Appointed: 21st October 2016

Having graduated from Leeds University Janet has been a teacher for 30+ years, retiring in 2013 as a teacher and Head of Art at Airedale Academy. Janet currently provides support to the community of Wakefield in her role as Chair of Governors at a local primary school; a member of the PCC; and a Director and Trustee of the Eastmoor Community Project.

Appointed: 1st January 2024

Simone has worked in education for over 25 years, including 9 years in primary headship. She is currently the Diocesan Director of Education for the Diocese of Leeds.

Simone has a proven track record of supporting schools through rapid improvement, developing teaching and learning and improving outcomes for pupils. She led her own schools to both Outstanding Ofsted and SIAMS outcomes and was a member of the North Yorkshire Commission for School Improvement, exploring system leadership and models of improvement. She is currently training as a SIAMS inspector and is an ordained member of the Church of England, with permission to officiate across the diocese.

Appointed: 19 April 2023
John is a seasoned educator with a BA (Hons) in Education from Bretton Hall College (University of Leeds, 2001). John specialised in music and has taught in several Catholic primary schools in the North-West of England. John’s career includes Deputy Headteacher roles in two Catholic primary schools, a Headteacher position at a large primary and nursery school, and completion of the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) program. Notably, John serviced as an S48 inspector of religious education and was the secretary of the Catholic Headteacher Association during his time as a Headteacher in the Diocese of Shrewsbury. John spent five years as one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) with Ofsted. Since August 2022, John has been the Director of Primary Education at Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust. John was appointed as a Member of Enhance on 19th April 2023.

Appointed: 11 May 2023

Philip Hobday is Sub-Dean of Wakefield Cathedral overseeing outreach, pastoral care, learning, and events. He has served as a parish priest in Reading and east Kent, as well as being chaplain in two universities.

He has a BA in Modern History, a BA, MA, and PhD in Theology, and is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Philip has been a governor of four schools and has taught RE and theology in primary and secondary schools, universities, and to those training for different roles in the church.

Appointed: 22nd November 2024

Jonathan has worked in the education sector for over 25 years as a teacher, Deputy Headteacher, Headteacher and school improvement professional. More recently, his work has involved collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders and organisations to develop and share effective and innovative ways of working, particularly the effective use of evidence informed practice. This has been primarily focused on developing leadership, curriculum and teaching practice for the benefit of all pupils, particularly those who face vulnerability and disadvantage.

As an experienced School Governor, Trust Member and Director in primary, secondary and special school settings, Jonathan has a very good understanding of the expectations and challenges, as well as the freedoms and opportunities which trusts, schools and their leaders are afforded in the current educational climate. Jonathan has a strong understanding of the requirements of the Education Inspection Framework and its role in supporting and challenging schools and academies to raise and maintain the highest standards for all children and young people.

Appointed: 21st October 2016

Linda is a retired headteacher of an ‘Outstanding’ primary/teaching school. She has a wide ranging experience in education and has worked as an Ofsted team inspector, Consultant Headteacher supporting colleagues for Wakefield LA, and has served as a member of the Wakefield Regional Partnership for Initial Teacher Training Board.

“I was pleased to join the Enhance Board because whilst offering support and challenge to our schools the Trust recognises the importance of allowing leaders to maintain the individual character of their schools so that they can best serve their local community”

Appointed: 9th December 2016

Kathy is the Company Secretary for Yorkshire Water and has responsibility for GDPR, insurance, audit, risk, compliance and legal at Yorkshire Water as part of her role.

Kathy qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte in Leeds in 1998 and then went on to work for KCOM Group PLC in 2005 as the Head of Internal Audit and Risk. She took on the role of company secretary for KCOM in 2010 and qualified as a Chartered Secretary in 2012. She remained in this role for eight years before moving to Yorkshire Water in August 2018.

Appointed: 20th May 2022

Claire is a qualified Chartered Accountant with more than 25 years experience working in Yorkshire across a diverse range of private sector companies.
Having qualified as an accountant in 2001 with Ernst & Young, she then spent a number of years doing a variety of accounting roles at two financial services businesses namely GE Capital and Yorkshire based Lowell Group.
Having taken time out during 2012 and 2013 when her two sons were born, she has now spent the last 10 years doing a broad range of part time, interim and contract finance assignments providing her services as Finance Director across a varied range of local businesses.

Appointed: 31st March 2023

David is an experienced HR Business Partner with a training consultancy background. With more than 25 years working in the insurance and banking sector, David is an established and trusted advisor for management at all levels. Following 6 years at Liverpool Victoria, he joined RSA in 2017. His specialties include organisational design, strategic planning, talent management and executive coaching.

Appointed: 22nd March 2024

Helen is the Head of Health and Safety at Yorkshire Water and has responsibility for Health and Safety Governance as part of her role. Helen has worked as a Health and Safety professional for 20 years, and has gained extensive experience in the Construction and Utilities Sectors during this time. Her specialties include risk management, safety culture, behavioural change, coaching, training, engagement and leadership.

Appointed: 12th June 2025

awaiting profile

Appointed: 1st November 2020

Mark took up post as Chief Executive Officer in January 2021. Previously, he held the post of Assistant Director: Education and Inclusion with Calderdale Council. He is an educational professional with a proven track record of school improvement gained through a wide range of senior leadership roles. Mark led two inner city primary schools to an Ofsted judgement of outstanding and has also worked as Executive Principal of four primary schools within a Multi Academy Trust in Leeds. Mark has significant experience working with schools as a school improvement adviser as well as leading inspections on behalf of Ofsted.

Appointed: January 2012

Schofield Sweeney has advised on over 180 academy conversions, including academy to academy transfers, multi-academy trust conversions, primary, secondary and faith schools, sponsored academies, special needs schools, alternative provision academies, PFI/BSF schools and free schools.