Our members are essentially the 'shareholders' of the Trust and meet every year to review the impact of the work of trustees on standards, performance and financial management. They also review and agree any amendments to the Articles of Association. 

Sarah Threadgold, Member

I was co-opted onto the Board of Trustees in 2019 and elected Chair of Trustees in September 2020. I live in Great Wakering with my husband and our teenage children, both of whom enjoyed their primary education and a strong sense of community within the trust.

I started my career in the reinsurance industry straight from university in 1998, and prior to taking a break to raise my children I was employed as a North American Casualty Treaty underwriter by a syndicate at Lloyds of London. Since then I have been able to transfer many of those risk management and judgement skills and experiences into my governance and compliance roles in the public and charity sectors. I find inspiration and great motivation in the impact of good governance on an organisation's effectiveness, cultural health and sustainability.

I’m proud to lead a team of professionals that is dedicated to working with the schools’ leaders to ensure all of the children in our community have access to a broad and balanced education, and that our schools are places where children and staff feel inspired, challenged and valued.

Paul Bates, Member

I was appointed as a member of the trust in January 2019 and previously served as a parent governor of Great Wakering Primary from 2012-17.

I am married with two children and have lived in Great Wakering for the last 15 years. I retired from my role as an Inspector for Essex Police in 2016 after 30 years of service; having acquired skills and experience in finance, safeguarding and management.

I'm pleased to support the trust's schools in helping local children to achieve their full potential.

Rev'd Kim Lepley, Member

I was born in Colchester and brought up in the village of Layer De La Haye, which remains my family home. I completed my education in Colchester, studying Residential Care and Social work. On completion of my studies I worked in Severalls Hospital with adults and children with mental illness.

I moved to Walton on the Naze in the 1980’s and became a Senior Care Officer in a residential care home for the elderly and absolutely loved this work. It was while I was working in the home that I came to faith. My family were not ‘religious’ so church played no part in my upbringing, obviously it is now my life.

I met and married John in 1988, we have three children and two grandchildren. We lived in Kirby Le Soken and it was while we were living there that I began the process of discernment into ordained ministry - a journey of ten years. I completed my BA Hons in Contextual Theology and did a 3yr Curacy in Takely with Little Canfield after which I came to Great Wakering. I have been here for over four years now and really enjoy working within the local community.

Resigned in the last 12 months: