Who's Speaking?

Alex has worked in the realm of public affairs and policy for over 15 years with a number of NGOs and NDPBs. Alex has worked as a Senior Policy Adviser for the Community Fund and the Big Lottery Fund since 2003.

Cassie Ellins arrived at Bellemoor Boys’ School in 2004. The school went into Special Measures a term after her arrival but came out after a year.

Claire Dicks joined the Department’s Educational Procurement Centre in 2006. Heading up the Technology Delivery Team, Claire’s remit covers the development and delivery of the OPEN, the online marketplace designed specifically for schools to be make the process of buying goods and services faster, cheaper and simpler.

I am a CIPFA qualified accountant who has worked for 4 local authorities in a variety of roles. Since 1997, I have been a manager in the Education Finance team and am currently responsible for the Schools Finance teams.

Linda has worked in a variety of educational establishments as bursar, ranging from a 1,200-pupil secondary school to a 90-pupil primary school and a number of local authorities.

Mike has a long background in education and worked as a primary school Headteacher in Suffolk and Somerset, before changing career to work with Sport England as Active Communities Development Fund Manager for the South West region.

Patrick Leeson is Director of Education and Care for Ofsted. In this post he is responsible for policy and development for inspection of schools, early years settings and childcare, as well as the annual assessments of Local Authority Children’s Services.