Matt Sambrook joined Transforming Futures Trust in October 2023, having been Executive Principal/ CEO of another small multi-academy Trust for the last six years, which covered mainstream and specialist provision from 4-19. Prior to joining, Matt had been working in education for 21 years, across the breadth of primary, secondary, special, alternative provision and Trust leadership. This has included being a substantive headteacher for 12 years across three different schools and taking two of them from special measures to good. Over the last six years Matt has also been an Executive Principal/CEO where he has led the re-development of a Multi-Academy Trust, driven significant improvement and development in all the Trust schools and led the specialist provision to be identified as a centre of excellence within the local area.

During his time as a school and system leader Matt has undertaken a number of part-time secondments, which have included: Head of SEND and Inclusion for Wiltshire LA through the pandemic, work for Ofsted as an Associate Inspector and a wide range of school improvement work for Local Authorities, teaching schools and other Trusts. Matt has a passion for working with those who are most disadvantaged by the educational system and has been involved in both local area and DfE projects to look at system improvement and development issues in the areas of increasing access, behaviour, exclusion and inclusive systems. He also has a Masters and PhD in Education specialising in inclusion.

In his spare time Matt likes to spend time with his family, read, stay active and be involved in his local community.

Sandra Harris joined Transforming Futures Trust late December 2021, initially in an interim role and since appointed to the establishment of the Trust.  She is an accomplished senior executive, qualified Chartered Secretary and Administrator and governance specialist, primarily within the public sector but also within the third sector, operating within complex environments with experience of both educational and political contexts.

Previously Centre Manager for the Wales Centre for Public Policy at Cardiff University, Sandra was responsible for the smooth operation of the Centre effectively leading and managing its governance and operations.  She is a former Chief of Staff of a major public sector shared business services company, prior to which she was Head of the CEO Office at a large Welsh local authority. In addition, she has delivered research, consultancy and evaluation projects specialising in the areas of governance, public policy and administration, and organisational development.

She has a PGDip in Public Leadership and Management from the University of Warwick, a PGCert in Higher Education Leadership and Management, and a BA (Hons) Business Studies. She is also a Certified Coach Mentor.

In her spare time, she plays an active community role which has included being a school Foundation Governor, holding extra responsibilities for additional learning needs, safeguarding and the Wales digital literacy framework.

Details to follow.

Helen Hawkes joined Transforming Futures Trust as the Executive Officer in May 2023 and prior to this worked for a Multi Academy Trust as the PA to CEO and Governance Professional. Helen also spent 10 years working as an Executive Assistant in the media industry and has significant finance and recruitment experience.

In her spare time she enjoys reading, films and spending time with her family and friends.