Mr Ian Bacon, Education Director
Ian has 20 years of Senior Leadership experience at large secondary schools in Milton Keynes and further afield. Most recently, he has been Headteacher of Watling Academy, a brand-new secondary school on the western flank of Milton Keynes, leading the school from its pre-opening phase through to its successful ‘Outstanding’ OFSTED inspection in May 2023. Ian was Strategic Lead for the Enigma Maths Hub from 2015-2020 and acted as Senior Lead to establish the MK and South Northants Computing Hub. He has proven experience in school improvement and strategic planning and been commissioned to conduct ‘Quality of Education’ reviews in other schools.
Mrs Sarah Georgiou, Executive Assistant to CEO and Lead Governance Professional
Sarah has worked for the Trust for over twelve years, having previously supported a senior executive at UBS Ltd. Sarah’s provides support to the CEO of the Alliance as Executive Assistant and is Lead Governance Professional to the Trust. Sarah is a capable and efficient administrator who offers expert guidance and advice on governance matters to the Members and Trustees, coordinating meetings and contributing to research and reports. Sarah’s children have all attended Denbigh Alliance schools. Local School Boards have a governance professional who Sarah liaises with.
Ms Shannon Webb, HR Manager
Shannon Webb joined the trust in March 2022 as HR Manager from a logistics firm in the private sector. She has worked in HR for a number of years in a range of different industries including accountancy and events management. Shannon brings with her acute knowledge of strategic change management and employee engagement. When not working Shannon enjoys creative pursuits such as painting and drawing. Shannon manages a Team of HR Advisors and HR Administrators.
Mr Richard Hayward, IT Network Manager
Richard Hayward has worked in the IT environment for 20 years, mainly for a large manufacturing company running a centralised IT environment spanning sites across the UK and mainland Europe. This included frequent travel to these sites when in a support / implementation role, and as the IT Infrastructure Manager. Richard has also spent time working for a fledgling IT Service provider where he was able to use his experience to help develop process and procedures. He has now worked with the trust for over a year now and looking forward to helping the Trust develop and realise a sustainable IT Strategy. Outside of work Richard has 3 young children to keep him busy, along with DIY projects and Drag Racing. Richard manages a Web Systems Administrator and a team of IT Technicians
Mr Gary Kennedy, Estates & Lettings Co-ordinator
Gary commenced employment with the Trust in October 2022 with over 35 years’ experience in the building services and facility management sector, the last 14 of which have been in education.
During this time, he attained an MSc in Facility and Environment Management whilst studying at University College London.
His key strengths are solving building and engineering problems as well as sharing knowledge to support the numerous members of staff within the schools individual site teams.
Mr Adrian Francis, School Improvement Partner
Adrian is an independent education consultant working across the country. His work includes pre- and post-inspection support, as well as a wide range of staff and leadership training that is bespoke to a school’s needs. As a Lead Inspector, accredited School Improvement Partner and qualified Consultant Leader (National College) Adrian’s breadth of experience enables schools and senior staff to tap into a high degree of challenge, support and general school improvement discussion. Increasingly, this includes work with Headteachers and governors as part of the HT’s performance management process, as well as governing body training and development. Preparation for Ofsted inspection and whole school self-evaluation plays an increasingly key part of Adrian’s work.
Ms Catherine Smyth, Enigma Maths Hub Lead
Catherine has over 25 years’ experience of working in Primary education and leadership. She has supported staff and school development within the schools she has worked, across the Enigma hub region and other schools at the request of the local authority. She has worked with the hub since 2015 when she became one of the first Primary Mastery Specialists. She is an NCETM accredited PD Lead and has worked as Primary Assistant Maths Hub Lead for five years. Catherine was then appointed as Enigma Maths Hub Lead in September 2024. She is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the Hub. She oversees the coordination of programs, while managing partnerships with schools, educators, and other stakeholders in the education sector.
In her spare time, Catherine enjoys the challenge of bootcamp, visiting the theatre and spending time with her family.