John Lomas

Board Member
John has been in education for over 40 years. He spent the majority of those years in Special Education as teacher, deputy headteacher and as Headteacher at a residential/ day special school in Kent.
He was Senior Adviser for SEN and Head of SEN Support Services in Trafford Council for 7 years until 2011.
He is now an SEN Consultant (self-employed) 2011-date. Roles have included Acting Head of SEN (Rochdale) and Acting SEN Assessment Manager (Kirklees).
He was also the LA representative at SEN Tribunals 2001-2014.

Sue Gill

Board Member

Sue has many years’ experience as an academic, organisational psychology practitioner and operational manager. She has worked most recently as deputy programme director of the MSc in Health Care Leadership at the Alliance Manchester Business School where she also led modules on the MSc in International Health Care Leadership and Clinical Doctorate in Health Care Sciences.

Prior to this, Sue lectured at Salford University Business School, leading modules on their MBA, MSc in HRM and MSc in Management Practice programmes. Sue also led on consultancy and enterprise activities within the Universities, applying principles of evidence based best practice and also the experience she gained as Director of SG Associates (UK) Ltd, an Organisational Psychology consultancy providing organisation and management development services to a wide range of organisations in both the public and private sector.

Sue’s academic and consultancy practice is informed by her experience as an operational manager in the NHS and pharmaceutical industry where she held senior management roles including as Director of Quality Assurance and Human Resource Management on the board of an NHS Trust.

She is an experienced performance coach and BPS qualified in psychometric testing, including MBTI. She is also a qualified practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Oshry Systems Workshops.

Sue has an enthusiastic and inclusive approach which makes her an effective and credible facilitator. She has extensive experience of action learning, large programme design and delivery, including blended and e learning and the use of open space technology. Having recently retired, Sue is looking forward to becoming involved in supporting the work of the Sovereign Trust in any way she can.

Rik Waddon

Board Member

Rik is a multi-medallist Paralympian. Rik is a patron of two other Children’s charities; broadcaster and sports ambassador. Rik says that he understands the challenges for our children and is keen to support them in any way he can. He is an accomplished motivational speaker.

Caroline Oxley

Board Member
Caroline is an HR specialist currently working for a large company who have Early Years settings and After School / Holiday clubs (12 locations), employing circa 200 staff. She provides HR leadership and coaching to all managers and staff across the company. Caroline has proven ability to develop and motivate others.
She has expertise and experience in the implementation of new integrated HR & Payroll systems.
She advises on disciplinary/grievance and capability processes ensuring that these are conducted and recorded in accordance with Statutory and company procedures. She also leads on TUPE consultation processes, dealing with all aspects of consultation and confirmation of measures.

David Rowntree

Board Member

David is a senior P&C insurance professional with international experience in developed and emerging markets. He is highly experienced in portfolio management, product development across personal, commercial and corporate segments, turning around unprofitable portfolios, corporate finance and strategy.
His skills include Management and leadership; Developing competitive strategy; Product development and portfolio management; Internal controlling & governance; Technical training and developing people; Leading change.