Meet the Trustees

Pen Portraits:

Ann Kowalska

Ann joined the Board in October 2024 as the Chair of Trustees.  She was one of the original team involved in the setting up of Chancery Trust back in 2016/2017 so feels a very personal connection to the trust.  Ann has 20 years’ experience as a School Business Manager, including ten at Pikemere School, and has worked in state, voluntary aided and academy settings. 

Ann has been a Governor for over ten years in both Primary and Secondary settings with particular reference to Finance, Health and Safety and Support Staff link Governor.  She is currently Chair of a LGB in Wythenshawe.  In addition, she was a Clerk to the Governing Body for over 15 years in several schools. 

Ann’s current role is as a Business Manager for Finance and HR in an Adult Social Care setting. With this background she has a strong foundation to work alongside the Trust’s Central Team and the Board of Trustees to guide the academy into the future.

Maria Stelmach

Maria has 15 years’ experience as a local government lawyer specialising in education law and litigation.

In this role, Maria worked not only with the local authority advising on policy, education welfare and SEND, but also with many schools as their legal adviser – dealing with a wide range of issues and providing advice on school practice, policy, and governance matters.

She now works within the Civil Service.

Maria believes every child should have access to a high standard of education within an accessible and nurturing environment.

Louise Gibson

Louise has worked in education for the past 14 years in a range of settings with learners aged 14 – 50+ years old. Louise gained her passion for educating through her time as a zookeeper, later teaching science to 14+ learners, and then assessing laboratory technicians across the country. Louise has been an external Standards Verifier and Examiner for an awarding body ever since, having a passion for quality assurance and supporting other education settings to meet the standards, so their learners can achieve the best possible outcomes from their qualifications.

Louise is extremely passionate about professional development, completing qualifications to help develop herself as an individual, but also as a teaching practitioner. Louise has just finished her MSc in Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife Forensics, and is currently completing her National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD). Louise currently works at a Further Education College as a Teaching and Learning Coach, and teaches the second year Initial Teacher Training programmes.

 

Louise Gohr

B Ed (Hons), NPQH, Level 7 Executive Coaching Certificate. Louise has been a teacher for nineteen years, Deputy Headteacher for two years and Headteacher for ten years. During her career, she has worked for the Local Authority as a Primary Strategy Literacy Consultant supporting and developing teaching and learning. She has worked as an STA moderator for the last four years. Louise is currently working with the Local Authority on a number of initiatives related to improving the quality of education for young people.

Amanda Mellor

Amanda’s career has been predominantly finance based, as she is a retired School Business Manager, having previously worked in two Cheshire East schools. During this time she obtained the CSBM. Prior to working in schools, she worked for Barclays Bank.

Amanda has been involved as a School Governor for over 20 years in 3 different schools, initially as a parent then as a staff member and latterly co-opted, during which time the school converted to an Academy.

Joining Chancery Multi Academy Trust will give Amanda an opportunity to still be part of education and she is now looking forward to working with the Trust to help with its continued growth and to play a part in ensuring that the education of young people is the best we can provide.

 

Simon Varo

I joined Chancery Multi Academy Trust as a Trustee in November 2023. I am motivated to support the Trust and its schools to continue to thrive and provide the best learning opportunities for all. My motivation comes from being a father to two wonderful daughters who are lucky to attend one of the Chancery schools. I am passionate about ensuring that all have access to good quality education to provide the best start in life. 
I am also a Chartered Engineer and Managing Director of a rapidly growing Engineering Services business that works in the UK and overseas. As part of my role, I am focused on skills and career development to help the business continue to thrive. As in a lot of businesses, the engineering sector is facing challenges with skills shortages, and benefits from closer links to education to support future needs. I look forward to being able to contribute to the success of the Trust in the future. 

 

Chris Bell

10 years’ experience working in manufacturing industry. Specialising in the manufacture of critical safety electrical & mechanical products. Experience in Risk, Assurance and Health & Safety. 

Currently working for the NDA in the Performance & Assurance team. The NDA is charged on behalf of the UK Government to clean-up the UK’s earliest nuclear sites safely, securely and cost effectively. 

Former pupil at one of the trust’s schools and a dedicated trustee committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-quality learning environment for all students.

Karen Fuller

I have worked in education for the last 30 years having many roles from Assistant Headteacher, Director of Teaching School, gaining accreditation as our own Initial Teacher Training provider in Cheshire East. I recently moved to Manchester Metropolitan University as Head of ITE Primary and Secondary Partnerships.
I have always had a strong connection with Chancery Trust. As a parent I chose one of the trust schools for my own children as its values deeply resonated with me. Whilst my own children were at the school, I joined the Parent Forum and was subsequently elected as a Parent Governor, and have maintained my connection ever since. I feel very privileged to work with such committed leaders who place children’s needs at the very heart of everything they do.

