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 an Executive Director of Education within the Marches Academy Trust. She started her journey in Shropshire Schools over 25 years ago and is committed to ensuring every child gets the best possible education and opportunities. 

Mandy is an outstanding leader with extensive experience in Primary School Education both as a Headteacher and Schools advisor.   She is committed to community and a 'people first' agenda. 

Nia Rossiter is the CEO of Headway Shropshire, a charity providing specialist support for adults affected by acquired brain injury. She is responsible for the organisation’s strategy, operations and long-term sustainability. Since stepping into senior leadership, she has secured financial stability, strengthened governance, and built organisation-wide performance frameworks, alongside securing and delivering significant capital investment to redevelop Headway’s Community Wellbeing Centre, based in Shrewsbury. Alongside her charity leadership, she brings experience in strategic planning, organisational development and commercial thinking through property investment and corporate ventures.

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.