David is CEO of a large, successful Multi Academy Trust; he has led schools as Headteacher and Executive Headteacher for fifteen years.  As a National Leader of Education, he has worked across the school system as a system leader, associate headteacher and in a mentoring capacity.  He has a passion for education and believes that success is possible in any context, given the right ethos, management, systems and organisation.  David is part of the Q and A panel for ForgeCPD. 

Helen has a track record of successful school leadership and is deputy CEO of a large Multi Academy Trust in Rotherham.  She is a National Leader of Education and works as a consultant for Rotherham School Improvement Service, supporting a wide range of schools across South Yorkshire.  Helen is a member of the Q and A panel for ForgeCPD. 

Jo has a wealth of experience across the education sector ranging from being a Deputy Headteacher instrumental in the journey to becoming an outstanding primary school, taking a dedicated leading role within the 'Action Zone' agenda as well as working as a National Literacy consultant for Barnsley LA.  She has worked across the school system as a consultant, driving up standards and empowering professionals to succeed.  She is committed to supporting schools in developing sustainable self-improvement models. 

Emily is Deputy Head of the Centre for Development and Research in Education, and Head of the Funded Knowledge Exchange for Sheffield Institute of Education.  In addition, she is a member of the Association for Science Education, the International Professional Development Association, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.  She also leads the Sheffield Institute of Education's Research-Engaged Practice Network.  She has researched and written extensively on how to develop quality assurance of teachers’ CPD.

Steve worked for the Rotherham Creative Learning Centre for the last fifteen years as Digital Media Lead and Tutor delivering IT and digital media projects across primary, secondary and special schools.  He began work as Head of Digital Media for Forge CPD in September 2021 and is excited by the challenge to create a high-quality interactive platform for schools. 

​

​

​

Deborah is the Strategic Safeguarding Lead for the James Montgomery Academy Trust.  She is committed to achieving a consistent approach to safeguarding practice across trust schools and seeks to develop and improve safeguarding training for staff at all levels. 

Sue has worked within early years education for over twenty five years and is an Assistant Headteacher and FS2 teacher in Rotherham.  She is a Specialist Leader of Education for EYFS and oversees EYFS school improvement in her role as an Associate Leader team within RoSIS.  She believes in the importance of getting it right in the Foundation Stage to build a solid base for a child's future successes.

​

​

​

David is CEO of Maltby Learning Trust.  He is passionate that the MAT reflects the local context and serves the needs of children in and beyond the learning community.  The Maltby Learning Trust is now widely recognised for its innovative cross phase work and the high standards achieved across the Trust.  David is a National Leader of Education supporting schools facing challenging circumstances. 

Karen Smith is an experienced and talented school leader, who has a passion for inclusivity. She has led a number of local initiatives across both Sheffield and Rotherham Authorities and was also part of the pre-NPQH pilot ‘Go For It’ across South Yorkshire. She has successfully achieved the Primary Executive Headteacher (PEH) Programme, has a MSc in Leadership and Management and has Level 7 qualifications in Coaching and Mentoring and Counselling Skills. She is also a trained Ofsted Inspector. In her role as Leadership Consultant, Karen will be utilising these skills to work collaboratively across South Yorkshire to ensure that Forge is fulfilling it’s vision.

Jackie works in a range of capacities supporting the school system, including governance, compliance and health and safety.  She has a passion for improving the life chances and aspirations of the community in which she serves.  She facilitates compliance for a Multi Academy Trust as well as administration for the Teaching School. 

​

​

​

​

​

Cheryl has extensive experience in working with schools across the Yorkshire region as well as on a national level . She is a recognised trainer of the DfE Engagement Model and a member of the National Network of Specialist Provision which contributes to the national SEND agenda.  She has worked with various organisations to develop SEND enhancement throughout their programmes including Initial Teacher Training, the Early Career Framework, National Professional Qualifications for middle and senior leaders to ensure that SEND is represented and understood by all. Cheryl is passionate about all children being included in their school and wider community but particularly children with SEND to be successfully included. 

Chris is CEO of Chorus Education Trust.  He moved to Chorus Education Trust from Nova Education Trust in the East Midlands where he was Senior Executive Headteacher.  He is a National Leader of Education working across the school system.