Our trustees work in close partnership with the CEO, Heads of Schools and Senior Leadership Teams to ensure that our academies provide the best possible education for their children. Further information on the role and statutory responsibilities of our trustees can be found on the Board & Committees section of our website. 

Register of Interests Trustees 2023-2024

Sarah Threadgold, Chair of Trustees

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.

Niki Lamont, Vice Chair of Trustees

I was delighted to be co-opted to the Board of Trustees in September 2019.

I have a long standing interest in education and school governance, starting as a parent governor at Southend High School for Girls 20 years ago, then Milton Hall primary school, which I chaired from 2012-18.

I have been a National Leader of Governance since 2016, supporting the governing boards of several other schools, and am a trustee of the National Governance Association.

As a retired hospital doctor, still active in research ethics, I thoroughly enjoy my governing roles and am passionate about equality of opportunity and ensuring all pupils develop their full potential. I am particularly pleased to be joining the Brickfields Multi Academy Trust and look forward to making a real contribution to its continuing success.

I live locally, and in my spare time enjoy catching up with family and our four young grandchildren

Daniel Hirsch, Trustee

I am delighted and privileged to be invited to join the Brickfields Multi-Academy Trustee Board. 

I have a strong public service background, having worked and volunteered in a number of organisations, all which hold strong community values. These vary from charities, youth organisations, the NHS and the police. Roles I have undertaken vary also from predominantly front line, but also governance and strategic positions.

I have seen for myself the work of the Trust, the schools and their dedicated employees. It is clear to me that they too have strong values and the ultimate desire to offer the best quality of service to the children of our community. I am incredibly proud to be a part of the future and I hope, through my experience, to be able to contribute to this vital work for the local community.  

Josh Giddens, Trustee

I joined the Board of Trustees of the Brickfields Multi-Academy Trust in April 2019. I am a Great Wakering resident, have three children and my eldest daughter attends Great Wakering Primary Academy.

I am a Barrister and was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2015 by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn. My areas of expertise focus on Commercial litigation, Information law and Intellectual Property.

I am thrilled to contribute to the collective success of the schools through my role on the Board of Trustees and to be able to influence and support the schools, students and staff in determining the strategic direction for the schools, and to ensure the schools continue in their fantastic achievements.

Becky Morris, Trustee

I am a Southend resident with family living in Barling.  My son attends a Barling nursery and my daughter started Barling Magna Primary Academy in September 2021, where we have been impressed by the high standard of care and support she has received on the commencement of her educational journey. 

Professionally, I have 16+ years’ experience within Human Resource Management,  with a BA(Hons) Degree from Northumbria University.  I am a chartered member of our professional body, CIPD and currently hold the position of Head of HR Business Partnering at Peabody Trust, one of London’s oldest and largest Housing Associations. 

I have a strong sense of social purpose and responsibility and am excited to join the Board of Trustees of the Brickfields Multi-Academy Trust where I look forward to actively sharing my knowledge and skills in supporting and guiding the strategic direction of the Trust and associated schools. 

Andrew Burrows, Trustee

I am delighted to have joined the Board of Trustees of the Brickfields Multi-Academy Trust in February 2022.

I am a qualified accountant, hold a BA (hons) degree in Accounting and Finance and have been a Member / Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) since 2011. In my working life, I am a Director at a global professional services firm and specialise in providing assurance and advisory services to the banking industry in relation to UK financial services regulations. My qualifications and employment history give me extensive experience in relation to business finance, regulatory compliance, organisational governance and leadership of large teams of professionals.  

I live in Great Wakering and in my spare time enjoy exploring the local area while walking the dog, travelling, paddle boarding and spending time with my family. Both of my children are pupils at Great Wakering Primary Academy and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to support the development and success of the Trust’s schools.

Resigned in the last 12 months: