Shared Services Team

Carla is an experienced leader, who has worked with many national groups and educational influencers. As CEO of Empower Trust. Carla was previously Headteacher of Oakmeadow CE Primary and Nursery School – a Local Authority Advisor and a National College Founding member, sitting on the Leading advisory board at the Chartered College between 2019-2020. Carla is NAHT President within the Shropshire branch, a member of Shropshire Schools Forum and an Executive coach for LLSE.

Carla has been an active voice in Shropshire education for over 10 years, working in close partnership with other Heads to make effective change locally. Carla met Educational secretary, Justine Greening in 2019 as part of this work with Shropshire Heads and has experience of working with Ministers and DfE officials on education policy issues.

As a LA advisor, Executive coach and local leader, Carla has supported over 20 schools and academies in improvement. Under Carla’s leadership Oakmeadow gained outstanding for leadership and management and an outstanding SIAMS inspection.

Carla has led quality assurance work in another successful MAT within Shropshire prior to her CEO role, designed innovative school-led school-to-school support mechanisms, devised networks for effective collaboration between schools, all leading to improved outcomes for Shropshire children.

Carla has delivered keynote speeches at regional and national conferences and has extensive experience specialising in SEND & Safeguarding.

Empower Trust: Strengthening Our Impact Since 2023

Since 2023, Empower Trust has significantly strengthened its impact with the appointment of strategic leads to expertly guide our schools in core areas and welcomed our new Director of Education,  Sam Scott. These appointments have made a notable difference in school improvement support cross our trust,  increased funding for SEND, enhanced inclusion development, developed our teaching and learning expertise, and supported curriculum development.

We are proud to be listed in the expert directory for the regional support team, collaborating with other schools and trusts within and outside of Shropshire to share our knowledge and experience. As an outward-facing trust, we work nationally to secure quality education for our young people and communities.

Over the past nine months, we have restructured parts of our shared services to offer a robust centralised support system, allowing our schools to focus on what truly matters. Our efforts have been recognized with recent award nominations, and we have strong ambitions to grow and positively impact more young lives in the coming years.

A highlight of 2024 was the strong Ofsted judgments in two of our schools and the significant rapid improvement in a previously struggling school. This achievement underscores our team’s dedication to ensuring all Empower children receive the education they deserve.

Rachel has worked in education for over 18 years within both mainstream and specialist schools, in teaching and leadership roles across EYFS, KS1, KS2, KS3.

Rachel is an experienced SENCo who completed further qualifications to enable her to progress to the role of Specialist Advisory Teacher for an outreach service, providing SEND advice; completing psychometric assessments; and delivering staff training for both primary and secondary schools across Shropshire and surrounding counties.

Until recently, Rachel was Assistant Headteacher at a specialist school for children with a range of complex SEMH needs.  Working across both mainstream and specialist schools, Rachel has been able to gain a range of skills and expertise to share with colleagues across the Trust.

Promoting inclusion, raising attainment and achievement has been a thread throughout Rachel’s career.  She is a proud and passionate champion and advocate for children with SEND.

My Impact:

• Our graduated approach to identification of emerging needs has been developed and aligned across all Trust schools, ensuring that children receive the right support, at the right time. 
• Our Universal Offer is more consistent across Trust schools, leading to inclusivity for all. 
• Schools with the highest levels of need within the Trust are being recognised for their inclusivity within the Local Authority, leading to improved working relationships and better outcomes for children with complex needs. 

Tricia has worked in Education for 8 years and plays a pivotal role as a Senior Leader at Empower Trust. Tricia leads, develops and maintains the sound operation of financial and business policy/practices across the Trust ensuring that all requirements of the Academy Trust handbook are effectively fulfilled.

Before moving into the Education sector in 2013, Tricia worked for 12 years in the legal public sector working in roles such as press and media relations, training and development and business management.

Between 2013 and 2018 Tricia worked as a School Business Manager in a large primary school and it was here that she completed her Level 5 ILM Accredited Diploma in School Business Management in 2016.

Tricia joined the Trust at its inception in 2018 as the Trust Finance & Business Manager. Her role has evolved and she is now the Chief Operating Officer (COO) also incorporating the role of Chief Finance Officer (CFO) for the Trust. She recently completed her CIPFA Level 7 Diploma in School/Financial and Operational Leadership and Certificate in Financial Reporting for Academies (Cert FRA). She is also a member of ISBL (Institute of School Business Leaders).

