Trust Membership
Trustees and Members 2024/25
Sharon Carlyon, CFO and COO
Sharon has extensive experience in School Business Leadership having worked in education since 2006. Previously, she had a career in banking and finance.
She is a fellow of the Institute of School Business Leaders. Being recognised as an ISBL Fellow demonstrates leadership within the profession, having achieved a high level of professional expertise and shows commitment to developing knowledge and skills to meet the ever-changing demands of the education sector. In 2015 Sharon was the winner of a National Award.
In 2010, Sharon was instrumental in setting up the Hertfordshire Association of School Business Managers which, until 2017 she chaired. This association provides regional networking opportunities and support to its school business management members in Hertfordshire.
Sharon works as a business consultant for Herts for Learning where she is part of a team supporting primary schools across Hertfordshire. She is also an accredited School Resources Management Advisor for the Department for Education supporting schools on strategic financial planning and financial efficiency.
Sharon is a passionate advocate of the profession. She works closely with other school leaders to drive business excellence in the running of efficient schools to ultimately improve educational experiences and outcomes for all children.
James Roach, CEO
James has extensive experience in education, working in Watford schools since 2001. His previous roles include 2 primary headships in Hertfordshire where he demonstrated a track record of rapid school improvement. He led the academisation of Laurance Haines in November 2016 and set up the Inclusive Multi Academy Trust, which includes a further two schools – Beechfield and Cherry Tree. James is a keen advocate for disadvantaged children and established the Trust in order to ensure children in the most disadvantaged areas of Watford are given the same life chances as their peers throughout Hertfordshire. James’ passion for curriculum development with a family centred, nurturing approach to learning is central to the Trust ethos. James currently works as a Hertfordshire Improvement Partner where he is part of a team monitoring and supporting primary schools across Hertfordshire.
Elizabeth Leeman, Trustee and Chair, Appointment by the Members 04/07/2024 - 03/07/2028
Liz has worked in leadership roles including Legal & HR Director of a sport and leisure business, Company Secretary of retail businesses and a commercial property negotiator for a large firm of Chartered Surveyors. As an HR consultant she advised clients including well known retailers, broadcasters and government agencies. More recently she was the Business Manager in a local school and headed the business management team at a leading education service provider. Liz has an MBA (Cranfield), she is a qualified Chartered Secretary and Governance Professional, HR professional and School Business Leader.
Supporting disadvantaged young people to improve their life chances is important to Liz who previously volunteered as a Community Youth Offender Panel Member and is now a Trustee and Chair of Inclusive Multi Academy Trust, a partnership of local schools determined to provide the best opportunities for all our pupils to do and be their best.
Claire Edwards, Trustee, Appointment by the Members 18/05/21 - 17/05/25
Following 12 years at KPMG, lastly as a senior manager in Public Sector Audit and Consulting, Claire became a school business leader in 2007. She has worked in primary, special and secondary schools and as a senior consultant for Herts for Learning. She is currently the Business Manager of a community High School in North West London. She is passionate about giving all pupils the best opportunities and is delighted to support the Inclusive Multi Academy Trust community as a Trustee.
Andrew Chappell, Trustee and Vice Chair, Appointment by the Members 11/09/21 - 10/09/25
Andrew is Watford born and bred, and grew up in the Callowland and Leggatts locality where he still lives today. His daughter attended Cherry Tree School where he was Chair of Governors for 12 years and worked with the school to achieve and maintain a good OFSTED rating. The move to the Trustee Board is a continuation in that journey of how best to help local children get the education they deserve. A Fellow of the ICAEW Andrew has 30 years experience of public sector auditing (external, internal and Value for Money Arrangements) in the local government, health and education sectors with both the Audit Commission and KPMG. As well as a financial background he brings extensive experience of corporate governance and related procedures to the Trust Board. His current day job involves managing the provision of external audit to local authorities. Despite this background his interest is in the provision of a curriculum that is exciting, challenging and meets the differing needs of our children. Andrew is committed to the local community and is involved with a number of projects through local churches as well as the Watford Talking Newspaper.
