Governance- Members (ID 1142)

• Nigel Smith
  Chair of Members
  Nigel Smith

  Nigel is Chair of Members at Authentic Education Group and Managing Partner at Ellis Jones Solicitors, a regional law firm employing nearly 200 staff. He qualified as a solicitor in 1988 and brings expertise in legal practice, governance, finance, HR, risk management and regulatory compliance. Nigel has extensive governance experience, including as a former trustee of Ambitions Academy Trust and a school governor, and currently serves as a trustee and company secretary of Fly Navy Heritage Trust. As Chair of Members, he provides independent oversight of the Trust's governance and supports the effective operation of the Board.

• Paul Smith
  Paul Smith

  Paul is a Senior Investigator and Forensic Accountant at the Serious Fraud Office. He has over 30 years' experience in investigation, including a career in policing, and brings expertise in forensic accounting, fraud, safeguarding, governance, risk and compliance. He has worked with organisations and public bodies on financial oversight, accountability and regulatory compliance. As a Member, he contributes independent oversight and constructive challenge, supporting transparency and effective governance across the Trust.

• Alan Connell
  Alan Connell

  Alan has a background as a director of a family construction company and held leadership roles within the Federation of Master Builders, including as Chair and Secretary of the Dorset branch. He brings expertise in construction, business leadership and stakeholder engagement. Alan has extensive experience as a Member within the Trust, including through its predecessor organisations, contributing to oversight of governance and supporting the long-term development of the Trust.

• Alison Beane OBE
  Alison Beane OBE

  Alison is a senior education leader and, since retiring as CEO of a successful specialist school multi-academy trust, works as an education consultant supporting schools and trusts to improve outcomes, leadership and SEND provision. She brings expertise in school improvement, SEND, governance and accountability, leadership development, change management and safeguarding. Alison is an experienced MAT trustee and Chair, and is also a trustee of Challenge Partners, where she chairs the Nominations Committee and is lead trustee for safeguarding.