Tom James is Chief Financial Officer of the trust, bringing a blend of external audit experience and over a decade of leadership in the education sector to the role.

Tom began his career in audit, spending five years at RSM UK Audit LLP and latterly at Dains LLP. That grounding gave him a thorough understanding of systems and controls, along with the analytical skills that underpin sound financial stewardship. He is passionate about providing accurate financial information in formats that enable stakeholders to make the most informed decisions possible without diminishing either the complexities or the importance of that information.

For the last ten years, Tom has worked in education. He first served as CFO of a medium-sized multi academy trust, before playing a key role in the merger of six multi academy trusts and eight voluntary aided schools, creating a trust of 64 academies.

Outside of work, Tom runs the family farm with his brother — which keeps him out of mischief in the evenings and at weekends.