Zhidan Cai

I have worked in the field of data management in the education sector for the past 14 years.  As the Trust Data Manager, I am driven to use my skills and knowledge in data management to provide timely and effective data analysis to improve decision makings.  I strongly believe that every child’s education matters, and my role can help raising achievements and closing gaps in schools.

Jo Porteous

After completing my university education, I worked in a variety of roles in the water industry including auditing the income base and billing.  After having children I undertook a variety of roles both paid and supporting the community, including book-keeping for local businesses and Treasurer to a village toddler group.  I then spent ten years working in education administration at Waterhouses CE Primary.  I joined the Central Finance Team in February 2023 and am looking forward to using my skills and knowledge to support QEGSMAT as it continues to grow.

Tracy Adams

I joined the Finance department within the central team at QEGSMAT in March 2023.  My previous roles include working within the healthcare e-learning sector and in the NHS.  I’m looking forward to this new challenging role and my focus will be to support the Finance Manager in all their responsibilities in relation to managing the assets of the Trust. 

Jo Shenton

I joined the QEGSMAT HR Department in January 2023, having worked within an office environment for over 30 years.  I have worked in HR in retail for 9 years and the last 7 years for the NHS in a GP Surgery.  I am excited to restart my HR journey within an education setting at QEGSMAT, developing my knowledge and skillset.

John Harrison

I have worked in facilities management for the last 16 years, having moved into education from a leisure background approximately six years ago.  I have a passion for delivering safe, user friendly environments to pupils, staff and visitors to academy sites.  I am keen to embrace technology, in both the modernisation of academy sites and the monitoring of health and safety across the Trust. I believe in the vision of QEGSMAT and am looking forward to being part of the team moving forward and continually improve sites to offer the best possible outcomes for pupils in our care.

Dominic Hudson

I have worked in education as a teacher, leader, coach and author for over fifteen years. I have always been passionate about creating conditions where all children benefit from an exciting curriculum, whilst developing their desire for, and, love of learning.

My subject specialism is mathematics. I have taught 11 to 18 year olds in three large secondary schools across Derby city and Derbyshire. In addition to teaching, I have also worked on many exciting projects: I have been an ambassador for the National Centre for the Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM), had my teaching videoed to launch the regional Maths Hubs across the UK and have worked on international projects developing the teaching and learning of students’ problem solving skills with numerous countries including the USA, South Africa and several European countries. I am currently the External Examiner for the School of Education at the University of Nottingham, assessing their initial teacher education programmes.

I have vast experience in senior leadership driving forward school improvement, focussing primarily on ensuring that teaching, learning and the curriculum offer is right for each and every student. I know the importance of classroom focussed professional development and enjoy working collaboratively with teachers and leaders to maximise student outcomes in the broadest of senses. I am an active member of Japanese lesson study cycles – a process that considers all aspects of student learning, crucial to development of their knowledge, skills and understanding. I have been fortunate to experience lesson study in Tokyo and have since performed the role of Koshi across the UK. Lesson study was also the main focus of my Master’s Degree.

I am relishing the next exciting challenge in my career working closely with the central team, leaders and teachers within the QEGSMAT academies and wider partnerships, to give all of our students the best opportunities both whilst they are at school and in their future lives.

Chris Shaw

I joined the QEGSMAT HR Department in November 2021 after being employed with Derbyshire County Council for fifteen years where I worked as a Day Service Worker, Deputy Unit Manager of two Day Centres and supported-living establishments and finally a Project Officer (in the Adult Care Quality and Compliance Team). I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to officially start a career in HR; building on my current HR experience gained through the above non-HR roles. Having nearly completed my Level 3 CIPD qualification, I am working towards gaining my Level 5 – further developing my knowledge, skillset and support to the central QEGSMAT team.

Chloe Watson

I joined the QEGSMAT team in October 2021, as a Finance Assistant. Having worked in the financial sector for five years, I am excited to continue developing my skills and knowledge whilst supporting the team.

Sharon Taylor

With over thirty years experience in the Administration/PA role I am responsible for providing support to the CEO, Chief Operating Officer and the Board of Trustees.  As a member of the QEGSMAT Central Team I am continually developing my knowledge and experience whilst hoping to deliver a proficient service to all.

Stuart Hardy

I am an experienced Chartered HR Generalist having spent much of my career within Local Government. I have wide experience dealing with a vast array of HR matters from Employment Cycle, Casework, Pay and Reward, Organisational Design, Restructures, Redundancies, TUPE and Workforce Strategy. I have a firm belief in the ethos of QEGSMAT. I am committed to making sustainable changes within the Trust to improve experiences and educational outcomes for all. I believe in ensuring our biggest resource is supported and developed then we will be able to drive school improvement.