Trustees (ID 1046)

• Rachel Phillips
  Chair
  Rachel Phillips

  Rachel corporate roles have provided her with extensive experience in strategic planning, business planning, project management, finance and human resources.In addition, Rachel’s role as Foundation governor from 2008 – 2016 and, subsequently Chair of Governors from 2010-2016 in St Michael’s Easthampstead Church of England Primary School and Chair of Governors from 2017-2019 in Jennett’s Park Primary School has enabled her to develop a detailed understanding of primary phase education governance.Rachel has served as a Director on the Board of Trustees since 2017.

• Lyn Baily
  Vice Chair
  Lyn Baily

  Lyn has been an independent education consultant, having retired as Senior Primary Adviser for the local authority. She has extensive experience of school improvement, having worked as an adviser for three local authorities, been seconded as Headteacher to 5 schools experiencing difficulties and been substantive Headteacher of two Primary schools, one of which was a failing school and in four years was judged as outstanding.

  Lyn has carried out training and development for headteachers and Governing Bodies for several local authorities and has Chaired Monitoring Boards and committees which support improving schools.

  Lyn has served as a Director on the Board of Trustees since 2017.

• Ruth Jackson
  Director
  Ruth Jackson

  Ruth has over 20 years’ experience of teaching in a wide range of primary schools, and is currently the Head of a local school.

  She has experience of working alongside, and developing school leaders to promote school improvement. Ruth also mentors newly appointed Heads, and has experience of working alongside schools in special measures, providing focused support and advice for leadership teams and classroom staff.

  Ruth is currently the Co-Chair of PHAB (Primary Heads around Bracknell) and regularly represents the group in meetings with the LA. She also sits on the Bracknell Forest SACRE (Standing Advisory Council for RE).

  Ruth has served as a Director on the Board of Trustees since 2019.

• Robert Kelly
  Director
  Robert Kelly

  Robert graduated from the University of Hull in 1995 with an honours degree in Economics, and has worked as an Information Services consultant for over twenty years in a wide range of organisations from multinational corporations to government agencies. He has been responsible for planning and delivering numerous large-scale transformation projects globally.

  Outside of his professional life, Robert and his wife are foster carers for Bracknell Forest and are passionate about improving outcomes and opportunities for all children. His close involvement with Children's Services has given him knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures and legislation.

  Robert has served as a Director on the Board of Trustees since 2019.

• Jason Searancke
  Director
  Jason Searancke

  Jason is a Chartered Accountant with 15+ years in senior/Director roles in the charity and not for profit sectors, and multiple previous board and standing committee engagements.

  He is currently the Head of Finance of a large charity which supports beneficiaries in Education, Science, Public Policy and Arts in the UK, and which provides poverty relief to beneficiaries in East Africa.

  Jason hopes to draw on this knowledge and experience to contribute constructive support, challenge and oversight of the Bonitas Trust as it sets about its ambitious expansion plans with the goal of developing its pupils to their maximum potential.

  Jason has served as a Director on the Board of Trustees since March 2023.

• Dr Andrew Hill
  Director
  Dr Andrew Hill

  Dr Andrew Hill is a Podiatrist and Senior Lecturer & Programme Lead on a BSc (Hons) Podiatry degree. He has 20 years' experience as a healthcare professional and over 15 years' experience in higher education and academia. He is a fellow of the Royal College and Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and has a Fellowship at the Higher Education Academy. Andrew has held many posts on strategic boards at both the local and national level in the context of higher education and healthcare training. He became a director/trustee of Bonitas in 2023 and brings all of his industry and higher education experience and expertise to the trust.