the right people
in the right jobs
in the right jobs
Our Central Support Team have a vast range of specialisms and expertise. They are on hand to all support and guide all trust leaders to ensure schools are achieving their full potential. The Central Team play a key role in the development of the Matrix Academy Trust, constantly being required to evolve and adapt to global, national and local agendas. The evolution of the Central Team means that we can support our academies to develop and focus on what is required. This gives us a clear growth strategy and trajectory focusing on 3 points: internalisation, centralisation, and specialisation.
Mr Ritchie Doidge – Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Miss Louise Silver
Finance Director
Louise Silver sits as the Finance director. Louise has worked at Matrix academy trust since 2015 and worked within the Finance sector for over 20 years. As Finance Director Louise ensures the financial stability of the company and daily operations within Finance and the accounting team. The role combines compliance, risk, strategy and operations. It falls to the Finance director to make sure the business hits its legal obligation and financial targets. Louise has been involved in accessing financial markets, identifying solutions to potential issues and preparing reports to management and trustees. These reports inform crucial decisions related to future investments and budgets.
Gary Smart is a seasoned education professional with over 20 years of experience, specialising in school estates management, HR, contract and project management, H&S, risk management, compliance, and school public relations. As Head of Capital & Compliance at Matrix Academy Trust for over four years, Gary plays a pivotal role in the Trust’s executive team. He leads the Hub Managers in providing essential support and guidance in H&S, risk management, and compliance.
NEBOSH qualified, Gary brings a wealth of expertise to his role, ensuring the safety and compliance of school sites while also managing capital projects ranging from classroom refurbishments to complete school rebuilds. Currently, he is spearheading the collaboration with the Department for Education on the development of new builds in Bloxwich. Gary’s dedication and leadership contribute significantly to the ongoing success and development of Matrix Academy Trust.
Mr Gary Smart
Head of Capital & Compliance
Miss Molly Thomason
Human Resources Director
Our HR Director Molly has worked at Matrix Academy Trust since 2016. In 2022 Molly completed her Level 7 CIPD qualification in Strategic People Management whilst working in the HR Central Team. She has been fortunate to see the real journey the Trust has been on and has now been involved in three of the most recent Academies joining. Molly works closely with Academy based HR staff and leaders overseeing a consistent and strategic approach to Human Resources.
Mr Mitchell Palmer
Head of IT Services
As our Head Of IT Services, Mitchell brings a wealth of experience and strategic vision to the team. Responsible for overseeing the overall IT strategy and implementation ensuring that our technology initiatives align with the trust requirements and goals, making sure that Matrix Academy Trust is being constantly updated with the latest technology, whilst maintain efficiency for Teaching & learning.
Mr Shane Gregory
Creative Design & Marketing Manager
Shane joined the Trust at the very beginning back in 2014 and is responsible for ensuring Matrix Academy Trust and our schools have a successful online presence and a positive reputation. He has years of experience using industry standard equipment in a variety of multi-media platforms including videography, photography, website and graphic design and carries out our content creation centrally.
Miss Molly Thomason
Human Resources Director
Our HR Director Molly has worked at Matrix Academy Trust since 2016. In 2022 Molly completed her Level 7 CIPD qualification in Strategic People Management whilst working in the HR Central Team. She has been fortunate to see the real journey the Trust has been on and has now been involved in three of the most recent Academies joining. Molly works closely with Academy based HR staff and leaders overseeing a consistent and strategic approach to Human Resources.
Mr Mitchell Palmer
Head of IT Services
As our Head Of IT Services, Mitchell brings a wealth of experience and strategic vision to the team. Responsible for overseeing the overall IT strategy and implementation ensuring that our technology initiatives align with the trust requirements and goals, making sure that Matrix Academy Trust is being constantly updated with the latest technology, whilst maintain efficiency for Teaching & learning.
Mr Shane Gregory
Creative Design & Marketing Manager
Shane joined the Trust at the very beginning back in 2014 and is responsible for ensuring Matrix Academy Trust and our schools have a successful online presence and a positive reputation. He has years of experience using industry standard equipment in a variety of multi-media platforms including videography, photography, website and graphic design and carries out our content creation centrally.
Mr Mark Price-Hubble
Payroll Manager
Marks journey began in 2013 when he joined Barr Beacon School bringing with him over 20 years’ experience in the finance sector. With the creation of the Trust in 2014, Mark further developed his expertise as new schools joined the trust, expanding his knowledge and skills in managing payroll within the educational setting. Since 2014 there has been an addition of 6 schools and this highlights his adaptability in navigating the changing landscape of a growing educational trust. Working closely with school headteachers on a daily basis to ensure the smooth running of payroll.
Mark has served on the peer group for West Midlands Pension Fund helping to steer developments within the fund and ensures the Trust are one of the first to trialling new processes and initiatives and to give valuable feedback in the development.
Mrs Sharlene Aston
Catering Manager
As a dedicated member of the central team, Sharlene brings over a decade of experience in the school catering department, starting as a part-time assistant and gradually progressing to our Catering Support Manager.
Sharlene has a deep passion for providing nutritious and delicious meals to our school community, fuelling students’ bodies and minds for success. Taking pride in the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students and staff by ensuring they have access to quality food options that support their health and well-being.
Miss Jessica Hood
Contracts & Procurement Manager
Beginning her journey in the finance team Jess quickly identified her passion for procurement and started her journey of professional development. Beginning to work towards her procurement and supply qualification, she is solidifying her expertise and expanding her skill set to better serve our schools.
Throughout her tenure, Jess has played a pivotal role in optimising procurement processes, ensuring cost-effectiveness, and maintaining high standards of quality and compliance. Her strategic approach to procurement has not only streamlined operations but also contributed significantly to ensuring we provide best value to our schools and pupils.
Mr Mark Price-Hubble
Payroll Manager
Marks journey began in 2013 when he joined Barr Beacon School bringing with him over 20 years’ experience in the finance sector. With the creation of the Trust in 2014, Mark further developed his expertise as new schools joined the trust, expanding his knowledge and skills in managing payroll within the educational setting. Since 2014 there has been an addition of 6 schools and this highlights his adaptability in navigating the changing landscape of a growing educational trust. Working closely with school headteachers on a daily basis to ensure the smooth running of payroll.
Mark has served on the peer group for West Midlands Pension Fund helping to steer developments within the fund and ensures the Trust are one of the first to trialling new processes and initiatives and to give valuable feedback in the development.
Mrs Sharlene Aston
Catering Manager
As a dedicated member of the central team, Sharlene brings over a decade of experience in the school catering department, starting as a part-time assistant and gradually progressing to our Catering Support Manager.
Sharlene has a deep passion for providing nutritious and delicious meals to our school community, fuelling students’ bodies and minds for success. Taking pride in the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students and staff by ensuring they have access to quality food options that support their health and well-being.
Miss Jessica Hood
Contracts & Procurement Manager
Beginning her journey in the finance team Jess quickly identified her passion for procurement and started her journey of professional development. Beginning to work towards her procurement and supply qualification, she is solidifying her expertise and expanding her skill set to better serve our schools.
Throughout her tenure, Jess has played a pivotal role in optimising procurement processes, ensuring cost-effectiveness, and maintaining high standards of quality and compliance. Her strategic approach to procurement has not only streamlined operations but also contributed significantly to ensuring we provide best value to our schools and pupils.