Andy Durrant

Appointed in September 2026, Andy is looking forward to supporting Chancery Trust with growing and shaping the future of the schools within. As a father of four, ranging from High School age to the youngest just embarking on her primary education within the Trust, Andy has a good experience of Primary education. He knows how important it is that all children feel supported and guided in the foundations of their future, both academically but also in the broader context of a child’s growth, where their emotional and social development can be just as important as the academic element.

Professionally, following a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Andy has worked in Research & Development at a luxury car brand for almost 20 years, moving through roles as a Development Engineer into Project Management where his expertise now lies.
Andy is looking forward to applying his skills and knowledge effectively to the Trustee role, and to playing a part in the growth of the schools and their educational delivery. He is highly motivated to support the Trust in its vision and ethos for the future.

Adrian Veale

Adrian joined the Board in December 2025 and has worked as an accountant in public practice for 44 years, the last 38 years being with DJH Business Advisors based in Stoke on Trent, with a portfolio of clients locally, nationally and internationally.

Adrian has previously been a Trustee of The Association of Accounting Technicians, a membership body with over 135,000 members and students, where he chaired the Education and Training and Committee and the Finance and Resources Committee. Adrian was also a Trustee of Stoke on Trent College of FE for several years, chairing the Finance committee and representing the College on a multi academy trust finance committee that the College sponsored the set-up of.  Adrian has recently stepped down as Chair of the Board of Trustees of YMCA Cheshire.

Adrian believes that the empowering of children and young people, and improving their aspirations through training and education, is fundamental for both the individual’s future and that of the country. This belief has enabled Adrian to volunteer in countries in east Africa and the middle east, where he has provided finance training to young people looking to set up their own businesses. He has also acted as a Trustee of two charities whose work is based in east Africa, including working with the victims of genocide in Rwanda, and also supporting the set-up of a medical centre and a school in Burundi.

 

Greg Corden

Education has been at the heart of my career for over 16 years. As a secondary teacher and Head of Department, I specialise in Business, Economics and Computer Science, teaching students from GCSE through to A Level and the International Baccalaureate. I have also worked as a GCSE examiner for both Edexcel and OCR, giving me valuable insight into how students achieve success.
I am particularly passionate about supporting students with SEND and currently lead work focused on expanding the use of assistive technology to improve access, independence and outcomes for learners.
As both a parent and Trustee, I feel a strong connection to Chancery Multi Academy Trust. My children are flourishing within the Trust’s schools, and I am excited to help shape opportunities for all young people across our community. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and keeping active through running and cycling.

Eloise Whiting

Eloise was appointed as a Trustee in September 2026. She is an Associate Member of the CIPD and currently works as an HR Manager for a membership charity. She has spent the majority of her career working in the non-profit sector. Her work involves understanding the challenges organisations face, finding practical solutions and supporting wider organisational priorities and strategy.
Eloise has worked with senior leaders and Boards throughout her career, contributing to governance and strategic decision-making. Previously, she worked for a charity supporting young people, where she developed a strong interest in equality and inclusive practice.
Outside of work, Eloise is a parent of two young children, one of whom attends a school within the Trust. She is looking forward to bringing her experience, alongside her perspective as a parent, to support the Trust and its schools.

 

Rupert Johnson

Rupert was appointed as a trustee of Chancery Academy Trust in September 2026. Originally from Congleton, he trained as a secondary science teacher and was briefly head of department at a school in Kidsgrove. He left teaching to join the Army, commissioning into the Royal Engineers in 2012. He has assumed a variety of leadership, operational management, and procurement related roles across Defence. He is experienced in developing and delivering strategy and policy, and leading diverse workforces. He is passionate about building cohesive teams in which everyone is given the opportunity to achieve their potential.

Rupert left the Army in 2025 to settle back in Cheshire with his family and ensure continuity of education for his daughter who attends one of the trust’s schools. He recently started a business that supports the delivery of social value initiatives. He believes strongly in service and community, and alongside his role as a trustee is also a Scout Leader.