Tricia is a DfE accredited SRMA (Schools Resource Management Advisor). The SRMA programme is part of the DfE’s wider work to help schools achieve excellent school resource management.​

My Impact:

My role as COO is integral to the success of the multi-academy trust, impacting every aspect of school operations and contributing to the overall mission of providing high-quality education.  My role in maintaining financial sustainability ensures that schools have the necessary resources to provide quality education and by managing operations effectively, I help schools run more smoothly and efficiently, allowing Headteachers to focus on teaching and learning.  Through effective estate management and health and safety oversight, I create a safe and conducive learning environment for students.  My involvement in strategic planning and project management supports the growth and development of the trust, leading to more opportunities for students and staff.

At Empower Trust the Director of Training and Partnerships role involves leading the development and implementation of training strategies, building partnerships with external organisations, overseeing trust wide staff development, ensuring quality assurance, promoting innovation and best practices, contributing to strategic planning and facilitating communication and collaboration among stakeholders. The role helps to foster excellence, collaboration and innovation within the trust to benefit students, staff and the community.

The Strategic Lead for Safeguarding is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of safeguarding policies and practices across the Empower Trust, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and fostering a safe environment for students and staff.

Using national legislation and best practices, the Strategic Lead for Safeguarding develops and updates safeguarding policies, providing support to Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), monitors safeguarding practices through audits and quality assurance and collaborates with external agencies to enhance safeguarding provision.

Regular liaison with the safeguarding trustee ensures a commitment to the welfare and protection of all children within the trust.

My Impact:

• Empowered 100 teachers through the NPQLT Flex Programme, significantly enhancing teaching and learning consistency across the trust through our FAME (Frame It, Assess It, Model It, Explore It) approach.
• Strengthened safeguarding across the trust by implementing a robust safeguarding strategy, quality assurance systems, CPOMS guidance and DSL networks, ensuring every child’s welfare is effectively prioritised.

Michelle is a highly experienced and dedicated professional in People Practice and Human Resources, currently serving as Director of People & Culture across the Trust. A passionate advocate for mental health and staff wellbeing, Michelle brings a wealth of expertise, strategic insight, and compassion to her role.

She holds an Associate CIPD Human Resource Practice qualification, a CIPD Diploma in People Management, and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the leading professional body for HR and people development. Most recently, Michelle has undertaken a Level 7 Senior People Professional Apprenticeship, further strengthening her strategic leadership capabilities and deepening her impact across the Trust.

Michelle is the Trust Wellbeing Lead and a qualified National Educational Leader in Mental Health, holding a Level 4 Certificate in Mental Health Aware Leadership. She is also a certified Mental Health First Aider, Youth Mental Health First Aider, and Suicide First Aider, reflecting her unwavering commitment to creating psychologically safe and supportive environments for all staff.

Since joining the Trust at its formation in 2018, Michelle’s role has evolved significantly. She has played a pivotal part in shaping the Trust’s culture, providing Executive Assistant duties to the CEO, ensuring the smooth operation of the Shared Services Team office, and serving as a vital link between the Shared Services Team and Trust schools, Headteachers, Governors, and Trustees. As the appointed Trust Governance Professional, she has also completed an accredited qualification to support excellence in governance.

Michelle’s career spans over 20 years in education, including roles as Professional Assistant to Headteachers and Senior Leadership Teams in secondary schools, Educational Visits Coordinator, and PA to a Managing Director. She has also managed an Adult Education Programme, a conference centre, and community facility hire at a large college.

Impact and Initiatives

Michelle’s leadership has already made a profound impact. Last year, she developed and launched a comprehensive Wellbeing Hub for staff, offering access to mental health resources, internal and external signposting, employee benefits, and the Trust’s Employee Assistance Programme. The Hub includes dedicated spaces such as Menopause resources, a Man Cave, Self Care tools, and the Trust’s Staff Wellbeing and Workload Charter.

She also led on a Trust-wide Kindness Initiative, empowering children across schools to lead acts of kindness during Anti-Bullying Week. Activities included writing poems and creating bookmarks, which were shared in public libraries and local communities, spreading positivity and compassion beyond the school gates.

I joined Empower Multi Academy Trust in October 2021 as the Trust Administrator. Since then, my role has evolved significantly.

