Trustees

Paul Trickett – Chair of Trustees

I have worked in Education sector for almost 45 years. During this time, I progressed from PE/Science teacher to Head of Science and Senior Teacher in Kent. I was promoted to Deputy Headteacher in a large secondary school in Lancashire in 1993 and progressed to Headteacher until my retirement in 2018.

During my time in Lancashire I was seconded twice to help schools in difficult circumstances, firstly whilst a Deputy Head giving extra capacity in the absence of the Headteacher, and secondly whilst Headteacher replacing a departing Headteacher and overseeing the school and it’s move out of an Ofsted category.

Since retirement I have, at the request of the local authority, supported two secondary schools in need of Leadership development, the second in a part time capacity for over two and a half years.

My passion for working with children and families has never wavered and remains as strong today. I relish the opportunity of continuing this passion and working within the LET Education Trust to improve the outcomes and opportunities for all children in Lancashire.

Derek Partlin

Most recently, I was Chair of Governors at Rhyddings Business and Enterprise School having been elected as Chair in November 2018, just 6 months after returning to the school as a Local Authority Governor in May 2018. I had previously served on Governing Board for 14 years including 12 as Chair before resigning due to business commitments in 2002. I have been heavily involved with the Headteacher in a complete restructuring of the Governing Board following the previous Chair’s resignation and Ofsted’s findings of “weakness in Leadership” at the last inspection.

I have vast experience as a businessman having been involved in export sales, management and procurement for over 40 years, visiting in excess of 50 countries on all 5 continents in the process.

I was previously Treasurer/Director of Oswaldtwistle Civic Trust which is a charity, based around Performing Arts predominantly for young people. I therefore have some familiarity with charity law. I am now retired and thus have the time, enthusiasm and experience to commit to ensuring that the LET Education Trust achieves it’s aims and ambitions.

Helen Rowan

I am delighted to be joining LET academy on the board of Trustees at what I am sure will be a very exciting time for all the schools within the MAT.

I have 35 years’ experience in primary education, the last 13 as a senior leader in a local school which has been an academy since 2011.  During my time as Head teacher, the school worked hard to change and reform governorship to create a really strong governing board. In August 2021 I retired as the Head Teacher and took on the role of consultant, working 2 days a week to support the school focusing on school improvement. I have significant experience of being a SENCO and I am passionate about ensuring that all children meet their potential regardless of their starting points.

I have two grown up children, and when I am not at work I enjoy walking my dog, travelling and spending time with my husband and family.

I am looking forward to working with fellow governors, staff and the board of Trustees to support the schools.

Lynda Lutwyche

Lynda is an experienced professional with a background in precision engineering and higher education. With a passion for change management and continuous improvement, Lynda has a proven track record in leading successful business transformation programs, resulting in improved productivity, streamlined processes, and growth opportunities.

In 2000, Lynda joined Liverpool Business School as a senior lecturer, where she developed a range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules aimed at teaching students how to think critically and apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. Specialising in management cybernetics, Lynda also provided guidance to students as an industrial placement and dissertation supervisor, ensuring their success in securing high-level positions in blue-chip companies.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Lynda enjoys a busy family life, is married with five children and multiple pets. As an avid golfer, Lynda has recently taken on roles as club competition secretary and junior organiser. Lynda is excited to join LET and looks forward to contributing to the growth and development of the organisation and its partners.

Claire Jarvis

I have worked in further education (FE) for 30 years with 15 years as a FE College senior leader. I worked at Accrington and Rossendale College for 23 years and then spent a short spell in Greater Manchester at Wigan and Leigh College before returning to Accrington and Rossendale College as the merger with Nelson and Colne took place. This completed in 2018 and I now work as Assistant Principal for Finance & HR at Nelson and Colne College. I am a qualified accountant (ACMA).

I also have a good knowledge of East Lancashire, having grown up in Accrington and Baxenden and I attended one of the Trust schools, The Hollins, many years ago! I now reside in Haslingden and have three children, two of whom also attended The Hollins. So, aside from my college role, I have a keen interest in the development of education for our local area.

I am a strong advocate for the power of education to transform lives and the critical role of educational institutions in our communities and I am thrilled to be joining the LET Board, where I hope I can make a valuable contribution.

Claire Williams

I am delighted to serve as a Trustee for LET Education Trust and to support the continued success of its schools, pupils and communities.

I am an experienced people professional with over 13 years’ experience specialising in education HR. As a People Partner, I lead a team of HR Advisors and Consultants who support schools and Multi Academy Trusts across the country. My role involves advising senior leaders and governing boards on workforce strategy, organisational development, leadership, employee relations and risk management. I help organisations create high-performing cultures where staff and pupils can thrive.

Alongside my professional career, I have a strong commitment to educational governance. I previously served as Chair of Governors at a primary school for six years, supporting the school through a successful Ofsted inspection and the appointment of a new Headteacher. These experiences have given me valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing schools and trusts.

I bring expertise in people strategy, leadership, governance and organisational effectiveness, together with a passion for supporting education and making a positive difference to young people’s lives.

Outside of work, I enjoy exercise, walking with my dog and spending time with my family.

Tom Smith

Tom Smith is a Digital Marketing Expert with over 15 years of experience as the CEO and Founder of Complete, Complete Dubai and Complete Leads. Before starting his own award-winning agency, Tom was the Head of Internet Marketing and Website Development at a local agency for five years.

Tom is highly skilled in many areas of digital marketing, including Website Design, Lead Generation, SEO, PPC and eCommerce. Over the years, he has built a fantastic team of creatives, an impressive portfolio of clients and a bank of successful marketing and advertising results.

Complete was founded after noticing a gap in the market for a full-service agency that supported clients from concept through to completion. Complete has been recognised for many awards over the years, including being a finalist in the BIBAs and Red Rose Awards. Tom regularly hosts digital marketing workshops to help businesses reach their digital marketing goals.

Tom is driven by his family and is a very proud father of two amazing girls.

Andrew Gaunt

My career has been grounded originally working for a number of major UK and International manufacturing companies which led to the formation of my own management consultancy business in 2004.  Since that point I have completed projects spanning a diverse portfolio of organisations
and categories ranging from start-ups to SMEs to several Blue Chip multi nationals, including the largest food and beverage company in the world.
More latterly I was a shareholder and board member of a start-up business which we sold in 2018 and have since focused on consulting for local Lancashire based companies.

I am a father of 3 sons including Daniel who has also served as a trustee for LET. I also have a son and daughter in law working in the Education sector so naturally I have a keen interest in understanding the sector more closely and utilising my breadth of commercial experience to support the Trust.

Kay Naylor