Trust Executive TEAM

The Trust is led by an able, ambitious and experienced leadership team.

Jacqui Simpson - Interim CEO

Jacqui Simpson joined Brigantia Learning Trust in 2014 as Chief Operating Officer.  Throughout the years, Jacqui’s career has spanned roles within banks and account management, before completing her degree at Sheffield Hallam University in Accountancy and Management control. Prior to joining Brigantia, Jacqui worked for Sheffield City Council within the Education Finance department for 11 years.

As the Trust has developed and grown, so has Jacqui’s role. With responsibility to oversee a range of departments: Human Resources, Finance, IT, Premises, Health and Safety and Estates, Jacqui credits her broad and strong team who she leads, citing their role as a back-office function, taking pressure off Executive Principals to ensure the smooth running of academies.

Within her role, Jacqui has a unique insight into and responsibility of the critical daily running of the Trust and academies, supporting with risk management and legal advice in addition to the effective management of the Trust. In years to come, Jacqui looks forward to the expansion of the Trust, not only with more academies but growing from within, and broadening their offer to students.

Liz Hayden - Director of HR & People

Liz Hayden joined Brigantia Learning Trust in July 2026 as Director of HR and People. A Chartered Member of the CIPD (MCIPD), Liz has extensive experience in senior HR leadership roles across Multi-Academy Trusts, alongside national consultancy work supporting organisations with complex people and organisational challenges.

Passionate about creating positive and inclusive workplace cultures, she leads the Trust's people strategy and oversees Human Resources and organisational development initiatives that support the recruitment, retention, development, and wellbeing of colleagues across the Trust. Liz is committed to ensuring Brigantia remains an employer of choice, empowering its people to deliver the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

Looking to the future, Liz is passionate about supporting the Trust's continued growth and development, ensuring that colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to achieve their full potential. She believes that investing in people is fundamental to creating exceptional educational experiences for every child and young person across the Trust.

 simeon cornelius - senior operations officer