Trustee Information and Register of Interests

NameTypeAppointed ByPosition(s)Committee(s)ElectedTerm EndsRoI updatedRegister of Interests
Name:
Adrian Veale
Type:
Trustee
Appointed By:
Trust Board
Position(s):
Committee(s):
Finance & Audit
Elected:
10-Dec-2025
Term Ends:
09-Dec-2029
RoI updated:
17-Nov-2025
Register of Interests:
Married to an employee at one of the trust schools.
Name:
Amanda Mellor
Type:
Trustee
Appointed By:
Trust Board
Position(s):
Committee Chair
LGB link
Committee(s):
Finance & Audit
Elected:
25-Mar-2022
Term Ends:
24-Mar-2026
RoI updated:
22-Sep-2025
Register of Interests:
None.
Name:
Andrew Durrant
Type:
Trustee
Appointed By:
Trust Board
Position(s):
Committee(s):
Elected:
01-Sep-2026
Term Ends:
31-Aug-2030
RoI updated:
Register of Interests:
Name:
Ann Kowalska
Type:
Trustee
Appointed By:
Trust Board
Position(s):
Chair
Committee(s):
Finance & Audit
Elected:
25-Oct-2024
Term Ends:
24-Oct-2028
RoI updated:
22-Sep-2025
Register of Interests:
Chair of the LGB for St John Fisher and St Thomas More Wythenshawe which is part of the Corpus Christi CMAT
Name:
Chris Bell
Type:
Trustee
Appointed By:
Trust Board
Position(s):
H&S Link
LGB link
Committee(s):
Finance & Audit
Elected:
29-Nov-2023
Term Ends:
28-Nov-2027
RoI updated:
08-Oct-2025
Register of Interests:
My children attend one of the trust schools
Name:
Eloise Whiting
Type:
Trustee
Appointed By:
Trust Board
Position(s):
Committee(s):
Elected:
01-Sep-2026
Term Ends:
31-Aug-2030
RoI updated:
Register of Interests:
Name:
Gregory Corden
Type:
Trustee
Appointed By:
Trust Board
Position(s):
Committee(s):
Elected:
01-Sep-2026
Term Ends:
31-Aug-2030
RoI updated:
Register of Interests:
Name:
Karen Fuller
Type:
Trustee
Appointed By:
Trust Board
Position(s):
Committee(s):
Elected:
10-Dec-2025
Term Ends:
09-Dec-2029
RoI updated:
16-Sep-2025
Register of Interests:
None.
Name:
Louise Gibson
Type:
Trustee
Appointed By:
Trust Board
Position(s):
SEND Link
Safeguarding link
LGB link
Committee(s):
Elected:
22-Mar-2023
Term Ends:
21-Mar-2027
RoI updated:
08-Oct-2025
Register of Interests:
Member at Kaleidoscope Learning Trust
Teach Initial Teacher Education at Reaseheath college
Name:
Maria Stelmach
Type:
Trustee
Appointed By:
Trust Board
Position(s):
Vice Chair
Committee(s):
Elected:
22-Mar-2023
Term Ends:
21-Mar-2027
RoI updated:
08-Oct-2025
Register of Interests:
Child attends one of the Trust Schools
Name:
Rupert Johnson
Type:
Trustee
Appointed By:
Trust Board
Position(s):
Committee(s):
Elected:
01-Sep-2026
Term Ends:
31-Aug-2030
RoI updated:
Register of Interests:
Name:
Sarah-Louise Gohr
Type:
Trustee
Appointed By:
Member Board
Position(s):
CEO
Accounting Officer
Committee(s):
Finance & Audit
Elected:
01-Jan-2020
Term Ends:
N/A
RoI updated:
08-Sep-2025
Register of Interests:
Employed by the Trust
Sister of one of the teachers in a trust school
Name:
Simon Varo
Type:
Trustee
Appointed By:
Trust Board
Position(s):
LGB link
Committee(s):
Finance & Audit
Elected:
29-Nov-2023
Term Ends:
28-Nov-2027
RoI updated:
08-Oct-2025
Register of Interests:
One of my children attend one of the trust schools.
Name:
(Ros Caulfield)
Type:
Trustee
Appointed By:
Member Board
Position(s):
PP Link
Committee(s):
Elected:
01-Apr-2018
Term Ends:
03-Sep-2026
RoI updated:
22-Sep-2025
Register of Interests:
None
Name:
(Paul Tomkow)
Type:
Trustee
Appointed By:
Trust Board
Position(s):
LGB link
Committee(s):
Elected:
01-Sep-2025
Term Ends:
04-Mar-2026
RoI updated:
17-Oct-2025
Register of Interests:
None
Name:
(Kerry Hulson)
Type:
Associate Member
Appointed By:
Trust Board
Position(s):
Committee(s):
Finance & Audit
Elected:
06-May-2025
Term Ends:
05-Dec-2025
RoI updated:
29-Aug-2025
Register of Interests:
Chair of Governors at Pikemere School

Continuing professional development for all staff