Governance

The Mercian Trust

On 1st January 2018 Shire Oak Academy joined The Mercian Trust. A link to the academy’s supplemental funding agreement  and the master funding agreement can be found on The Mercian Trust website.

Interim Executive Board (IEB)

An Interim Executive Board (IEB) has been appointed by The Mercian Trust to provide temporary governance leadership at Shire Oak Academy. The IEB replaces the Local Governing Body and is responsible for ensuring rapid and sustained improvement in key areas such as the quality of education, safeguarding, and leadership.

The IEB is made up of experienced professionals with expertise in education, governance, and school improvement. It reports directly to the Trust Board and works closely with school leaders to support progress, secure accountability, and ensure the best possible outcomes for all pupils.

Our Interim Executive Board consists of the following members:

Professor Will Foster, Independent Chair

Professor Will Foster is a well known figure in educational leadership and strategic governance, bringing over two decades of transformative influence to his role as Chair of the Interim Executive Board at Shire Oak Academy. His extensive background spans both academic and commercial sectors, where he has been pivotal in steering institutions through periods of significant change and innovation.

Will's expertise in governance and organisational culture development was prominently displayed during his time as Sponsor Governor at Q3 Multi-Academy Trust. Under his guidance, the trust expanded its reach from a single academy to a thriving multi-academy trust, enhancing its governance structures and executive leadership capabilities significantly. Additionally, his tenure as Vice-Chair at the Saltmine Trust involved leading a comprehensive strategic review, which culminated in crucial structural reforms and the smooth transition of executive leadership.

In academia, Professor Foster has made substantial contributions to leadership and teaching methodologies. As the founding Professor of Leadership at Keele University, he was awarded a professorial chair in Learning and Teaching in 2021, recognising his sustained excellence and innovative approaches in educational leadership. His academic prowess is further evidenced by his recent publications, which continue to influence educational strategies and leadership training widely.

Will also serves as Principal Consultant at 𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑓𝑜𝑠, his own consultancy firm, and consults for Advance HE, where he co-led the development and launch of a Global Sector Leadership Framework. His work through these roles involves guiding educational leaders across the globe in adopting effective and impactful leadership and governance practices.

At Shire Oak Academy, Will aims to apply his deep understanding of educational systems and strategic leadership to enhance the governance framework, ensuring that it not only meets but exceeds the educational needs of the community it serves. His leadership is characterised by a clear vision, commitment to excellence, and a proactive approach to educational challenges, making him an invaluable leader.

Dr Herminder Channa Kaur, Independent Special Advisor

Dr Herminder Channa Kaur is a seasoned educational leader and governance expert, bringing over two decades of experience in strategic planning, school improvement, and educational policy. Her career highlights include serving as: 

• National Director for Admissions and Regional Director for Midlands at Oasis Community Learning, overseeing governance, academy improvement, and admissions across 57 academies.
• Principal and Deputy Regional Director at Ark Schools, monitoring and improving 18 academies, and leading ethical leadership and curriculum initiatives.
• Trustee for Envision and Director at Nishkam Community Association, driving community empowerment and governance excellence. 

Herminder is a recognised advocate for inclusion and innovation in education, demonstrated through her roles on national advisory boards, including the Department for Education’s NPQ Review Panel and the CST Advisory Board. She is a Justice of the Peace, reflecting her commitment to community service and accountability. Herminder holds professional memberships, including Fellowship of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT), and is an Honorary Fellow at the University of Birmingham. Her strengths include: 

• Strategic governance and risk assessment.
• Expertise in safeguarding, SEND, and school improvement.
• Policy development and stakeholder engagement. 

Herminder’s personal statement reflects a deep commitment to The Mercian Trust’s mission of fostering collaboration and educational excellence. Her Walsall roots enhance her ability to align national best practices with local needs, ensuring strategic impact and sustainable growth.

Lois Kelly, Executive Director for Education (The Mercian Trust)

Paul Lee, Trustee Representative (The Mercian Trust)

Paul lends his extensive experience in finance and business strategy to The Mercian Trust as the Chair of the Finance and Resources Committee. 

With a rich history of high-level financial management, including roles as CFO at Domestic & General, Deputy CFO at Enodis Plc, and Group Controller at Peek Plc, Paul's career has been characterised by strong financial control and strategic financial planning.

These positions have also equipped him with an understanding of operations in diverse organisational contexts. Since retiring from paid employment, Paul has devoted his time to governance roles, including his former position as Chair of Governors at Queen Mary’s Grammar School. He is also a Director at the Berkshire Society of Rugby Football Union Referees and a Trustee of Queen Mary’s Schools Foundation.

Paul's expertise in leadership, finance, business, and strategic leadership is invaluable to The Mercian Trust. His guidance ensures that our financial resources are managed with the utmost integrity, supporting our mission to provide exceptional educational experiences.

IEB Clerk

The IEB will remain in place until the school is ready to return to a full Local Governing Body.

To contact the IEB or if you have any queries regarding governance, these should be directed to the Central Governance Team - [email protected]