As a Trust, we would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to Graeme Brook, our outgoing Chair of Trustees, who has been with us since the inception of Humber Education Trust.

Graeme’s unwavering commitment, wise counsel and steady leadership have been invaluable throughout our journey. In this voluntary role, Graeme has given so much of his time (always with great care and thoughtfulness) and has provided a clear voice of reason – qualities that have helped shape the Trust into what it is today.

We are delighted that Graeme will continue to support us in his role as a Member of the Trust; Graeme’s experience and insight remain exceptional assets and we are incredibly grateful for his continued involvement. We also hope that stepping back from his Trustee role gives Graeme the chance to enjoy more quality family time and many well-deserved holidays!

At the same time, we are pleased to warmly welcome our new Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. Our new Chair, Gavin Barley, has been our Vice Chair since the Trust began. With a background in leadership in the construction industry, Gavin brings a wealth of business and operational knowledge to the role. Gavin has also served as Chair of our Finance & General Purposes Committee – a role in which he has consistently demonstrated careful stewardship and strategic thinking. We know Gavin will continue to guide us carefully to live out our vision.

Our new Vice Chair, Ken Sainty, brings deep expertise in education, having worked within Hull’s school environment for many years. With previous experiences including being a Head of School Improvement and Chair of Trustees at North Carr Collaborative Academy Trust (and being a Humber Education Trust Trustee since 2020), Ken offers an excellent understanding of the challenges and opportunities in education governance whilst being ambitious in providing the very best opportunities for our children and young people.

Between them, Gavin and Ken represent a powerful combination of business acumen and educational insight. We are extremely fortunate to have them in these leadership roles and we have every confidence that they will lead the Trust with strength, purpose and care – making a real difference to the lives of the children and young people we serve. We thank you!

Together, we are creating brighter futures - every contribution really does matter. Where everybody counts, every moment matters.