Members & Directors – South Essex Academy Trust

The Members and Trustees of South Essex Academy Trust

John Cahalane - Member

27 years experience at Sotheby's, an international auction house, with management and logistical responsibilities at director level, three years experience establishing two successful timed online auction houses, three years experience as a Parent Governor at a primary school.

Catherine Burnside - Member

Catherine is an experienced governance professional, being Director of Governance & Compliance at SEAX Multi-Academy Trust of special schools based in Chelmsford. Catherine had previously been a clerk to governors for Essex County Council and is also a governor of a maintained primary school. Catherine is a fully qualified teacher who has taught across all Key Stages.

Sue Foster

Sue Foster - Member

I have enjoyed 43 years in Primary Education – starting as a teacher in 1980, progressing to Headship in 1990 and taking on other roles supporting school leaders through Local Authority Advisory work, Leadership development with National College for School Leadership and Teaching Leaders and more recently, providing school support for London Borough of Newham . Having had a diverse and fulfilling career in education I still have that experience to offer a Multi Academy Trust. More click here

Dominic Carver

Dominic Carver - Member

Headteacher of South Benfleet Primary Academy. 20 years' governance experience. Governor of a local secondary academy. Former Ofsted Inspector.

Julie Mulcahy

Julie Mulcahy - Chair of Trustees and Member

Julie has held leadership roles in Media Entertainment, Financial Services & Non-Profit. Currently, she holds a number of Non-Executive Director/Trustee roles namely; Chair, United Glasgow FC, VP Programming & Events Harvard Business School Club of London; Director of Governance & HR Suffolk County FA; Director, Association of Physical Education; Director, Change Partnerships Multi-Academy Trust. More click here

Catherine Stalham

Catherine Stalham - CEO.

Catherine Stalham is the CEO of South Essex Academy Trust. With 18 years experience in primary school education and a lifelong passion for learning, she is driven by improving the lives of children through supporting their wellbeing and educational outcomes. More click here

Chris Jones

Chris Jones - Vice Chair

Founder and Chief Executive of CJ Learning Ltd and CJ Learning Technologies Ltd, supporting schools for over 10 years in curriculum development, staffing, budgeting and timetabling and is a DFE approved provider of Integrated Curriculum and Finance planning methodology. Before that he was a teacher and senior school leader for 24 years. Chris brings his education and business expertise as a Governor and Director to a number of school and charity boards, having served as a CoG, Parent and Teacher Governor and also Trustee, CEO and Board Chair in a number of charitable organisations.

Simon Hayward

Simon Hayward - Trustee

Simon is an accomplished C-suite appointee, NED and experienced Board member across the nuclear, aviation, heavy engineering, retail, hospitality and education sectors where he is recognized for his independent perspective and diligent ability to balance corporate governance and regulatory compliance with the difficulties of operating in complex business environments. More click here

Terri Quorn

Terri Quorn - Trustee

Terri has over 17 years experience working for a world class Aerospace and Defence Company. Roles held have included Engineering Governance, Continuous Improvement, Mentoring, Health & Safety and Learning & Development.

Karla Martin

Vanessa Carreras

Karla Martin - Trustee

Karla Martin is currently Director of Standards and School Improvement in a large Multi-Academy Trust. She has more than 25 years' experience in education in the UK and internationally, including as a primary headteacher, lead Ofsted inspector and Head of Education and Early Years in a large local authority. Karla brings a well rounded expertise in school improvement in primary and secondary schools and a passion for high quality education for all.

Vanessa Carreras - Trustee

Vanessa is currently the Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Operations at Richmond American University London responsible for Finance, HR, Estates, IT and Marketing & Recruitment. Previously she was the Director of Finance at Northeastern University London and before that Financial Controller at Havering College of Further and Higher Education so her career has been dedicated to Education for over 13 years.

Governance Documents

Use the links to locate information regarding governance of the Trust academies. Specific key documents can be found quickly by clicking the links below:

Minutes from Directors meetings - if you would like a copy of the Board minutes, then please contact CEO@seacademytrust.co.uk.

Finance & Statutory Documents including: Funding Agreements; Articles of Association; Annual Reports & Financial Statements (containing information of the Governance Board roles & responsibilities)