Tom has 35 years experience of working in a wide variety of roles in public education across primary, secondary, special and higher education, culminating in his position as Director of Education for the Diocese of London. In this role he worked with 18 local authorities and 150 schools, leading and developing organisations, initiating school improvement projects and pioneering new ventures. Tom was responsible for establishing and driving forward the Diocese’s Academies programme dealing with high-level local and central government contacts including Government ministers and Directors of Education and Children’s Services. He is a gifted communicator and someone who is able to find creative solutions to difficult problems whilst building consensus and agreement amongst stakeholders. His contribution to education in various fields was recognised in the award of an OBE in 2007.