Paul qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1970 and became a partner in an accounting practice in 1980 which later became part of Deloitte - one of the largest international accounting and consulting practices.

He remained in partnership in Deloitte until retirement in 2001. During this time, he specialised in providing audit and advisory services to the voluntary and not-for-profit sectors, including charities, housing associations, and universities. He lectured on financial and accounting subjects and is the author of a book on the Audit of Housing Associations.

Since retirement, Paul has assisted several charities, both in an advisory capacity and by serving on the board. These volunteer positions have included chairing the Fullabrook Wind Farm CIC and acting as a volunteer advisor with Citizens Advice in Ilfracombe.

He is married to Gill, they have three married daughters and six grandchildren, two of whom attended Pilton Bluecoat school. Paul and Gill are members of South Street Chapel, Braunton, and his current interests include rugby - particularly the Exeter Chiefs, and vintage cars - particularly Lagondas.

Reverend Marion has had a connection to Pilton Bluecoat school for nearly 50 years. Both of her Sons attended and so did two of her Grandchildren! Marion has always played an active role in the school and the community of Pilton. She is passionate about children's we​ll-being and their education, and she loves being a support for families. Being with, and helping people is what drives Marion and this care and enthusiasm makes her a very valued member of the Trustee Team.

Marion's interests outside of the church, school and community are walking, painting and writing - especially poetry.

Melanie and her family moved to North Devon in 2019, after living in Saudi Arabia for 11 years when she worked in an international, not-for-profit, through school (English curriculum based), in a multitude of roles including as a classroom teacher, learning support teacher and as an acting SENCo.

Melanie has 4 children, her eldest is currently applying for university, whilst her youngest started at Umberleigh Academy this academic year. She volunteers for the Cinnamon Trust, as a dog walker and thoroughly enjoys her time outside, using it to listen to podcasts and discover new places in the beautiful North Devon countryside. 

Russell is a senior executive and former CEO with over 40 years experience of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare industries, now running his own business consultancy company. He serves as a Non Executive Director for commercial companies and is chair of a local charitable trust.

Married with 5 grown up children his hobbies include; golf, guitar (both of which need constant improving) and travel.

Becoming a Trustee of TEAM Academy Trust  offered the opportunity for Russell to marry his commercial and governance experience in support of a dynamic and growing team within an area that is paramount, the nurturing and growth of our future.

Susie became involved with High Bickington school as a governor when her eldest child started in reception there in 2011. She became a Trustee when High Bickington joined the Multi Academy Trust and although both her children have now left the school she continues to be both a Trustee and the chair of the Local Governing Body.

She runs her own business as a Chartered Management Accountant helping small businesses in north Devon manage their finances and this helps her support the Trustees as a member of the Finance Committee.

Her whole family are keen horse riders (her daughter was a founding member of the TEAM Academy show jumping team) and spend their free time enjoying the North Devon countryside.   

Sue is now  retired, prior to this she worked for 20 years as a clinician and manager in the NHS, parenthood followed, and then 20 years as a counsellor in a variety of settings.

Sue is a firm believer in lifelong learning, demonstrated by her completion of a Masters degree in 2019. The roots of a desire for learning are, she believes, laid in our schools.

Sue became a governor and Trustee to oversee the strategies that will allow all our children to reach their potential, love learning and to support the wellbeing of all within TEAM's schools

Penny became a governor of Umberleigh school 10 years ago, moving to chair of the federation between Umberleigh and Brayford schools then chair of TEAM MAT in October 2015. Penny then stood down as chair allowing fresh blood to take over in 2018.

Penny is retired, her previous career was in the Pharmaceutical industry in sales and marketing. She was  sales Director for the UK sales division then became an internal consultant to their European and Middle Eastern affiliates. This role also had management responsibility over the European Learning and Development departments. 

Penny is chair of the Brayford and Umberleigh Local Governing Body and admissions portfolio group. she is also a member on the personnel portfolio group and standards and scrutiny.  Penny became a governor because she believes that all children deserve the best education we can give them and that they should enjoy every minute of it. Currently Penny has three Grandchildren attending Umberleigh Academy.