Issue 6 2021

CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 6 2021 11 Developing Character and Raising Aspirations when outbreaks happened over weekends, to ensure that staff and parents were informed of the necessary next steps. Nene Education Trust CEO, Chris Hill is a strong believer in people having the right work life balance, and the Trust team’s attitude has been excellent over the last 12 months in particular. The Trust needs people “on the bus” as the journey continues, and sometimes they have to pull over in the lay-by where “people get off”, new people get on and some “passengers move seats”. Chris is a keen reader and enjoys reading Tony Robbins and Simon Sinek in particular, as he continues to evolve his personal development and leadership skills. Chris will also be beginning his Masters through the National College in the upcoming months, demonstrating that developing people is something that applies to everyone. Whilst COVID has been a major challenge for Chris and the Trust, financial management has also been a key focus. When Chris joined the Trust, the financial position was in need of attention, but it has quickly turned around and is now in a much better place. Over the last three years the Trust has been able to invest £2m in buildings, infrastructure and IT, and it has now reached a tipping point in its financial evolution, so by the end of 2021, it will, through growth, be in the sustainable sponsor phase with economies of scale and the ability to invest more into school improvement. Indeed, the Trust is in a very strong position and the next stage of its growth is going to be really important. Chris is determined to grow the Trust significantly over the next three to five years, including developing two of the three schools in Stanton Cross in Wellingborough. Nene Education Trust will become a leader in the education sector and Chris genuinely believes that its approach is different to any other MAT (multi-academy trust) in the UK. Looking back over the last two years in particular, Chris is incredibly proud of what the Trust has achieved, and he is feeling very optimistic about the future, and in 2026 he will reflect on the previous five years as a period of significant growth. Company: Nene Education Trust Contact: Chris Hill Website: www.neneeducationtrust.org.uk