Members
Deborah Smith
The Manchester Diocesan Board of Education Member
Director of Education for Manchester Diocese from November 2019; previously worked as Deputy Director of Education for Carlisle Diocese. Over 30 years’ experience in education and has taught across Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 through to Higher Education. As a senior lecturer at Liverpool Hope University, delivered on both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. Achieved Master of Science degree in Education and is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching; also an experienced SIAMS inspector. Passionate about the way education can open opportunities for all children and supports the Church of England vision for education of ‘life in all its’ fullness’ being made available to all.
Mr Michael Caine (Elected)
Chair of The Board of Directors
A Trust Member and Chair of Members and Directors (Governor since October 2011), previously vice-chair of Governors since February 2014 and a member of the Finance Committee and Board of Governors since October 2011. A senior manager working for the Nat West Bank, with a service record of 29 years. Skills include the provision of commercial finance, corporate restructuring solutions, financial analysis, relationship management, service level maintenance and business development.
Revd Vincent Whitworth
Parochial Church Council Member
Currently the Vicar of St. Bede Parish Church, and has been part of the St. Bede family since 2019. A Trust Member as well as serving on the Local Governing Board. Vast experience of governance in education; having served as a Governor, Trustee and Member of other schools and MATs within the Bolton area. Interested in further developing the school vision and the distinctive Christian Ethos of St. Bede C of E Primary Academy and the Trust. Regularly leads collective worship at St. Bede Academy and supports the amazing pupil 'Ethos' group there. Immensely proud of the relationship that St. Bede Church has with St. Bede Academy and is committed to developing this further in the years to come.
Venerable Rachel Mann
Archdeacon of Bolton
Ministered in the diocese for 18 years, serving her curacy at St. Matthew's Church, Stretford before taking on the role of Priest-in-Charge and later Rector at the Church of St. Nicholas, Burnage. In June 2021, left St. Nicholas to take on the role of Area Dean of Bury and Rossendale.
A prolific writer of poetry, liturgy, theology and fiction and is a regular commentator on BBC radio and television, and can often be heard sharing a 'Pause For Thought' on BBC Radio 2 and 'Thought for the Day' on Radio 4.
Revd Simon Cook
Area Dean of Bolton
Area Dean of Bolton since June 2021; prior to that was a Parish Priest in Bury for 10 years, and a Curate in Salford for three years. Passionate about education and the difference it makes to young people, families and the wider communities around them – and the role of Church schools, in promoting the common good for people of all faiths and none, based on the teaching and example of Jesus Christ. Served as a Governor and Member of a number of Primary, High Schools and Academy Trusts, and as a Trustee for several charities. Married to a Headteacher with two sons.