Meet the Team

Claire Dempsey is a retired Lecturer, teaching FE and HE in the Land-based sector. Her qualifications include a PGCert in Coaching and Mentoring,  a BSc (Hons) in Animal Science, a HND in Equine Business Management and a CertEd. Claire enjoyed teaching students of all levels and abilities and mentoring trainee teachers.

From 2016 Claire was an active volunteer on the Board of Trustees at Arleston Community Centre, firstly as Vice Chair and then Chair. Claire is the Vice Chair of Arleston Residents Group and often helps at community and fundraising events.

Claire set up the Read Easy Telford and Shropshire East group in 2019 and is the group's Team Leader. Setting up the group has been so rewarding, teaching adults to read for free, with like-minded volunteers is a real privilege. 

Sarah Finch is an outstanding educational leader and the CEO of The Marches Academy Trust (MAT), a multi-academy sponsor based in Shropshire.

With over 30 years’ experience in the sector, Sarah plays a major role in challenging underperformance and has a strong reputation for ensuring high educational standards.

Dean Harris is a Director and Business Consultant at The Business Company, based in Shrewsbury (www.thebusinesscompany.biz).  Her background is in operations and finance.

Dean has extensive experience of the third sector – she served as a magistrate  (in family and criminal courts) for over 20 years, was High Sheriff of Shropshire for 2020/21 and is a trustee on several local trusts and charities.

Away from The Business Company and her voluntary activities, Dean can be found in the gym, at the cinema, entertaining or indulging her passion for travelling, fashion and interior design. She also loves nothing better than a good walk in the Shropshire countryside!

Mandy Jones is the Executive Headteacher of Cockshutt C of E Primary School and Criftins C of E Primary School based in North Shropshire. 

Mandy is an outstanding leader noted by Ofsted and works extensively for Telford and Shropshire supporting school improvement.

Jane Lloyd, with a BSc Hons in Management and an MSc in Systems Thinking, has over 35 years of consulting experience specialising in industrial relations, organisational development, and culture change. Her work spans leading transformation projects for blue-chip companies and public sector organisations like BP, Siemens, and the Department of Health, as well as pioneering approaches to organisational learning and knowledge management.

Internationally, Jane has worked with the UN and global stakeholders on CSR and sustainable development, and more recently, supported leadership initiatives for Petroleum Brunei, Morgan Sindall, and HS2. She also helped establish the business consulting arm at the University of Lincoln Business School.

Claire has 30 years of experience in education. She has been involved in all aspects of leadership during this time and has particularly focused on investing in the development and growth of others. Claire is committed to contributing to community projects that ensure lives and opportunities improve in the local area.

Catherine Bennett is the Founder and Managing Director at Caboodle Technology, Caboodle Technology are one of the UK's leading independent employee benefits and engagement companies offering a professional and innovative solution. 

Catherine is also a Trustee of The Marches Academy Trust.

Stuart is part of the Leadership Team at Shrewsbury School with responsibility for Partnership and Community Engagement. He has experience in academic and pastoral leadership and management, having previously been a Head of Department in modern foreign languages and also a housemaster in two boarding houses. 

Stuart is also a Trustee of ‘Shrewsbury House’, a youth club in Everton which supports the local community there.

Dean Harris is Director and Business Advisor at The Business Company, based in Shrewsbury which provides a range of services which support business to improve, re-engineer, grow, acquire or exit. 

In addition, Dean also has extensive experience of the voluntary sector - she served as a magistrate (in family and criminal courts) for over 22 years, was High Sheriff of Shropshire for 2021/22, is the independent Chair of the Telford & Wrekin Domestic Abuse Forum and a trustee on several local trusts and charities.