Our Members
Our members are essentially the 'shareholders' of the Trust and meet twice a year to review the impact of the work of trustees on standards and performance and financial management. They also review and agree any amendments to the Articles of Association.
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Business Interests and Attendance
Name: Paula Fisher
Type of appointment: Founding Member
Date of appointment: 23/12/2016
Term of office: 4 years
Attendance record 2019-20: 100% (1/1)
Other role/s within the Trust: None
Business or pecuniary interests: Practical HR Ltd, PHR Holdings Lts, 3 Steps to Auto-enrolment Ltd (company ownerships/directorships/significant positions)
Business interests of close family members: None
Governance roles in other establishments: None
Paula Fisher, Founding Member
I am a Founding Member of The Brickfields Trust and the founder and Managing Director of Practical HR Ltd, a local company providing a range of HR services to SMEs (small to medium sized enterprises).
I have worked in Human Resource Management for over 30 years. I have held senior HR management positions within corporate organisations and in 1997 completed a Law Degree (LLB Hons), graduating with a 1st class honours. I have also gained a Master Degree (LL.M) in Employment Law and Employee Relations and have lectured in employment law at Anglia Ruskin University on the CIPD course (Certified Institute of Personnel & Development).

Business Interests and Attendance
Name: Sarah Threadgold
Type of appointment: Co-opted by Board of Trustees
Date of appointment: 11/07/2019
Term of office: 4 years
Attendance record 2018-19: N/A (appointed 11/07/19)
Other role/s within the trust:
Business or pecuniary interests: None
Business interests of close family members: None
Governance roles in other establishments: Governance & Compliance Officer, Ileostomy Association
Sarah Threadgold, Member
Passionate about education and equality of access; I have been involved in the governance of the trust schools since 2015, first as Clerk to the Board before being co-opted onto the board itself in 2019. I was elected as Chair of Trustees in September 2020.
In my day job I look after the governance and compliance of a national charity, which fits in well with my role for the trust as there are lots of shared skills and experiences.
I’m proud to lead a team of professionals that is dedicated to working with the schools’ leaders to ensure all of the children in our community have access to a solid and balanced education, and that our schools are places where children and staff feel inspired, challenged and valued.
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Business Interests and Attendance
Name: Paul Bates
Type of appointment: Member
Date of appointment: 17/01/2019
Term of office: 4 years
Attendance record 2019-20 100% (1/1)
Other role/s within the Trust: None
Business or pecuniary interests: None
Business interests of close family members: None
Governance roles in other establishments: None
Paul Bates, Member
I was appointed as a member of the trust in January 2019 and previously served as a parent governor of Great Wakering Primary from 2012-17.
I am married with two children and have lived in Great Wakering for the last 15 years. I retired from my role as an Inspector for Essex Police in 2016 after 30 years of service; having acquired skills and experience in finance, safeguarding and management.
I'm pleased to support the trust's schools in helping local children to achieve their full potential.
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Business Interests and Attendance
Name: Rev'd Kim Lepley
Type of appointment: Member
Date of appointment: 17/01/2019
Attendance record 2019-20: 100% (1/1)
Other role/s within the Trust: None
Business or pecuniary interests: None
Business interests of close family members: None
Governance roles in other establishments: None
Rev'd Kim Lepley, Member
I was born in Colchester and brought up in the village of Layer De La Haye, which remains my family home. I completed my education in Colchester, studying Residential Care and Social work. On completion of my studies I worked in Severalls Hospital with adults and children with mental illness.
I moved to Walton on the Naze in the 1980’s and became a Senior Care Officer in a residential care home for the elderly and absolutely loved this work. It was while I was working in the home that I came to faith. My family were not ‘religious’ so church played no part in my upbringing, obviously it is now my life.
I met and married John in 1988, we have three children and two grandchildren. We lived in Kirby Le Soken and it was while we were living there that I began the process of discernment into ordained ministry - a journey of ten years. I completed my BA Hons in Contextual Theology and did a 3yr Curacy in Takely with Little Canfield after which I came to Great Wakering. I have been here for over four years now and really enjoy working within the local community.
Resigned in the last 12 months
Daniel Smith
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Business Interests
Name: Daniel Smith
Type of appointment: Founding Member
Date of appointment: 23/12/2016
Resignation date: September 2020
Term of office: 4 years
Attendance record 2018-19: 100% (1/1)
Other role/s within the Trust: Chair of Trustees
Business or pecuniary interests: None
Business interests of close family members: None
Governance roles in other establishments: None