Governance
Welcome to our Trustees and Members page
Here, you can learn about the dedicated individuals who lead and support our mission. Our Trustees provide valuable expertise and direction, ensuring we continue to move forward with purpose. Meanwhile, our Members are the heart of our organisation, contributing their passion, time, and energy to help us achieve meaningful change. Together, they form a strong community committed to making a lasting impact.
John Bolton
Trustee since 10 November 2025
John Bolton is a highly effective and strategic Human Resources professional, offering significant
experience in complex change management and industrial relations.
For the last thirteen years, John has specialised in the education sector, currently serving as
Head of HR Services (North) for Lift Schools (formerly Academies Enterprise Trust). This role
requires strategic oversight of HR services for twenty-five primary and secondary schools across
the north and midlands. Crucially, John is also responsible for managing the Trust’s national
payroll team and function.
His expertise extends beyond general HR matters, encompassing complex strategic work
streams such as reorganisations, large-scale restructures, and TUPE transfers. John’s high-level
involvement includes regular engagement with stakeholders, specifically through his role on the
Joint Consultative and Negotiation Committee, where he routinely meets with national
negotiators from teaching and support staff unions. This background, which includes prior
experience in public, private, and outsourced environments, ensures a robust understanding of
operational delivery and risk management.
As a former student of Armthorpe Academy, John is familiar with the Trust’s heritage and is
driven by a profound commitment to working collaboratively with colleagues to enhance the life
chances of our young people.