Aspire Academy Trust

Aspire Members

The members are akin to the shareholders of a company. They have ultimate control over the academy trust, with the ability to appoint some of the trustees and the right to amend the trust’s articles of association.  

In summary, members are required to -

  • safeguard and promote the values of the Trust, acting as 'ambassadors' for the Trust 
  • ensure the Trust acts within its Objectives as set out in the Articles of Association 
  • hold the Board to account 
  • appoint and (where necessary) remove Trustees  
  • receive reports and financial statements 

 

Chris Hender

Member

Chris is a founder member of the Aspire MAT.  Chris has a background in education as a trained teacher. He was also a Director of the Trust and a member of the finance committee until recently stepping down.

Paul Roberts

Member

Paul is a former Hub Council Chair and long time supporter of the Trust.

Askel Veur 

Member

Askel Veur (meaning ‘Great Wing’ in Cornish) is The Diocese of Truro’s Academies Umbrella Company.

The Board of Directors has diverse skills encompassing school improvement, higher education, legal expertise, governance and business acumen.

Nick Capstick

Member

Dr Barbara Vann

Member

After 23 years as a Headteacher of two secondary schools, Dr Vann was Chair of Cornwall NHS Partnership Foundation Trust between 2015 and 2020. Barbara holds MA and PhD degrees. She was Chair of the National Council of the British Educational Leadership, Management and Administration Society and an Executive of the Commonwealth Council for Educational Management (CCEAM).

A Governor of Truro and Penwith College for 16 years, Dr Vann has chaired the Cornwall Association of Secondary Headteachers, the Cornwall School Centred Initial Teacher Training steering committee, and the Schools’ Forum. She has been a Trustee of the National Maritime Museum, Falmouth and the Hall for Cornwall. Currently Dr Vann is a Trustee and Chair of the Duchy Health Charity.

Professionally, Dr Vann has focussed upon the establishment of strong collaborative and continuing links between schools. Her interest in the link between Health and Education led to the establishment of School Based Integrated Health Centres on six secondary school sites across Cornwall as well as reviews of curriculum and styles of teaching and learning that support health and wellbeing.

Dr Vann has three sons and seven grandchildren. She has a long held passion to help children and young people to be informed decision-makers and change agents. She became a Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall in 2010.

Member Resignations (within previous 12 months)

None.