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Board of Trustees
Date of Appointment: 09/06/2022
Chair Appointment: 01/01/2024
Term of Office: 08/06/2026 (4 years)
Committees: Standards, Distinctiveness and Personal Development. Jane is also the Trust Board’s Safeguarding Representative.
Bio:
Jane Lewis has been a Governor/Director for over 20 years in a variety of schools and organisations. She is passionate about improving education. She has served the Department for Education as a National Leader of Governance (NLG) for almost a decade, working with dozens of schools and academies across the North & Midlands. She was previously a MAT Board Director at Sentamu Academy Learning Trust (SALT). She is a Director of Together People Ltd which specialises in undertaking External Reviews and advising on Governance, Leadership and Organisational Development.
Date of Appointment: 23/09/2025
Term of Office: 22/09/2029 (4 years)
Committees:
Bio:
I’m an experienced finance professional and qualified accountant, and have spent much of my 40-year career leading finance and helping organisations navigate change — most recently as Chief Financial Officer at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a global organisation supporting teachers, learners and researchers worldwide.
I’ve seen first-hand how education opens doors and empowers young people to build bright futures. I wanted to continue to be part of that — supporting those who make that difference — and was strongly drawn to Heartwood’s ethos and values.
I’ve only recently become a Trustee, but I’ve already been struck by the warm and inclusive welcome — and by the openness, positivity, and collaborative spirit of the leadership team.
I’m passionate about cycling, particularly distance challenges with other enthusiasts, and - between that and enjoying more time with my family (and our dog!) - I indulge a long-standing interest in physics and the natural world.
Date of Appointment: 23/09/2025
Term of Office: 22/09/2029 (4 years)
Committees:
Bio:
I'm a civil servant specialising in international trade with a background in law, policy and diplomacy.
HLT's mission to provide a nurturing environment where children and young people from all backgrounds can thrive really resonates with me. My aim is to support the HLT leadership team to maximise opportunities for pupils, staff and school communities, whilst upholding the Trust's values of kindness, respect and teamwork.
I look forward to collaborating with others and offering constructive challenge to strengthen decision-making.
I enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing hockey and camping.
Date of Appointment: 24/01/2024
Term of Office: 23/01/2028 (4 years)
Committees: Resources Committee. Audit & Risk (Chair)
Bio:
Patrick Looker is a qualified Public Finance Accountant and has worked in Local Government for over 30 years. He understands the pressures on public service finance and the need to get best value from all income into the Trust. He studied Economics and Business Studies at Sheffield University. Patrick has been a Governor since 2013 and Chair of Governors at one of the Trust Schools for 5 years.
Date of Appointment: 23/09/2025
Term of Office: 22/09/2029 (4 years)
Committees:
Bio:
I've a diverse background in PR, comms and marketing, specialising in helping businesses and organisations form meaningful, impactful connections with stakeholders.
I passionately believe that all children deserve an education that develops and nurtures their innate talents and abilities, regardless of their financial circumstances or family background - this aligns perfectly with HLT's values.
It's amazing working with such a diverse group of people to achieve a common goal. It's also been a brilliant learning journey!
Outside of work, I enjoy having lots of family fun or escaping to the garden!
Date of Appointment: 30/05/2024
Term of Office: 29/05/2028 (4 years)
Committees: Audit & Risk Committee.
Bio:
Joe is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and the Internal Audit Manager for a leading Engineering and Services business. Committed to effective governance, risk and control processes, Joe’s experience covers a range of assurance and consulting engagements. Joe holds a Masters degree in Politics from the University of York and is currently the Treasurer of St Michael le Belfrey; a church he has practiced at since 2013. Joe is an avid Aston Villa fan, and loves golf.
Date of Appointment: 05/05/2025
Term of Office: 04/05/2029 (4 years)
Committees: Audit & Risk (Chair) and Standards (Chair). Karen is also the Trust Board’s Quality of Education, Pupil Premium and SEND Representative.
Bio:
Karen Osborne has spent her 40 year career in the Insurance industry. Having started her career as a Commercial Underwriter she progressed to management within a short period of time going on to hold senior management and director roles responsible for operational efficiency, optimising client journey, compliance, HR and finance in both Insurance Company and Broker sectors. Karen is now retired.
Throughout her career Karen’s passion has been providing a developmental environment that allows employees to achieve their full potential and her proudest achievements have been seeing those that she has mentored managed and supported over the years thrive in their careers.
Karen’s interest in utilising her business skills to support schools as a Trustee was sparked having provided internship placements for sixth formers from the David Young Academy.
Karen joined the Trust Board in the summer of 2017.
Date of Appointment: 01/04/2023
Term of Office: 31/03/2027 (4 years)
Committees: Resources (Chair). Andrew is also the Trust Board’s Whistleblowing and Health & Safety Representative.
Bio:
Andrew Simpkin is Head of Project Delivery for the Portakabin Group Sales business. Andrew gained his B.Sc honours degree in Building (Production Management) from Nottingham Trent University. He is a Chartered Construction Manager and Fellow of the CIOB and has been employed by Portakabin Group since 1988, operating at strategic level as a member of the group’s leadership team and the divisional business unit’s senior management team.
Date of Appointment: 25/07/2025
Term of Office: 24/07/2029 (4 years)
Committees: Committees: Distinctiveness and Personal Development (Chair)
Bio:
I'm a recently retired Church of England Vicar with over 30 years of experience and a qualified Secondary School teacher, having taught Physics and Electronics.
I grew up in Scarborough and was a student at Graham School, and my daughters went to Newland St John in Hull, both now part of HLT. I joined the trust because I wanted to give something back.
I enjoy being able to use the skills and experience I have to support schools to be the best that they can be.
Outside of this role, I support Church of England Churches in the Scarborough Deanery, and I keep up to date with technology. I also try to keep fit and do 8000 steps a day, and run 3 times a week.
Members
Representing the Diocese of York Educational Trust
Date of appointment: 06/01/2025
Bio:
Representing the Archbishop of York
Date of appointment: TBC
Bio:
Member Appointed by DYET
Date of appointment: TBC
Bio:
Dean & Chapter of York
Date of appointment: TBC
Bio: