Endeavour Learning Trust Board Membership including Committees
TRUSTEE BIOPICS
HELEN DICKER (CHAIR)
Helen, Chair of Endeavour Learning Trust, holds an Engineering Science degree from Durham University and is a Chartered Civil Engineer. She worked as a geotechnical engineer and project manager before focusing on her children and voluntary work. As Chair of Governors at Tarleton Community Primary School for 16 years and a Governor at Tarleton High School, she led its conversion to Academy status. She has also been a Parish Councillor and held roles at Tarleton Corinthians Football Club, securing significant funding for community projects. Awarded an MBE in 2017 for services to education, Helen excels in leadership and performance management.
DAVID LATHAM
David was the UK Managing Director for a Canadian based company that provide software solutions for a range of businesses. He has broad experience as a Technical Director and also worked in consultancy developing business. His period in consultancy allowed him to work on various projects including some in the Middle East. He has broad experience of business growth and development as well as an understanding of finance and HR systems, commercial sales and marketing.
COLIN FENNY
Colin is a Solicitor and Director at Harrison Drury Solicitors, heading the Property and Construction Litigation Department, managing a team of seven lawyers. He has been a Governor at Churchtown Primary School since March 2015, initially elected as a Parent Governor and later co-opted onto the Local Academy Council. Colin has served as Vice-Chair of Governors since 2017, overseeing a successful Ofsted inspection and the school's conversion to academy status. He joined the Trustee Board for Endeavour Learning Trust in April 2019. Colin is married with two children in secondary school and is a Newcastle United fan.
GAYNOR BAHAN
Before teaching, Gaynor worked in engineering, fuelling her passion for STEM. She taught mathematics in various secondary schools for 15 years and served as an Assistant Headteacher, contributing to teaching improvements and coaching teachers. She also lectured in Mathematical Statistics at Edge Hill University. Since June 2018, Gaynor has been the Regional Lead for Lancashire and West Yorkshire at NCETM. Here, she acts as the principal NCETM link to the Maths Hub leadership and management teams in the region and collaborates with stakeholders to enhance Mathematics education. Gaynor is dedicated to closing the achievement gap between disadvantaged children and their peers. She also has two young girls and is passionate that gender should not influence choice.
KATHRYN BATES
Kathie is a senior professional with extensive cross government experience and a record of inspirational leadership. She began her career as a high school teacher, working with vulnerable students before transitioning to the Civil Service. Kathie has held key roles, including Director of Business Change, and has led innovative programs to build leadership capability and improve services for vulnerable citizens. Known for her ability to lead complex projects, Kathie has won three Civil Service Awards for her teams. In 2018, she became a Local Authority Governor at a primary school, fostering an environment for growth and learning. Kathie lives in Leyland with her family and enjoys time with loved ones.
CAROL GAYNOR
Carol holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Personnel and Development and has over 25 years of experience as a Business, HR, and Facilities manager in both maintained schools and an academy. She aims to use her skills to support the Trust's educational goals. After early retirement, Carol has been active in the voluntary sector, serving as Chair of Finance at a Pupil Referral Unit and Chair of Governors at Wellfield High School which is now Wellfield Academy. She was a member of the interim Executive Board of Ormskirk School and joined the Endeavour Trust Board in 2022. Carol is married with one daughter, one granddaughter, and a cockapoo.
ELAINE TURNER
Elaine has extensive experience in finance, particularly within the education sector. She is currently the Director of Finance at Consilium Academies, where she oversees financial operations and budgeting for the organisation. Previously, she served as the Director of Financial Resource Management at Shaw Educational Trust, managing the budgets of over 30 schools. Elaine has been involved in school finance since 2006, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her roles.
DOM POTTER
Dom is an experienced business founder, startup investor and corporate executive who builds data platforms to help address the climate crisis. He has worked in senior positions for IKEA and UNICEF and was inaugural Professor of Practice for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at The University of Nottingham. Dom has two daughters who go to Churchtown Primary and is on the board of The Atkinson in Southport. He also sits on the Liverpool City Region Business and Enterprise Board, is Chair of the City Region Net Zero Task Group and is on the Strategic Investment Fund Panel for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
RELPH HIGSON
Relph Higson, a dedicated educational leader, has been Headteacher at Holmeswood Methodist Primary School since 2005. As Chair of TARDiS Primary Schools, a cluster of 15 schools, he has championed collaboration to enhance educational outcomes. Under his leadership, the cluster helps organise diverse events for pupils, addresses local issues, and shares best practices through a network of headteachers working together on strategic improvements, fostering an ethos of trust and partnership. His commitment to mutual support and encouraging challenge strengthens educational practices and outcomes for all children. Relph extends this expertise as the SEND link Trustee at Endeavour Learning Trust.