Alongside my initial responsibilities, I took on the role of ITT Coordinator for the Shropshire Primary Partnership, which operates under the EmpowerMAT umbrella. In 2023, I became the Engagement and Communications Administrator for STEP (Shropshire and Telford Education Partnership), supporting wider engagement across the region.

I am now the Trust Communications and Enterprise Lead — a newly created role designed to strengthen strategic communications and enterprise initiatives across the Trust. This position is still developing and will continue to grow with the Trust.

Background:

Before joining the Trust, I worked from 2013 to 2021 as an administrator for a care company supporting adults with learning disabilities. Prior to that, I spent 11 years at the Royal Bank of Scotland, gaining valuable experience in customer service and operational support.

My Impact:

In my multifaceted role, I contribute to the Trust’s mission and vision by:

• Administrative Support: Ensuring the smooth running of operations by supporting senior Trust staff and the Finance team with efficient administrative processes.
• Marketing & Social Media Management: Promoting the Trust’s initiatives, events, and achievements to raise awareness and strengthen community engagement.
• Communication: Facilitating clear and consistent communication across departments and partnerships, helping to build strong internal and external relationships.

Molly joined our Shared Services Team in September 2025 as People Services Administrator.

Prior to this role, Molly achieved a Distinction in a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship at one of our Trust schools. After completing her apprenticeship, Molly is keen to progress her career in HR and Governance.

Molly will be working closely with various colleagues across the Trust to provide administrative support across key areas such as governance, HR systems, and general people services. In her spare time Molly enjoys travelling, swimming and running.

My Impact:

To provide clerical and operational support with added junior-level Human Resources and Governance responsibilities.

Contribute to a positive employee experience by being approachable, responsive and detail-orientated in everything I do.

Collaborating with colleagues, helping to create a workplace where everyone feels supported and empowered.

Jason began his career in 1991 with the Royal Navy, serving until 2003. During this time, he was deployed aboard HMS Illustrious, Norfolk, and Sheffield, and held posts at several shore establishments, including NATO Headquarters in London. Trained in naval communications, Jason played a role in operations during the Bosnia and Kosovo conflicts, and was deployed to Sierra Leone and then the eastern Mediterranean in response to the 9/11 attacks. His time in the Navy took him across the globe.

In 2005, Jason transitioned to law enforcement, joining West Mercia Police. Over the next 20 years, he served primarily as a detective in both Proactive and Reactive departments, investigating serious and complex crimes. In the final few years of his policing career, Jason was part of the Online Child Exploitation Team, specialising in Open Source and Financial investigations.

After retiring in 2025, Jason embarked on a new chapter, seeking fresh challenges and opportunities beyond uniformed service. Originally from Essex and with strong family ties to East London, he remains a passionate lifelong supporter of West Ham United—a tradition proudly passed on to his daughter.

Coming Soon!

Ria joined the Trust in March 2024 as Director of Finance.

Ria has worked in finance for the education sector for 18 years and is a qualified member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and is part qualified with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Ria will support schools and leaders to achieve financial security and sustainability, whilst helping to provide the best possible outcomes and life chances for all young people and families.

Ria has been a governor of a Primary school since 2022, a role which she enjoys and has given her a greater insight into other aspects of school life. In her spare time, Ria enjoys dancing, ballroom and Latin and is also learning Spanish.

My Impact:

• Ensured compliance with all financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Updated the monthly management accounts to include a broader overview of the financial position.
• Successfully obtained grant funding of £6k to aid school projects.
• Introduced ‘School on a page’ reporting.
• Along with the finance team, achieved a clean Year-end audit.

Sian joined the Trust in March 2022 as a Senior Finance Officer.

Before joining Empower Trust Sian has worked as a Senior Finance Officer at another Multi Academy Trust for over 3 years. She was responsible for providing financial and system support to academies and to the Finance Manager. Prior to this Sian worked in accounts for 5 years in the renewable energy sector at an anaerobic digestion plant.

Sian works closely within the finance team and provide support to schools across the Trust.

My Impact:

• I have implemented a robust system for tracking income related to special needs and early years funding which ensures that funds are accurately tracked, enabling timely adjustments and informed decision-making.
• The monthly budget monitoring meetings I hold in schools enable financial forecasting and planning for the future, ensuring schools remain financially stable.

