Bourne Education Trust (BET) is pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Field as the new Chair of the Board of Directors. Following a rigorous selection process, Andy emerged as the perfect candidate, demonstrating extensive governance experience and an unwavering commitment to educational development. His appointment perfectly aligns with the Trust's core purpose and vision of ensuring a high-quality education for every child. Andy's achievements as the Chair of Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the employee-owned social enterprise CSH Surrey exemplify his dedication to driving positive change and pursuing excellence.
Andy brings a remarkable background and a profound understanding of the current challenges and opportunities within the public sector. Throughout his career, he has showcased exceptional leadership skills and a strong commitment to effective governance, having held influential positions both nationally and internationally, including advising organisations such as the Australian Tax Office, the Florida State Government, the BBC, the Department of Health, the Department of Work and Pensions and the Health and Safety Executive.
During his time as Chair of Ashford and St Peter’s, he provided board leadership on their work as an anchor institution, promoting and championing links to local authorities, schools, including BET, and local private sector businesses. This work fits perfectly with BET’s own anchor institution ambitions.
As Chair of the Board of Directors, Andy will collaborate closely with board members and the executive team to develop and implement strategic initiatives that promote educational excellence, enhance student outcomes, and enrich the overall experience across the Trust's academies. His collaborative leadership style, coupled with a proven track record of fostering positive relationships and implementing effective governance, will play a pivotal role in shaping the Trust's future success.
Andy's appointment follows the remarkable contributions and exceptional leadership of Sara Lipscombe, who gracefully guided the board and the Trust towards countless achievements during her tenure. Under Sara's guidance, the Trust has expanded to include 24 schools (including 2 associates and a specialist free school scheduled to open in September 2024), all of which have achieved or maintained 'good' or 'outstanding' educational standards upon joining. The board and the entire Bourne Education Trust community express their deepest gratitude to Sara for her unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and invaluable contributions to the Trust's success.
Commenting on the appointment, BET CEO, Alex Russell expressed great enthusiasm, stating, 'Andy Field's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for our Trust. His ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders, combined with his vision for the future, perfectly aligns with our organisation's mission. We are confident that under Andy's guidance, we will continue to drive educational standards and make a positive impact on the lives of students in our academies.'