Meet the Team

Our Executive Team

Liz Hardy

CEO / Executive Head Teacher

Liz Hardy has been a successful teacher and school leader in Greater Manchester for the last 29 years. With 15 years experience as a Headteacher and Executive Headteacher, along with her designation as a National Leader of Education in 2015, Liz continues to maintain a steadfast focus on educational excellence and school improvement.

As CEO, Liz is committed to ensuring every child receives the highest quality education and care that allows them to flourish as individuals.

Tina Smith

Chief Finance & Operations Officer

Tina is a qualified accountant with over 24 years of strategic financial experience across the private and public sectors. She moved to One Education in 2011, partnering with Manchester City Council to support schools with long-term financial planning. Tina leverages her deep understanding of education funding to ensure a secure financial future for schools within Connect Alliance Trust.

Jayne Kennedy

Director of Education

Jayne Kennedy is a Director of Education with over 30 years of experience across Manchester primary schools. A former Executive Headteacher, she was appointed a National Leader of Education in 2017, supporting primary and secondary schools in leadership and curriculum development. Jayne is dedicated to strengthening leadership capacity through collaborative partnerships, ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education.

Joan Pennington

Director of HR, Governance & Compliance

Joan Pennington has over 30 years experience within the education sector. Joan played a pivotal role at Link Learning Trust where she oversaw the operations and finance functions. As Director of HR and Governance at Connect Alliance Trust, she is deeply committed to ensuring operational excellence with a constant priority on the safety and well-being of children.

Our Central Team

Lizzie Benett

Executive Assistant

Mark Bradford

Estates Manager

Karen Lord

Finance Officer

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.