Our Community Multi Academy Trust (OCMAT)

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Meet the Trust Board

Mike O'Connell, Director (Chair)

I am a retired Social Worker and have worked in both child protection and Youth Justice sectors.  For many years I worked within the Kent Education Safeguarding Service as Safeguarding Training and Development Lead for Education services including early years, schools and colleges.  I have also been  a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) advising on safer practice and allegations management for within education.  My areas of interest include safeguarding children and staff and supporting vulnerable children to achieve their potential.

Simmone Haywood, Director

 Simmone is a highly motivated results orientated HR professional with a track record of delivering people solutions in a multi-site and International environment.  Simmone has over 30 years’ experience with Marks and Spencer PLC, covering a range of strategic leadership roles.  Simmone is now, Co-Founder of the Millwood Partnership, an HR Consultancy, working with businesses across sectors to optimise value through people.  She is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and works as an Enterprise Advisor with Kent Secondary Schools.  Simmone is delighted to hold the role of Director in Our Community Multi Academy Trust.

Jo Hygate, Director

Jo has spent the last 30 years in education, and over the last fifteen has led three schools as an Executive Headteacher. She has a proven track record in school improvement and since April 2019 has been CEO of the DEALT academy, which is made up of 8 primary schools in Deal. She has also supported other local schools as a pupil premium reviewer and a National Leader in Education.

Roo Mackie, Director

 Roo is a marketing consultant and executive coach.  Her passion is to support people to realise their potential, whether that’s as individuals, teams or in delivering better business outcomes.  Roo’s experience spans multiple industries and she has worked across the globe helping to shape brands and teams.  As a Director with OCMAT, she is looking forward to utilising her experience and knowledge to help meet the Trust’s ambitions.

Debbie Haigh, Director

Debbie is a seasoned business director with experience of driving successful business growth and enhancing governance within both the public and private sectors. She has a proven track record in strategic planning, operational efficiency and stakeholder engagement. Debbie’s commitment to excellence coupled with her proactive leadership style ensures robust governance and compliance, with the vision to help organisations to flourish. She holds a strong belief in community and inclusivity for all children in education, values she admires and is committed to at the Trust.

Phil Bub, Director

awaited

Stuart Davison, Director

awaited

 Andrew Collie, Member

Andrew is the School's Officer (Organisation & Estates) for the Diocese of Canterbury responsible for school land and buildings.  He has held similar roles in two other dioceses as part of a second career in charity property management while also being involved in CofE diocesan governance.  He has been around education for many years by being married to a Key Stage 1 teacher!

 Rev. Steve Lillicrap, Member

Steve is the Rector of the Parish of Kingsdown and Creekside, which includes the villages of Lynsted and Norton. Steve has been involved with Governance in Schools at many level over a number of years.

Bruce McGlashan, Member

Bruce is Head of Technical & Sustainability at the Orchard Fruit Company. Bruce has been involved with the Trust for many years as a Member, offering a range of skills to support the Trust's Objectives.

Quintin Roper, Member

Quentin is Director of Education for the Diocese of Canterbury and leads its work in relation ministry with children, schools and young people. Quentin is responsible for developing and articulating vision and strategy, managing a team that supports and resources schools, deaneries, and parishes.

Martin Swainson, Member

Martin is a retired stockbroker, and has spent many years involved with Governance in schools at all levels. Martin has a range of skills which supports the Trust in meeting its objectives.

Julie Duplock, Trust Clerk

Julie has been working for OCMAT as Trust Clerk since September 2022 and enjoys a very busy and varied role.  Julie's job entails her to communicate with a wide range of people across the OCMAT schools and ensure that communication with various stakeholders is consistent.

Email: [email protected] 

 Trust Board Committee Members

OCMAT Governance Structure September 2024

Directors Code of Conduct

Name Role Appointment date
Mike O'Connell Chair 28 March 2023
vacant Vice Chair
Simmone Haywood Director 1 September 2019
Jo Hygate Director 5 September 2023
vacant Director
Roo Mackie Director 5 September 2023
vacant Director
Quinten Roper (DACAL) Member 29 June 2017
Rev. Steve Lillicrap Member 1 June 2021
Martin Swainson Member 1 June 2021
Bruce McGlashan Member 1 June 2021
Andrew Collie (Diocese) Member 7 September 2022

 Committees 2024-2025

Audit and Risk Committee Members

  • Roo Mackie - Chair
  • vacancy

Standards  Committee Members

  • Mike O'Connell - Chair
  • vacancy

Finance and Resources Committee Members

  • vacancy - Chair
  • Simmone Haywood

Christian Distinctiveness Committee Members

  • Jo Hygate - Chair
  • vacancy

Directors and Members Resignations

Directors:

  • David Haylor. Appointed 31 January 2024, resigned 5 February 2025
  • Jonny Uttley. Appointed 1 September 2022, resigned 30 January 2025
  • Ian Chappell.  Appointed 15 April 2021, resigned 31 August 2024
  • David Whitehead. Appointed 29 June 2017, resigned 31 August 2023
  • Helen Stewart. Appointed 29 June 2017, resigned 1 March 2023
  • Christine Wilson. Appointed 1 September 2018, resigned 31 August 2022
  • Claire Harris. Appointed 29 June 2017, resigned 31 August 2022
  • Franz McCoy. Appointed 1 June 2021, resigned 20 December 2021
  • David Crombie. Appointed 20 September 2017, resigned 19 January 2021
  • Howitt.  Appointed 23 January 2020, resigned 18 January 2021
  • Mike Dyson.  Appointed 4 February 2019, resigned 2 July 2019
  • Paul Meechan.  Appointed 1 September 2018, resigned 26 March 2019
  • Jane Lillicrap.  Appointed 20 July 2017, resigned 3 December 2018
  • Jan Mills.  Appointed 20 July 2017, resigned 31 July 2018
  • Anne Ryback.   Appointed 29 June 2017, resigned 1 April 2018
  • Elizabeth Smith.  Appointed 29 June 2017, resigned 19 November 2018
  • Miranda Rees.  Appointed 29 June 2017, resigned 31 December 2017

 Members:

  • Niki Patterson, Appointed 1 September 2017, resigned April 2022
  • Richard Parkin. Appointed 1 June 2017, resigned 1 June 2021
  • Eileen Martin.  Appointed 1 September 2017, resigned 31 December 2020
  • Simon Molony.  Appointed 1 August 2017, resigned 9 November 2018