Executive Team

Tim Boyes

Chief Executive Officer

As the new CEO of BDMAT I have both a rich sense of possibility and a weighty feeling of responsibility. My background is one of thirty-seven years of working in education in the West Midlands, with experience of headship in three different secondary schools, ending as a National Leader of Education at Queensbridge School in Birmingham. Along the way I founded an Alternative Provision Free School before becoming the first Chair and then CEO of the Birmingham Education Partnership, seeking to hold together the family of 450 Birmingham schools. I have spent the last ten years leading this organisation, carrying Birmingham LA’s statutory responsibilities for school improvement and getting particularly involved in growing mainstream capacity around SEND and inclusion. 
 
Coming to BDMAT is an exciting development as I draw on all my experiences and bring them into the new world of a diocesan MAT. It is a joy for me to be in a role where my own faith is now called on, not just as the silent source of strength to serve, but as the leader of a group of  schools, many of them church schools,  seeking to make explicit the benefit to children and their families, and the wider education system, that comes from our confidence in the creator God made known through Jesus. 

To fulfil our MAT vision the development of all our staff is essential. Increasing the impact that talented and committed professionals have on the lives of the young people we serve is a central priority. Focussing on how we harness the wealth of experience within the MAT and create networks where colleagues can share and flourish will be an essential part of this journey. 
 
Importantly BDMAT includes and is welcoming to non-church schools, and shares the Church of England’s commitment to see ALL people flourish. Serving secondary as well as primary phases, in a remarkable range of settings, the MAT is a rich resource. At a time of societal fragmentation and individualism, both the MAT and the Church are invaluable anchors for those seeking to build an education system that grows a generous sense of community, valuing the whole child as we promote the broadest and deepest possible sense of human flourishing, of “life in all its fullness”. 

Simon Bentley

Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Simon took up post as Deputy Chief Executive Officer in July 2022.  In his role Simon acts as the Trust’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer.  Prior to joining BDMAT he was Regional Operations Director at E-Act for 3 years where he led on operational strategy and transformed the delivery of professional support services across E-Act’s southern region.  Simon has extensive experience working within the public sector, working as Head of Finance at Windsor Academy Trust during a period of growth, as well as a range of finance and operations roles at Solihull Council.  Simon also serves as Chair of Finance and Human Resources Committee for Robin Hood Multi Academy Trust.
In Simon’s own words “I am delighted to be part of the BDMAT family, where we strive to provide all pupils, whatever their background, with a high quality education, the opportunity to reach their potential and to life live to its fullest”.

Linda Gregory

Director of People and Communications

Linda has over 30 years’ experience working in the education sector and joins us with over 5 years’ experience from a similar role in another Multi Academy Trust. She was also previously CEO of the Birmingham based charity University of the First Age. She is passionate about developing people and ensuring we make a difference to the lives of the young people we support.

In her personal life she loves gardening, her 4 chickens and travelling with her husband.