Sulina is the CEO of the Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust, leading with her vision for educational excellence, innovation, and ensuring all of the staff and pupils under her care live life in all its fullness. Before joining the ODBST she was an Executive Headteacher, as well as holding several Senior Leadership Roles in London schools which have given her a deep understanding of the educational landscape and challenges faced by schools.

In addition to her leadership roles, Sulina was also an Ofsted Inspector. As a passionate French and Spanish teacher. Her enthusiasm for languages has given her the opportunity to work in various settings, both in the UK and abroad.

Through her varied experiences and unwavering commitment to education, Sulina continues to inspire and lead, making significant contributions to the development and success of schools under her guidance.

Contact - spiesse@odbst.org

Jan was the Headteacher of one of the first primary schools to join the ODBST. Her journey has been a rich and varied one in education, having worked continuously in the sector for 33 years and, for 27 of those years, in Buckinghamshire.

She has worked as a Buckinghamshire Headteacher in two schools as well as spending 7 years working for the Buckinghamshire School Improvement Service as SEND adviser and as a School Improvement Partner. Her work there took her into the secondary sector, upper and grammar schools, and also into specialist SEND settings, working in multi-agency partnerships and developing inclusion for all. She has a strong background in safeguarding and is clear that in our current world a priority in this area has never been more crucial.

Alongside this work she has run her own company, supporting schools within and beyond the ODBST around inclusion and school improvement, including holding interim leadership posts and working as guest lecturer within one of the London Universities.

Contact - jmartin@odbst.org

Rachael joined the team in February 2019, bringing with her an impressive 26 years of experience in primary education. Nine of those years were spent in leadership roles, including as a primary school headteacher. Her extensive career spans a diverse range of primary schools, varying in size, catchment, and location, which has given her a deep understanding of the educational landscape.

Rachael's comprehensive background equips her with a well-rounded perspective on school needs and facilities. Her drive for excellence ensures that schools under her guidance grow and develop to meet the evolving needs of pupils in today's dynamic world.

Contact - rhollinshead@odbst.org

Gillian joined the ODBST central services team in September 2023 having previously worked at school level within the Trust. She has a Masters degree in Personnel and Development and is CIPD level 7 qualified. Her previous experience in HR stems from roles within a multi-national law firm, a pharmaceutical services provider as well as financial services.

Gillian is passionate about education and believes in the power of collaborating with school leaders to ensure that through our inclusive culture we can empower everyone in our Trust to excel and offer the very best provision for children.  

Contact - gnickless@odbst.org

Former Financial Controller with Stanley Black & Decker and other commercial companies, with a varied career in finance spanning over 30 years.  Ruth is a CIMA qualified accountant with a wide range of experience, most notably in Governance & Control; Acquisitions & Integration; and Strategic Development. 

She has a keen interest in improving educational outcomes for children, having run charitable STEM events at her previous employer.

Contact - rfalkus@odbst.org

Emily brings a wealth of experience to the ODBST team, having transitioned from McGraw-Hill Education. She brings with her a decade of expertise in customer service and administration.

Emily excels in organising the Continued Professional Development session, conferences and events for the Trust. She also manages the Trust's news, marketing, and media accounts, while efficiently undertaking a variety of administrative responsibilities.

Contact - egatis@odbst.org

Ella has worked as an operations manager in the private sector for the past 7 years. She works to support ODBST schools with their day-to-day and long-term operations.

With a background in implementing sustainability measures and a strong interest in reducing carbon, Ella will also be working to help achieve net zero across the trust.  

Contact - eswinhoe@odbst.org

Victoria joins the ODBST central team after working as a School Business Manager for 5 years.  Prior to this she served as an officer in the Royal Air Force on a short service commission. She has a BSc (Hons) in Economics, Accountancy and Law, a MSc in Psychology and is studying towards her CIMA professional qualification.

Contact - vdavies@odbst.org

Rachel joined the central team in January 2024 after previously working for 8 years as a Finance Manager at school level. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant, starting her career as an auditor before specialising in strategy, forecasting and budgeting at Enron and Channel 5. She enjoys the challenge of working with school leaders to create balanced budgets and forecasts while still maintaining a robust curriculum.

Contact - rbrown@odbst.org

Christine joined the team in April 2023 after joining a Trust school as an SBM in 2010.  She has 18 years school finance experience and successfully completed her SBM and DSBM qualifications.  Prior to this she worked as a Territorial Operations Manager in the Post office for 24 years.  She has a passion for ensuring that school finances are used to help every child achieve their full potential.  In her spare time she loves gardening, making jams and playing in a local brass band.

Contact - csmith@odbst.org

Hannah joined the ODBST shared services team in September 2024 after graduating with a degree in Psychology. She has previously worked in a private tuition company, and is excited to now be working with the wonderful schools that make up the ODBST. Alongside working to support both the schools and the HR team, she will be studying a CIPD qualification to further her professional development and enhance the skills she can bring to the team.  

Contact - hlehmannrussell@odbst.org

Natalie joined the ODBST in January 2023 with an extensive background in both Education and HR. With over 15 years corporate HR experience and having owned a multi-site wrap around care company, Natalie joins the trust offering full lifecycle HR and company operations experience.

Contact - nmitchell@odbst.org

Deborah has a background in education, having worked as an Early Years Leader until 2017 in both independent and Church of England primary schools, and as an LA Early Years moderator. She then moved into strategic education, first at Truro Diocese and then Oxford and Salisbury. Whilst at Truro, she developed a keen interest in MAT governance, and undertook a Post Graduate Certificate in Leadership & Governance.  In her spare time, she loves sailing and walking.    

Contact - dstainer@odbst.org

Lorraine joined our central team in September 2023 as a school challenge partner.  She has worked in education for over 30 years in a variety of schools being a headteacher for 15years. Lorraine has a passion for school improvement and working collaboratively with schools to achieve the best outcomes for children. Having been with the ODBST since the begining, being an ODBST school challenge partner is her 'dream job'.

Contact - lquirk@odbst.org

Rob joined ODBST as a Challenge Parter in September 2023. He has 20 years’ experience in senior leadership in schools across the primary stage, culminating in ten years as Headteacher and Executive Headteacher. Rob believes in the power of effective partnerships that enable school leaders to thrive, to create an environment in which great ideas can happen, and results in pupils and adults flourishing. Alongside his role with ODBST, Rob is a serving SIAMS inspector with the Church of England Education Office, and a consultant school improvement partner with HFL Education. He is a Member for a Church of England multi-academy trust in Hertfordshire, and a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. 

Contact - rhalls@odbst.org