Central Services Team

Clare Verga

INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Clare brings a wealth of experience and has a record of achieving outstanding outcomes for young people. Clare has held a number of roles in Education having been a Head Teacher, Executive Head Teacher, a Director of Secondary Standards, Chief Standards Officer, leading both primary and secondary academies and most recently as a National Director of Secondary Education across the UK.

In 2019 Clare was awarded an Honorary Doctorate, DSc (honoris causa) by City St Georges, University of London for her work in Education. Clare has strong experience of governance, has worked as an Ofsted inspector and has experience of supporting academy Trusts on school improvement.

Clare is a practicing Catholic, active in her parish, where she is involved as a catechist and writing the Prayers of the Faithful.

David Lain

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

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Penny Pemberton

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Penny has been working in Education for the last 15 years, working for both schools, Trusts, Diocese and Local Authorities. Having worked with the Archdiocese of Southwark to define and implement the Academy strategy, Penny went on to set up a new Catholic Academy Trust which his now fully operational.

Penny is passionate about providing all students with the best outcomes to allow them to reach their full potential.

Elaine Egan

ASST FINANCE OPERATIONS LEAD

I have over 40 years’ experience in Finance, the last 20 being in Education. During that time, I have held a variety of roles both at school level and now with the Trust.

I am committed to supporting our schools in the Trust, assisting with the groundwork to enable children to receive an outstanding education.

Sonia Rutherford

ASST FINANCE OPERATIONS LEAD

I am passionate about Catholic education and thrilled to be a part of the Trust, where I bring my expertise in finance to support the MAT's mission and advance our shared goals.

Having grown up in Trinidad and relocated to London in 2007, I spent over a decade in the finance industry. However, my dedication to education led me to merge my financial acumen with my interest in the educational sector.

Over the past five years, I've honed my skills in school finance, equipping me to make a meaningful impact within the Trust. My involvement in my parish, St. John the Baptist, has been equally fulfilling. I've served as a catechist, been involved as a volunteer at  children's liturgy as well as in the parish youth group. 

Chantelle Miller

HR OPERATIONS LEAD

I have over 20 years experience in Human Resources, across a number of sectors, including Schools, Further and Higher Education, media, charity and NHS.  I am a strong HR generalist, with experience of all areas of HR, including, change management, employee relations, resourcing, pay and reward and learning and development.    I have strong experience in employee relations, which includes advising managers on staffing matters, policy guidance and working with Trade Unions. 

I have a Masters in Human Resources Management and qualifications in Workplace Mediation, Mental Health First Aid and an Advanced Certificate in Employment Law.    I am passionate about how the human resources function can help Schools to achieve their goals in pupil education and I work closely with line managers to help them with their people related matters. 

Sarah Yusuf Watson

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

I’ve worked as an Executive Assistant for over 15 years, in many different sectors including Private Equity, Event Conferencing and The Houses of Parliament. Organising is my passion and I love watching events come together from start to finish.

I work closely with the Trust's Executive Team on various projects, events and office management. I am the first point of contact for our school partners on a daily basis.