Robert is a retired Chartered Engineer, formerly Management Consultant/ Chief Executive of an Engineering Company.

Susan is Interim Chief Executive for Oldham Coliseum Theatre and has a background in journalism, PR and customer services.  She was formerly Director of Communications with a UK Wide Charity, City Council and transport authority.

Jane enjoys dual careers as an NHS Allied Health Professional, and in Local Government, as an elected Councillor and Parliamentary Campaigner. Jane is an elected Liberal Democrat Councillor for Timperley Ward, Altrincham.

Kim Earle is an experienced Headteacher who has worked in education for 30 years. With a background in Art and Design, Kim has worked in a range of secondary schools across the North West, both mixed comprehensives and single sex schools, as a Head of Department and Head of Faculty, moving through senior leadership specialising in teaching and learning and safeguarding. Kim has been part of two Department of Education steering groups for more able children’s provision and has written two books to support the teaching of more able and SEND students in Art.

Kim has also worked as an Education Consultant both independently and for a local authority, supporting schools which were in special measures. Her career has afforded her much opportunity to work with external organisations, Russell Group universities and other schools, from primary to secondary and special schools.

This broad and rich experience has benefitted Kim in her role as CEO of the South Manchester Learning Trust and as Headteacher of Altrincham College. She is ambitious for the trust and its schools and will continue to work collaboratively to ensure strong educational provision for all.

Pam has a BA (Hons) in Business and Finance and an MBA; both from Manchester Metropolitan University.

After a successful career in financial services she joined Stockport Council’s Governance team in 2009, becoming Co-ordinator of Governor Services in 2014. Pam manages the team of nine Governor Support Officers and provides advice and support to Governing Boards across all school settings in Stockport.

Originally from the private sector, Alison qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant and later joined KPMG Consulting to deliver Transformation and Business Process Improvement Programmes across the UK.  In 2002, she moved into the Public Sector focusing on large scale Regional Commissioning in the Northwest.  Following the dissolution of the RDAs Alison came to work in healthcare, initially in provider finance, but soon moving to work for two newly formed CCGs in Lancashire as Head of Health Economics, Performance and Programme Management. 

Margo Kane is a Fellow of the CIPD, working as the Director of HR/OD for Wythenshawe, Trafford, Withington and Altrincham hospitals which are part of Manchester Foundation Trust, the largest Trust in England. Ms Kane is an experienced director who has worked across the NHS, Local Government and Higher Education sectors for nearly 30 years. As a HR/OD professional, Margo is experienced at aligning the people agenda to organisational priorities and facilitating large scale culture change. Margo is also an executive coach and is passionate about helping people realise their potential. As a Community Governor for Altrincham College and Vice Chair of South Manchester Learning Trust, Margo is proud to support our young people in gaining an outstanding educational experience.

Peter is an experienced Headteacher with over twelve years in a secondary Headship role. Prior to that, Peter’s subject specialism and passion was for Physical Education and he held Heads of Department, Pastoral Leadership and Deputy Headteacher roles before moving into Headship.

In 2011 he was appointed a National Leader in Education (NLE), with Altrincham College named as a National Support School (NSS). Following that appointment, the school has developed a strong tradition of working in partnership and collaborating with other schools across the GM region. Being appointed as Executive Principal of the South Manchester Learning Trust is a natural and formal extension of his outlook and educational ethos. Peter was also the Chair of Trafford LA Funding Forum

Kevin has a BA (Hons) in Business and a Master’s degree in Human Resources from Manchester Metropolitan University.

With a background in Leisure and Hospitality, Kevin is the Managing Director for two Manchester-based companies.  Alongside being a Trustee at South Manchester Learning Trust, he also holds the office of Chair of Governors at Reddish Vale High School.

Cara Afzal is a Programme Director for Digital and Data working within Health and Care at Health Innovation Manchester, which is part of an academic health science and innovation network, bringing NHS, academic, and Industry partners together to transform the health and well-being of Greater Manchester’s citizens. Cara's past roles have been within the NHS, academic, and local government sectors on large–scale research and innovative transformation programmes. Cara is a keen advocate of lifelong learning, having witnessed the transformative power of continuous learning, not just in acquiring knowledge but fostering personal and professional growth. She sees education as a journey of perpetual discovery and empowerment.