Becky is the Financial Officer for Empower Trust based at the central office. Becky joined us in 2018 as a Financial Administrator. In October 2019, she was promoted to Finance Officer.

From 2010 – 2018 Becky worked in retail banking with 5 of those years spent as Counter Manager in various different branches.

Becky works closely with the Headteachers, Business Managers and Admin teams and visits each School on a monthly basis to review school income and expenditure and is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records across the Trust.

My Impact:

• • Over the last twelve months I have ensured we remain compliant by following the Trust Financial Handbook.
  • Along with the finance team I have contributed to a clear year end audit.
  • Ensured we adhere to our creditors terms and conditions.

</ul

Beck is the Strategic Lead for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Empower Trust and serves as the Headteacher at Woodfield Infant and Nursery School. With the National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordination, she demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering inclusive education for all children.

Beck collaborates closely with families, outside agencies, trust leaders, and other professionals to identify and implement tailored support strategies that address individual needs. She actively engages with parents to ensure their voices are heard, facilitating partnership-based approaches.

Beck provides guidance and training to staff on best practices for supporting pupils with SEND, striving to create an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Her proactive leadership involves regularly monitoring progress and adapting interventions to ensure the highest standards of support.

Through her dedication to SEND, Beck plays a vital role in shaping trust policies that enhance inclusivity, ultimately empowering children to achieve their full potential.

Karen is an experienced school leader and is headteacher at Wilfred Owen Primary School. As a qualified SENCO, she understands the needs of individuals, is dedicated to creating inclusive environments and values community connections. Karen employs a research-based approach to relationships inspired by Paul Dix, focusing on effective relational and behaviour management strategies while fostering inclusivity.

She collaborates with local and national groups to support children’s needs and is currently developing a community hub to strengthen these ties. Through her expert consultation, schools receive comprehensive audits of their practices alongside tailored support to enhance their overall approach. Karen has received positive feedback, such as from Greenacres Primary School, praising her clear strategies and helpful guidance.

Her commitment ensures all students feel valued and supported, making Karen an asset to our trust.

Impact:

Through my work as strategic lead for Inclusion, we have aligned the approach to developing positive relationships and managing behaviour with clear strategies and a policy in place to support this. We also now have a support system in place for our schools to request advice on managing children who are struggling with regulation.

Initial discussions have taken place to plan the set-up of a resource provision based at one of our trust schools.

Teaching and learning is at the heart of everything we do across Empower Schools. Through our dedication to being well-informed, as a trust, we have embarked upon a National Qualification in Leading Teaching and Learning. We believe in investing in professional development to ensure all staff are equipped to deliver high-quality education.

My role involves working with our Director of Education and leaders to collaborate, support and learn together. As a team of strategic leads and a whole trust, we want to ensure our young people learn well and achieve well, acquiring necessary knowledge, skills and attributes applicable to the modern world. There is value in everyone, and teaching and learning is driven by a team of experts, utilising the professional talent in all schools to work together, share and disseminate good practice. This means leading and co-ordinating innovative and evidence-based practice to ensure consistency in providing high-quality learning and outcomes.

Teaching and Learning Impact:

Through collaboration across the trust, defined teaching and learning principles have been established

• A clear monitoring framework has been created based upon a set of agreed principles
• A talent directory across the trust is growing with networks developing in EYFS, Maths, English, Science, History and soon to be more
• An ‘Empower Trust’ teaching and learning policy

– All teachers in Empower Trust schools and some LSAs have embarked on a professional learning journey to achieve a National Professional Qualification in Leading Teaching, resulting in consistent, high-quality professional development

As Strategic Lead for Achievement across Empower Trust, Sarah North plays a key role in improving pupil outcomes and ensuring every child reaches their full potential. She collaborates closely with the Director of Education, fellow strategic leads and headteachers to shape and deliver strategies that drive equity, excellence, and sustained improvement.

In addition, Sarah works with headteachers and senior leaders to analyse performance data, identify trends, and co-design targeted interventions that close gaps and accelerate progress. She also mentors leaders, supports professional development, and helps embed robust systems for monitoring and evaluation.

Her work helps ensure achievement is not only measured by outcomes, but by the growth, confidence, and aspirations of every learner.

Sarah’s work directly supports Empower Trust’s mission: to ensure our young people receive the best education, the best enrichment, and everything they need to flourish and thrive.