Broadleaf Partnership Trust is delighted to confirm Manuela Alpaton has joined the ‘Members of the Trust’ after stepping down as a Trustee before Christmas.

Manuela takes her place amongst the top tier of Trust governance after completing 14 years as a Trustee, having previously served as Chair of the Trust board and most recently as Chair of the Finance and Infrastructure Committee.

In her resignation letter she spoke glowingly of her time with the Trust and the role local Governors had played in supporting our schools:

“I know the Trust is left with a committed team under strong leadership and is well set to provide Claire (Pritchard, CEO) with the support and challenge to drive the Trust vision.

Needless to say, I saw a real transformation, slow at first and then gathering momentum with both Claire’s arrival first and then Neil’s (Turner, Chair of Trustees). It has been an enriching experience for me personally and professionally, for which I would like to thank not just Board colleagues but also and maybe especially the senior leadership.

A thank you to be extended please to the Local Governing Boards for their role in supporting the Heads and to all the schools staff teams for the constant dedication to educating of our young people.”

Manuela with flowers presented at the Members meeting in December

Paying tribute, Neil Turner, BPT Chair of Trustees, says Manuela’s contribution has been vital:

“Manuela has been a real asset to the Trust, and to Plantsbrook, for many years and a real source of insight, comfort and inspiration to me.

The Trust today would not be the same without her hard work, dedication and professionalism over the last few years, and we wouldn’t have been able to attract the talent we have to our central team without her leadership and enthusiasm.

She leaves an enviable legacy which I hope we will be able to build on.”

BPT Chief Executive Claire Pritchard says Manuela has been a constant presence whose support and wisdom has helped shape our growth and success:

“She was the first person I spoke to when my own child became a pupil at Plantsbrook in 2017, giving up her evening to attend a Year 7 welcome event to promote the work of trustees and governors. Little did I know then just how significant her contribution was to our entire community.

As a qualified accountant, she has expertly chaired our finance committee for many years, bringing her professional expertise in charity accounts to the table and honing her knowledge of education finance over her many years of service. Her intuitive questions have held us to account, ensuring financial transparency and responsibility. She has also supported our finance leads to finesse their reporting skills to enable richer strategic discussion.

I can’t even begin to add up the hours Manuela has dedicated to supporting us all alongside her day job! She has been a true champion for our Trust. Her passion for our success, coupled with her sharp intellect and unwavering commitment, has been invaluable and we celebrate her remarkable contributions – she is a true role model, embodying the spirit of service and demonstrating the profound impact one individual can have on a community.”

The news comes as we recognise National School Governor Awareness Day, celebrating the commitment and impact our Governors make to the five schools across the Trust.

BPT Head of Governance Mary Mellor says it’s important to remember governors are volunteers and make invaluable contributions:

“We all know governance plays a crucial role in shaping the future of education, and those involved represent the largest volunteer force in the country.

Both as groups and individually, our governors, Trustees and Members are key elements of the continued success and growth of the Trust and their support and guidance to the school staff and Trust central team helps shape our future.

A heartfelt thank you to all who give their time, expertise, and energy to support our children and young people.”

If you would like to know more about governance at BPT please contact Mary Mellor, Head of Governance via enquiry@broadleafpt.co.uk

We currently have vacancies at Perryfields Academy for school governors and at Plantsbrook School we are looking for someone who has the potential to take on the role of chair of governors.

Holland House & Town Junior Local Academy Committee