Interests |
Simon London (CEO) | 27 Sept 2016 | None | |
Andrew Frater (Company Secretary) | 1 Jul 2019 | None | |
Keith Butcher (Chair) | 27 March 2017 | 5 | None |
Keith Stewart (Safeguarding) | 27 Sept 2020 Reappointed. Originally appointed on 27 Sept 2016 | 4 | Business: Hall Mead School Parent Governor March 2012 – March 2016; Community Governor March 2016 – Sept 2020 |
David Harries | 27 Sept 2016 | 5 | Coopers Coburn & Co Academy, Wife an employee Secondary school in Upminster. Jihold LLP (OC381197), Limited Partner Business Services. National Governance Association, Trustee Trust advocating for better governance in schools. Heart 4 Sport Coaching Ltd, Daughter is a Director Coaching in schools. |
James Brooks | 27 Sept 2020 Reappointed. Originally appointed on 27 Sept 2016 | 4 | None |
Paul Reynolds | 1 February 2023 | 4 | None |
Jaylan Seslie | 1 February 2023 | 4 | None |
Marianne Akinyosade | |||
Inderjit Sohl | 15 December 2023 |
Members
Name | Date of Appointment | Term of Office | Business & Pecuniary Interests |
Malcolm Evans | 1 Sept 2016 | None | |
Neil Consterdine | 1 February 2023 | None | |
Stuart McLaughlin | 1 February 2023 | None | |
John Crossley | 1 May 2023 | ||
Michelle McKee | 15 December 2023 |