Sally Newing, Trustee, Appointment by the Members 25/1/22 - 24/01/26
Sally is Head of Schools at The Mount Stewart Schools Federation, and promotes the highest standards in every facet of school life. She has been in education for 26 years, working in schools in Brent, Harrow and Hertfordshire. She is an Early Years and English Specialist, a coach and a leader with a keen interest in promoting independence, resilience and confidence through teaching and learning and instructional coaching. She is a mother of twins, a keen runner and has completed the London marathon twice and many half marathons.Morgan Bone, Trustee, Appointment by the Members 08/02/22 - 07/02/26
Morgan was born and raised in Hertfordshire and now lives in North London. Having qualified as an accountant, Morgan subsequently spent 25 years working in marketing and communications for large corporates. He is currently Head of Corporate Affairs for Virgin Money. Morgan is a father of 3 and believes all children should have the opportunity for a great education, hence his support and commitment to the Trust and schools
Tarlan Mammadov, Trustee, Co-opted appointment by Trustees 05/09/24 - 04/09/28
Tarlan is an accomplished AI & Data Strategy leader with over two decades of experience in driving global-scale, digital strategy initiatives that deliver commercial value in Upstream/Downstream Assets and the Marketing side of the Oil & Gas business. Throughout his career journey, he has collaborated with and managed diverse business and tech teams in more than 30 countries. Tarlan has two master’s degrees in computer science with an AI specialisation. His strength lies in designing complex AI Systems for solving practical business challenges. Moreover, Tarlan has been very interested in quantum technologies since 2007 and is actively researching its applied science and business potential from the angles of strategic impact. He is a member of the Institute of Physics (MInstP) and an enthusiastic lifelong learner. Since completing his second MSc in 2021, he has participated in a few maths and science boot camps and completed two professional certification programs from MIT xPro and UK NQCC Q-CTRL in quantum computing. Tarlan is very passionate about the transformative application of digital technologies in primary and secondary education.
Sanjay Mazumder, Trustee, Appointment by the Members 07/02/22 - 06/02/26
Sanjay is an experienced business professional, specialising in M&A Integration/Separation, Business Transformation and Turnarounds. He works as an independent consultant and has over 25 years of experience working for companies of varying sizes, across numerous industries and locations. Companies he has worked for include Diageo, BP, Ladbrokes Coral, Abcam, Sainsburys and Ashurst. He holds an M.Sc. in Industrial Economics from the London School of Economics.
Sanjay has been involved in the voluntary sector for many years, and was a Trustee and Chair of the People Committee at The London Community Foundation for approaching 10 years, stepping down from this role in May 2022. Sanjay has also been a parent governor of Walker School, in Southgate, London N14. He is an independent trustee of the Rugby Football Foundation, the charity arm of the Rugby Football Union.
Sanjay is passionate about giving back to young people locally, and is looking forward to being part of the ongoing success of the Inclusive Multi Academy Trust and the schools within it.
Sebastian Gray, Trustee, Appointment by the Members 05/12/23 - 04/12/27
Seb has 15 years of experience teaching and leading in Hertfordshire.
Having spent 5 years as the Headteacher of Laurance Haines School and working alongside Trust Leaders, he has built first-hand experience and knowledge of working with the children and community of West Watford. The collaborative and inclusive approach to school leadership he developed with the Trust, continues to be a focus for him in his new position as Headteacher of a school in Milton Keynes.
He is keen to continue to support the Inclusive Multi Academy Trust and schools in their ongoing growth and development.
Tiann Madden, Trustee, Co-opted appointment by Trustees 03/07/24 - 02/09/28
Tiann is an accomplished education leader with over fifteen years of experience in both primary and secondary education. She is currently a leadership consultant and governor at two schools in Hertfordshire. She was previously a Headteacher, where she transformed a school from 'Inadequate' to 'Good with Outstanding elements.' Tiann also mentors and coaches school leaders to drive strategic planning and enhance curriculum development.
As an NPQH Leadership Performance Coach, she guides aspiring headteachers and senior leaders. She holds an ILM Level 7 Executive Leadership Coaching qualification and is deeply committed to the growth and development of young people, a passion that underpins her work.
Her career includes significant staff development, budget management, and community engagement achievements. Tiann has a proven track record of improving teaching and learning outcomes while ensuring all students benefit from a safe, inclusive, and supportive educational environment.
Christine Cornwall, Trustee, Appointment by the Members 18/09/24 - 17/09/28
As the Trustee for HR Christine comes to the board as a Senior Human Resources (HR) and Organisational Development (OD) professional with over 27 years of extensive experience in the healthcare sector, primarily within the NHS. Her career encompasses 12 years in senior roles focused on Strategic HR Leadership, transforming people services to improve the employee experience care and outcomes for patients.
