Paul Spencer (Chair of the Board of Directors)

NHS Manager
Paul Spencer has held senior leadership roles for over 20 years across the NHS, Voluntary Sector, and Police Service, with a strong focus on patient experience, PALS, public participation, equalities, service improvement, and community engagement. Prior to his public service career, he spent a decade working in the banking sector before pursuing his passion for people-centred services and making a meaningful impact in communities. 

Throughout his career, Paul has been dedicated to tackling inequalities and enhancing the experiences of patients and service users. He is deeply committed to driving positive change—both at an individual level through issue resolution and at a systemic level by leveraging qualitative data to inform robust decision-making. Within the NHS, he has led local, regional, and national programmes aimed at fostering effective engagement with patients, communities, and stakeholders. 

Paul has collaborated closely with national teams to develop training initiatives, promote best practices in patient-centred care, and elevate the profile of positive patient experience across regions. He is particularly passionate about enabling supported self-management and ensuring that shared decision-making is embedded in every interaction within health and care services. 

Based in Taunton, Paul lives with his partner, two adopted children, a French bulldog named Percy, three cats, chickens, and beehives. A qualified psychotherapist, he has called the West Country home for the past ten years, following a decade in Yorkshire and earlier years in Nottinghamshire. He firmly believes the Southwest is the best place to live. 

Susan Fielden (Chair of Audit & Risk Committee)

Financial Consultant
Susan Fielden CPFA is a recognised expert in school finance. A qualified accountant, she spent many years in strategic management roles, engaging in national policy on school funding and resource management.   As well as working in national and local government, she has been the Chief Finance Officer in a ten-school academy trust.  Through her business, Susan has worked with education leaders in all settings, helping to align educational vision with strategic financial planning. Susan is also a Trustee with the Oak Partnership Trust in Somerset and chairs the Finance and Audit Committee. 

Susan is the Trust and School Funding Policy Specialist for CST, supporting CST in engagement with the DfE and ESFA on matters to do with funding, financial reporting, school resource management, pay and pensions.   

On behalf of CST, Susan regularly attends the School and Academy Funding Group, the Academy Financial Assurance Steering Group and represents trusts as employers at the National Employers Organisation for School Teachers (NEOST) and the Teachers’ Pension Scheme Advisory Board.

Ian Robinson

The Oak Partnership CEO

Tina Emery 

Education Consultant
Tina Emery OBE is a nationally recognised advocate for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). With over 30 years of experience in education, social care, and youth work, she has played a pivotal role in shaping SEND policy and practice across England.  

Her leadership began with the Somerset Parent Carer Forum in 2014, with her influence expanding nationally through her roles with the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF), where she served as Southwest Regional Director and later Co-Chair, representing over 155,000 members. She has collaborated closely with the Department for Education, NHS England, and Ofsted, and contributed to several high-level advisory boards. 
 
In 2023, she was awarded an OBE for her services to children and young people with SEND. Following her term with the NNPCF, Tina continues her impactful work as a consultant, trustee, and chair across various SEND-focused organisations.
 

David Watson (Vice Chair of the Board of Directors)

Consultant
David Watson is an experienced business owner with a background in developing and managing technology-focused companies. His work spans software development, operational strategy, and cybersecurity, with a focus on helping organisations use technology more effectively and securely. He has a practical, hands-on approach and a strong interest in how digital tools can support smarter, more resilient business operations. 
 

Keith Ford

Education Professional
Keith Ford has over 25 years’ experience in primary teaching.  As a class teacher, middle leader, senior leader, Head teacher at both small rural school and large Primary School including Autism Centre. 

Across his career he has always supported Initial Teacher Training and Education, so to be leading on ITT and wider training for Somerset Council is a real privilege.  Keith has been a governor of various primary and secondary schools alongside his professional roles, giving him an understanding of the strategic importance as well as the accountability of governance. 

Being a trustee for The Oak Partnership Trust is a real honour.
 

Alison Wyatt

Finance Professional
Alison Wyatt is a qualified accountant who began her career in industry before transitioning to the education sector over 30 years ago. For the past 15 years, she has held the role of Chief Finance Officer across all phases of Multi Academy Trusts. She possesses extensive knowledge of governance requirements and is highly familiar with the Academy Trust Handbook. 

 Alison has worked closely with legal teams on a variety of matters, including academy conversions and transfers. Her experience also spans HR and property-related issues, with a strong focus on compliance. She served as a mentor in the Department for Education’s CFO pilot mentoring scheme, supporting the development of finance professionals in the sector. 

In addition to her professional roles, Alison is a Governor at a large secondary school and has participated in Ofsted inspections in this capacity. She also serves on the Pension Board for the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) for both the Somerset and Bath and Northeast Somerset schemes. Her interest in pensions stems from her long-standing career in education and her understanding of the significant impact these schemes have on both members and employers.