Governance

David Hughes is a chartered accountant with 30 years’ experience. He trained with the National Audit Office, where he audited central government departments, including DfE and its agencies. In 2014, he entered the education sector, becoming finance director at a school in Kent. Since that point, he has led finance and operations at schools, multi-academy trusts and even in further education. He is also a parent of children in the state school system. This broad experience puts him in an ideal position to support the Trust with its ambitious strategic objectives.

Indrajit Dey is a chartered accountant with over 25 years’ experience in large InfoTech multinational corporations and has worked in several countries. He has expertise in Strategy Consulting, Finance Management and Mergers and Acquisitions. He is passionate about making a difference in the field of education and has been on boards of education trusts since 2022.

Melanie Gardner is currently General Manager of an agricultural company serving the UK market, bringing over 20 years of experience in HR and Business Development. Known for her strategic insight and people-focused leadership, Mel has a strong track record of driving organisational growth through operational excellence. She joined ALT in January 2025 and is passionate about promoting people strategy, engagement, and a positive workplace culture. Mel is particularly enthusiastic about contributing to the Trust’s educational mission and supporting the development and success of both staff and students on their learning journeys.

Toni Kittle is an experienced system leader with a strong track record of school improvement across both primary and secondary phases. She is CEO at South East Essex Academy Trust, where she leads on the Trust’s educational strategy, standards, and outcomes. Prior to this, Toni served as Director of Secondary Education at Unity Schools Partnership, working as part of the executive team supporting 40 schools across primary, secondary, and special sectors. She has held headship and executive headship roles and is recognised for her success in driving sustained improvement in a range of school contexts. Toni’s leadership has focused on inclusion, with responsibility for Attendance and Belonging, and she has also acted as the trust’s strategic link for careers education. She is deeply committed to improving life chances for disadvantaged children and has led this work at a regional level as Strategic Lead for Children’s University across Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. In addition, Toni brings governance experience as Chair of the Local Advisory Board for Include Suffolk Alternative Provision. 

Julie Perry is a self-professed lifelong learner and leader forged in a career initially in financial services. At Aviva, she developed skills and experiences in all departments of a general insurance committee and her career concluded as Global Head of General Insurance Risk. After sponsorship to undertake an MBA (with Open University), her segue into education commenced by becoming a Trustee and latterly chair of a Multi-Academy Trust in the East of England, Eastern Multi-Academy Trust. At the end of the 10-year engagement, all academies had made significant progress in educational outcomes and most had become academies of choice in their locales. Julie expanded her involvement by joining Horizons Education Trust in 2021 and is now chair of the small special academy chain. She volunteers as a frequent member of the Cambridgeshire County Council School Admissions Appeal Panels.

Amy Stuart is the Estates & Facilities Director at The David Ross Education Trust, a large multi-academy trust spanning the eastern corridor of the UK with responsibility for the strategic oversight, development and management of the Trust's estate. Amy brings over 10 years’ experience working in the education sector, including roles within multi-academy trusts and private consultancy. Her professional background provides a strong technical foundation alongside a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing school estates. Amy is passionate about the built environment and its role in supporting high-quality education. She is committed to improving and investing in estates to create safe, sustainable and inspiring spaces that benefit pupils, staff and the wider community.