Trustee Profiles

Trev has recently retired after working for the NHS (Commissioning) and Berkshire’s Local Authorities (Social Services and Public Health) for 37 years. He was Chair of Governor’s for a Reading Secondary School for 10 years and has also been a Governor at a Primary School. Trev is passionate about diversity and equality, about social education as much as academic education and ensuring that Denefield enables each young person fulfils their potential as they wish.

Appointed 25/05/22, term of office 24/05/26

Adam is currently a software engineer working for Cisco on global phone systems. He initially trained as a Research Scientist publishing widely on Computer Networks, Systems and Security whilst at University College London.  He completed his PhD in mobile networks at UCL in 2012.  Adam has one son at Denefield.  As a trustee he takes a particular interest in policies and procedures and compliance issues.

Appointed 24/10/2019, term of office 18/10/2027

Mr Towill has been appointed a Trustee by virtue of his being Headteacher at Denefield. 

He took up his position in September 2019 having worked at a senior leader level in two previous schools, including as both Deputy Headteacher and Associate Headteacher.

Stephen is a Forensic Scientist responsible for managing a laboratory that undertakes the analysis of samples to support the sports, employment, police, MOD and courts sectors. Professionally Stephen is responsible for the budgetary, health and safety and quality considerations for a scientific site.

Stephen has one child at Denefield, is currently also a trustee for a children’s charity and has coached under 11’s football.

Appointed 18/12/2020, term of office 17/12/2024.

Amy is currently a Senior Research Officer for Qualifications Wales. She is also a qualified teacher, having previously taught religious studies, philosophy and sociology for a secondary school in Oxfordshire. Whilst teaching, Amy completed an MSc in Comparative and International Education at the University of Oxford where she developed an interest in issues of equity and inclusivity in education. Amy is a member of the Standards Committee as well as the Trust Board.

Appointed 13/07/22, term of office 12/07/26

Kate is currently a student herself, studying Fine Art at Chelsea College of Art. Prior to this she worked in the Medical Device and Material Science industries. Her 15-year career covered various commercial roles within procurement, customer service, operations and marketing. Having completed her first degree in Physics Kate has a strong passion for encouraging girls within science and mathematics. Kate is currently the Careers Link Governor for Denefield.

Appointed 19/10/22, term of office 18/10/26

Steve is a father of three, one of whom has already been through Denefield, and his other two children are currently enrolled. Steve is an immigrant from New Zealand and works within the real estate sector for Kennedy Wilson as the Head of Retail.

Steve is a serial volunteer, having been a cub scout leader, the coach of his son’s rugby team, and the coach of his daughter’s football team. A general lack of sporting ability and knowledge has not stopped him. Steve was previously a Trustee at Denefield for four years up until his term expired in 2020.

With one of his children having the daily challenges of special needs, Steve has a particular interest in making sure that SEND students have access to an inclusive education, and a supportive team of educators and staff dedicated to their success. Steve is the SEND and Premises Trustee and sits on both the Resources and Standards Committee.

Appointed 01/02/23, term of office 31/01/2027

Olive is an experienced professional with 19 years in operational roles within Transport for London. In her current role as a Customer Service Manager for London Underground, she oversees the safe and effective running of station operations, has extensive knowledge of compliance, policy and process improvement.

Olive is also an advisory board member for a local charity supporting Berkshire families who have children and young people with disabilities.

Olive has one child attending Denefield School.

Appointed 08/02/23, term of office 07/02/2027

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Siân is an infrastructure professional with a Doctorate in Business Administration, Siân takes pride in providing a unique and powerful combination of expertise and diversity of thought. A Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and Chartered Management Institute, Siân has spent over 20 years in infrastructure delivering in general business, project and operational roles.  With experience across UK regulated water utilities, international oil and gas, rail and construction megaprojects, she brings a range of alternative perspectives to enabling success and driving change.    Her doctoral thesis explored collaboration between teams in a megaproject, fuelling her passion to understand how to facilitate the best and most productive interactions between teams.

Siân has previously volunteered instructing at Adventure Dolphin in Pangbourne, as a DofE assessor and as a Governor at Theale Primary School.  She is keen to put skills gained in her professional career to good use in supporting the Denefield community for success. 

Appointed 08/02/23, term of office 07/02/2027

Magdalena is currently a Global Mobility Senior Manager working for Equinix and responsible for global mobility operations in EMEA. She studied politics and international relations at Reading University before completing a tax accounting qualification with Deloitte and progressing her career within regulatory compliance. She has a keen interest in sustainability, DE&I and leadership development and wellbeing. Magdalena has one daughter at Denefield.

Appointed 21/03/2023, term of office 20/03/023

Claire is an accomplished and dedicated professional with extensive experience in the world of media.

This is Claire’s first role as a Trustee, and she is looking forward to supporting the school.  Claire has a passion for mental health and communication.

Claire has three children, one child attending Denefield, another who left in 2022 and the eldest of the three attended Mary Hare.

Claire sits on both the standards and resources committee and is the trustee lead for communications.

Appointed 17/05/23, term of office 16/05/2027

Dawn is an accomplished and dedicated professional with extensive experience in the retail industry. With a passion for delivering exceptional customer service and a keen eye for business operations, Dawn has successfully managed various retail stores throughout her career. As a dedicated School Trustee, she brings her expertise and leadership skills to contribute to the development and success of our school community.

Dawn has two children attending Denefield.

Dawn sits on both the standards and resources committee and is the trustee lead for PE and extra curriculum activities.

Appointed 17/05/23, term of office 16/05/2027

Jennifer Mitchell is an In-house Employment Counsel for a telecommunications company. She advises her employer in all Employment law related matters.

This is Jennifer's first role as a Trustee, and she is looking forward to supporting the school.  Jennifer has a passion for Diversity and Inclusion as well as supporting children with special needs.

Appointed 17/05/23, term of office 16/05/2027

Stephen is currently employed as the Head of Sales for a law firm and has over 30 years’ pharmaceutical sales and marketing experience and has been retained as a judge for an annual pharmaceutical sales award event for 6 years.

Stephen has 5 years’ experience as a school governor at a local primary school. He has held a number of roles within this time including: Vice Chair Resources committee, Chair of the Pupil Achievement committee, Chair of the Curriculum and Learning committee, Link governor for SEND, Chair of an exclusions panel, Head Teacher recruitment panel member, Head Teacher Performance Management panel member.

Stephen is also a trustee of the Purley Park Trust that provides supported living for vulnerable adults.

Stephen has two sons; the older will join Denefield in September 2023.

Appointed 17/05/23, term of office 16/05/2027

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Appointed 13/07/23, term of office 12/07/2027

Mark is UK Director of Engineering at ChargePoint, a multinational electric vehicle charger maker. Before this, he was head of engineering at McLaren Applied, McLaren’s motorsport electronics and advanced engineering arm. Mark has an MSc in Computer System Design from Cranfield University and an MBA from the University of Surrey. Mark volunteers as a mountain & hillwalking leader getting young people into the great outdoors.  He is on the trustee board and standards committee and advises DofE.

Appointed 13/07/23, term of office 12/07/2027

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Appointed 23/10/23, term of office 22/10/2027