Our Central Team

Joanne Sanchez-Thompson, Chief Executive Office

It's been my pleasure to be Chief Executive Officer of the Trust since September 2016. It's fantastic to be able to work with so many committed and talented staff across the four schools, so that our children can get the very best education and experiences.

I have a very wide range of experiences working in education over the past 30 years: I have worked in eight different schools in the UK and the US and taught every age group from Reception to sixth form. I have been headteacher of 2 schools and worked for the local authority as a school improvement partner, as well as being an independent education consultant and having the privilege of visiting schools on inspection. I have also been a school governor in 3 schools.

Andy Goodsell, Chief Operations and Finance Officer

I joined the Trust in April 2020. I have an extensive knowledge of the operational, project and financial environments, working for the Royal Air Force (Air Traffic Controller) and British Canoeing (Major Events and Competitions).

I have also been involved with Primary School Governance and Business Management within Peterborough schools. As COFO my role is to provide the strategic leadership and management of financial, personnel, premises, health and safety and ICT matters and functions to support the delivery of good outcomes for all our pupils.

Antony Witheyman, Trust Development Lead

I joined the Trust in September 2023 as Trust Development Lead after 9 years as CEO of a MAT in South Northants and 11 Years as a Primary Headteacher.  Innovate MAT was formed in 2014 and I became CEO from Day 1.  The Trust consisted of 4 village Primary Schools near Daventry and in 2022 we grew to add 2 new schools.  I led the conversion process from start to finish and this was incredibly successful.  I have worked in a wide range of Primary and Middle school settings working in a range of roles from Class Teacher, to Deputy Head to Executive Head all in Northamptonshire. 

Lucy Sadler, Trust Curriculum Lead

I have been working in one of the Trust Schools as Deputy Headteacher since the trust formed in 2015  where my role includes leading on curriculum, assessment and pupil outcomes.  In September 2023 I was delighted to join the trust central team for two days a week in the role of Trust Lead for Curriculum.  Within this role, I work with the headteachers of all the schools to ensure that all pupils achieve the best possible outcomes from their individual starting points through embedding a knowledge rich, coherent, challenging and nurturing curriculum that provides enriching experiences.

Jenny Cooper, Trust Facilities Manager

After joining the Trust in 2018, I ensure that the estate of schools, buildings and grounds, meet the needs of all children, staff and visitors. This could be from a cleaning aspect to overseeing larger projects. I also oversee the security and health and safety aspects of school life making sure all elements are compliant. My role is very varied, which I love, no two days are ever the same.

Laura Civil, HR Officer

I joined the Trust in April 2022 to provide day to day Human Resources services including recruitment and retention, absence management, monitoring and development of personnel policies and procedures, professional development, and other general HR support.

I am very much enjoying my role and look forward to continuing to develop support for the senior leadership, central team, and staff at the Trust to be effective in their roles and provide the very best quality of provision to our children.

Wendy Raymond, Payroll and HR Administrator

Having joined the Trust in April 2022, I provide day-to-day payroll administration services to all staff working in the Trust.

My role requires excellent attention to detail and communications skills. I am committed to supporting the Trust’s vision and look forward to working with staff across the Trust.

Sarah Thomas, Personal Assistant to CEO & COFO

I joined the Trust in 2018 providing administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations and Finance Officer.  From organisation of meetings and handling correspondence, to managing governance structures and creating marketing communications, I enjoy the varied role.  It is great to be able to contribute to some of the exciting initiatives our schools are involved in.