Meet the Trustees

Kay Willett MBE: Chief Executive Officer

Kay Willett MBE is the Chief Executive Officer of The Gallery Trust, leading a growing family of specialist schools and services dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Kay brings extensive experience in specialist education, system leadership, and school improvement, with a strong track record of building inclusive, high-performing organisations. Her leadership is rooted in a deep moral purpose and a steadfast belief that every child, regardless of the complexity of their needs, deserves access to high-quality education, care, and opportunity.

Under Kay’s leadership, the Trust focuses on:

• High-quality, ambitious specialist provision
• Strong relationships and inclusive cultures
• Evidence-informed practice and continuous improvement
• Developing and supporting exceptional leaders and staff

In recognition of her contribution to education and public service, Kay was awarded an MBE in January 2022, reflecting her commitment to improving life chances for vulnerable children and young people.

Chris Scrivener: Chair of the Board

Chris has worked in education throughout his professional career in a range of teaching and leadership roles, including as a Schools Adviser, a School Improvement Partner, and an Ofsted inspector. Chris is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and has a passion for global education, with extensive experience working in Africa.

Helen Barter

Helen is a consultant with extensive education experience gained within the UK and the United Arab Emirates. Helen works as an adviser for the Tribal Group as an education specialist and inspector. She serves as the Trust’s Safeguarding Trustee.

Allyson Milward

Allyson is a qualified company secretary and has worked extensively in local government in a range of roles, mainly in the police and education sectors. She has worked with all types of education settings and serves as the Trust’s Health and Safety Trustee.

Diana McMahon

Diana has 35 years’ experience working in HM Revenue & Customs, latterly leading planning, performance, capability, and strategic change in a tax compliance Directorate. Diana is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and serves as the Chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee.

Dr Simon Terrington

Simon has worked as a management consultant for over 30 years. He also served as a Director of Ofcom, the communications regulator, and worked as a teacher. Simon studied mathematics at Cambridge, holds an MA and PhD from London University, and was a visiting fellow at Oxford. He also manages YouTube channels on mathematics and chess.

Matthew Willis

Matthew is an electronic engineer with 35 years’ experience in hi-tech companies, including over 20 years at board level. He is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology. Matthew is the owner/director of a design consultancy and serves as the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Paul Cann OBE

Paul has worked as a Charity Director for over 30 years, for organisations promoting the interests of young people with special educational needs (SEND), and subsequently for older people.  His focus has been campaigning against poverty and for equality.  In his early career he worked as a teacher, civil servant and business executive.  He co-founded the Campaign to End Loneliness, and has recently trained as a parent supporter for families living with SEND.  He has two grandchildren at a Gallery Trust school.