MEET THE TEAM
EXECUTIVE TEAM
LIZ HARDY
CEO/Executive Headteacher
Liz has been involved in teaching and leading primary schools and early years settings across Greater Manchester for over 25 years. Liz has served as a headteacher for 11 years and joined Beaver Road in September 2017.
In 2015, Liz was designated as a National Leader of Education. This involves supporting developments in primary schools and early years settings across the City of Manchester and the North-West.
Liz is passionate about ensuring the highest quality and creative education and care for all children. Specifically, for the M20 Learning Trust, Liz uses her experience to ensure each child within the Trust communities are treated as individuals, allowing room for particular talents and skills to flourish, as well as encouraging confidence and success in areas they find challenging to accomplish.
Liz is a relational and enthusiastic leader who promotes collaboration, mutual respect and community. She is an advocate for professional development and will provide opportunities for staff to reach their potential and be their best. Liz loves to celebrate diversity, and is inspired by culture, creativity and experiential learning.
TINA SMITH
Chief Finance & Operations Officer
Tina is a qualified accountant with over 20 years’ experience of strategic financial management in both private and public sectors. Tina’s early career experience spanned utility, motor, manufacturing, and the creative and animation industries. During this time, Tina developed expertise in complex budget management and strategic planning.
In 2011, Tina moved to One Education working in close partnership with Manchester City Council, where she supported primary, secondary and special schools with budget planning and providing secondment cover. As part of this role, Tina gave advice to head teachers preparing three-year budget plans and monitored their progress to ensure their plans were being delivered and robust enough to meet both operational demands and longer-term strategic objectives.
Tina now combines her time as chief finance and operations officer at Beaver Road Primary and as an independent consultant to maintained schools across Manchester. This affords Tina a rounded view of the various budget allocation and funding models used across the education sector. As such, Tina can is well placed to offer in-depth expertise to schools in the M20 Trust, ensuring the schools have the solid footings they need for a secure financial future.
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JAYNE KENNEDY
Director of Education
Jayne Kennedy is a highly experienced education leader with over 30 years of experience working across seven primary schools in the City of Manchester. She is dedicated to inclusive, high-quality education and is passionate about making a lasting impact on pupils, staff, and school communities.
Most recently, Jayne was Executive Headteacher at Barlow Hall Primary School and Brookburn Community Primary School, where she led with a focus on collaboration, inclusion, and excellence. In 2017, she was appointed a National Leader of Education, supporting schools in developing strong leadership and improving outcomes through effective teaching, learning, and curriculum development. In this role, Jayne has supported numerous schools, both primary and secondary.
Jayne’s key areas of expertise include inclusive education, curriculum development, and high-impact teaching and learning. She is committed to helping schools strengthen leadership capacity and build sustainable, evidence-based practices. She firmly believes in working in partnership with school staff and leaders to support improvement and share best practice.
As Director of Education, Jayne brings a wealth of experience, a collaborative approach, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring all children receive the education they deserve.
JOAN PENNINGTON
Director of HR, Governance & Compliance
Awaiting Information
OUR TRUSTEES
Dr Adrian Young
Business owner and Chartered Tax Adviser at HURST Accountants Ltd, bringing financial leadership. Expertise in team leadership and financial analysis, with experience as a Trust Board member and Chair.
Suzanna Ingham
Chartered Accountant and Tax Director at Saffery LLP, skilled in stakeholder and project management. Strong financial acumen, leading a team of 20 to deliver client advice and financial analysis.
Darren Hughes
Solicitor and Partner at Gateley Legal, specialising in commercial real estate and legal compliance. Experienced in health and safety oversight and legal document interpretation, also chairing a scout group.
Dr Teresa Regan
Founder Director of Catalyst Psychology CIC, an Educational Psychologist with extensive experience. Expertise in managing psychological services and staff, with a background in local government leadership.
David Allan K.C.
Barrister and retired Judge, with a strong background in legal analysis and interpretation. Legal expert to the TN Asbestos Trust, bringing decades of judicial and legal experience.
David Cundy
IT professional specializing in automation and security, with over 25 years of industry experience. Expertise in IT system standardisation, security and risk management, with experience in business governance.
Karen Walkden
Retired HR professional with 42 years of experience in various HR functions and leadership roles. Expertise in HR, leadership and business, gained from executive-level positions in the nuclear industry.
Kate Dean
Self-employed Education Consultant, with a background as a teacher, lecturer, and school improvement leader. Expertise in school improvement, strategy and Ofsted inspections, bringing a wealth of educational knowledge.
David Kennedy-Pitt
Senior Vice President at BNY, with global leadership experience in resilience and risk management. Expertise in strategic advisory, leadership and program management, with experience in charity and school governance.
Dr. Gunjit Bandesha
Director of Healthcare Public Health NHS England North West, with extensive experience in public health and local government. Expertise in governance and leadership, with prior experience as a Director of Public Health and Children’s Services.
Ian Williamson
Former NHS Manchester Chief Executive, with significant experience in NHS strategy and finance. Holds multiple trustee positions, bringing vast experience in strategic and organisational change.
OUR MEMBERS
Lord Keith Bradley
Offers wide-ranging skills and experience of public life, particularly in government and committee work.
Previously served as Member and Chair of Trustees for Link Learning Trust, demonstrating experience in educational governance.
David Allan K.C.
Brings extensive legal expertise from a 40-year career as a barrister and judge, aiding in understanding complex legislation.
Currently serves as a Trustee and Chair of the M20 Learning Trust Board, navigating challenges including the pandemic, demonstrating strong leadership.
Fayaz Hammond
A full-time District Judge with experience in legal and management roles, contributing skills in all areas of Trust leadership.
Has a background as a barrister and tribunal judge, with experience in training and recruitment.
Kim Doyle
Specialises in safeguarding, with expertise in child protection and sexual violence, offering valuable challenge and guidance.
Director of Lime Culture, a leading sexual violence training organisation, and has extensive experience in multi-agency settings.
Andy Park
Executive Headteacher with experience in school leadership, finance, and change management, valuable for Trust growth.
An established member of Manchester’s Funding Forum and a legacy National Leader of Education, providing expertise in school governance.