Dedicated to empowering others, she strives to actively promote leadership values that promote a meaningful culture that drives an environment which engenders the best outcomes for staff, children and families.
Stephen Kinsley, Trustee, Appointment by the Members 18/09/24 - 17/09/28
Stephen is an experienced business leader within schools and has worked in education over the last 10 years. He is currently the Chief Operating Officer of a large Multi-Academy Trust and has previously been a local governor and Chair of an LGB.
Anil Sakaria, Trustee, Co-opted appointment by Trustees 18/09/24 - 17/09/28
Anil is a seasoned IT professional with 29 years of experience in managing global technology infrastructure and large-scale technical programs. He has held senior leadership roles in both the private and public sectors, including his tenure at Meta, where he currently leads technology teams as the CTO supporting the Oversight Board and the Appeals Centre Europe.
With extensive expertise in IT strategy, governance, and cybersecurity, Anil has worked in FSA-regulated organisations, ensuring robust technology frameworks that align with regulatory and business objectives. His career has spanned global enterprises, where he has successfully delivered complex transformation initiatives, optimised IT operations, and driven innovation in digital infrastructure.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Anil is passionate about education and community development. As a trustee of Inclusive MAT, he brings his strategic leadership and technology expertise to support the Trust's vision of inclusive and high-quality education.
Jonathan Hartley, Member, Appointed 05/10/16
Jonathan has spent his career in the financial services industry, starting out as chartered management accountant, and more recently leading business and technology transformation for firms including NatWest and Barclays.
Jonathan has hands-on experience of the Inclusive Multi Academy Trust, having joined Laurence Haines School as a governor in 2014.
Jill Steward, Member, Appointed 05/10/16
Jill is an experienced school governance professional with over 25 years’ experience as a clerk to governors, and as a school governor, committee chair and chair of governors, principally in primary education. This experience has been gained in several schools in Hertfordshire (including Laurance Haines) and latterly in Norfolk, where she is currently chair of governors for two Norfolk schools – a large community primary school and an all-through complex needs school.
Emma Flawn, Member, Appointed 20/07/22
With over 13 years' experience as a headteacher, Emma Flawn serves as Co-CEO of the Claxton Trust, a primary Multi Academy Trust located in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. She holds the positions of Chair of the Management Committee for the Nexus Federation, a board member of the Inclusive Multi Academy Trust, and is a Parent elected Trustee at Presdales Academy in Ware.
Being a member of the local DSPL, Chair of the Primary Stevenage Headteachers Consortium and Behaviour steering board, she's passionate about inclusivity for everyone and lends her expertise as a behaviour consultant within local schools. Her current Primary school, of which she is Headteacher, is a DSPL Behaviour ‘Hub’ in the community.
Emma’s past achievements have been as a senior leader in Wandsworth and Merton in Outstanding Primary and Specialist provisions and as a school improvement advisor in Merton.
Continuing her love of learning, she has most recently completed her DFE National Professional Qualification Executive Leadership (NPQEL) and Level 5 in Coaching and Mentoring from the Institute of Leadership and Management.
Peter Kloss, Member, Appointed 18/09/24
Peter lives close to the Inclusive MAT schools and is an elected Watford Borough Councillor for Park ward. He is involved in and committed to the local community, and as part of his role as Councillor sits on and chairs various statutory committees.
In his professional life Peter is an experienced business consultant, working in Programme and Change Management for large multi-national organisations as well as smaller UK-based companies. Consistent across these assignments is the need for good governance, management and control of programmes of work, in which Peter has extensive experience.
Through his first-hand experience of financial and operational governance, and his community network in Watford, Peter is committed to the ongoing success of the Inclusive MAT and the schools within it.
Arjun Kapur, Member, Appointed 18/09/24
Arjun is an experienced corporate financier and Board level advisor to Corporates and Sponsors on financing and strategic issues. He advises on a range of cross-border financing, refinancing and M&A opportunities across sectors. He is also Chairman of Smixin AG, a Switzerland based supplier of high-tech handwashing systems.
Arjun received his Masters degree in Accounting & Finance from the London School of Economics, after securing a Bachelors of Commerce (Hons) from Shriram College of Commerce, University of Delhi.