Ranjit has lived and worked in Bradford for over 40 years, and has a strong background in education and research. She is an experienced teacher and a teacher trainer. Prior to coming to Bradford, she started her career as a teacher in London, progressing to teacher training and middle management in a Further and Higher Education College. During her career she also worked as an Assistant Education Officer for the BBC on a national project called Parosi. Once retired from her full time job she built up a portfolio of consultancy work and public appointments, which have been wide-ranging and an interesting mix of paid and voluntary work. She has been a magistrate, worked as a non-executive director of NHS Community Health Trust; served on the Equal Treatment Advisory Committee of the Judicial Studies Board; been a governor of Leeds College of Music and worked as an Equalities Adviser with the Universities UK.

Ranjit has worked both strategically and operationally to ensure that issues of quality and equality are kept firmly on the agenda in public services. Equally she has a special interest in, knowledge of and commitment to promoting issues of equality, diversity and human rights, including design and delivery of equal opportunities’ training. Her national and international consultancy work has included bespoke training for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Brent has been a school governor in a wide range of schools, including secondary, primary, special, and academy schools as well as pupil referral units, and he sits on his local schools’ forum. He has developed his skills with a diploma in school governance from Bradford University. With a particular interest in finance and experience being a member of the Audit Committee Institute, Brent sits on the finance committee at each of his schools. In the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours, Brent was awarded an MBE for services to education.

Nadia has an excellent local knowledge and brings an extensive network of contacts to add value to the MAT and its schools. She has been immersed in community improvement work throughout her career and was Chair of Governors at the ‘Outstanding’ Copthorne Primary School for over 5 years becoming a National Leader of Governance during that time. Following the formation of Exceed Academies Trust, Nadia became a Trustee and spent almost 5 years in that role before stepping up to become a Member.  Professionally Nadia has successfully used her financial expertise to ensure excellent outcomes from a wide range of projects. This is exemplified through the various charitable and voluntary projects that she has managed and supported.

James is a solicitor and Partner at international law firm Eversheds Sutherland.  He leads the commercial disputes team in their Leeds office and the firm’s technology, media and telecoms disputes practice internationally.  He advises local, national and international organisations on risk management issues and resolution of their complex, sensitive and high-value disputes.  He regularly advises legal officers, senior executives and Boards.  As part of this, James works with many academies, further education and higher education institutions. 

James was educated at a comprehensive school in Nottingham and the first in his family to go to University.  Because of this, James is a keen advocate for social mobility, diversity and inclusion, and maximising opportunities for young people to fulfil their potential. In addition, James is the Graduate Recruitment Partner for Eversheds Sutherland’s Leeds office, a position he has held since 2017.  James has lived in the Bradford area since 2005.

Born and raised in Bradford, Louise has worked as a finance professional for 20 years.  She has a wealth of commercial knowledge and proven experience in working with numerous stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions.