Recently, the Trust Board had the privilege of interviewing some exceptional internal candidates for the position of Assistant CEO (with responsibility for Education).
We are happy to announce that Karen Jones was successfully selected for the post.
Karen said, “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Assistant CEO at The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust.
“I am committed to our Trust’s vision and values and looking forward to working with colleagues to bring about further improvements in education across our family of schools.
“I have worked as part of the Vine for a number of years and been part of its incredible journey in a number of roles from class teacher to executive head.
“I am now honoured to be part of the executive team helping to shape the strategic direction of our trust, with our children remaining at the heart of our plans for future.”
Congratulations to Karen – we can’t wait to see what you achieve in this new role!
What is your professional background/experience?
I actually started out life as a mortgage advisor before returning to higher education to train to be a teacher. It is something that I always wanted to be but it took a little while for me to be able to do it. I never lost sight of that dream though.
I have worked for The Vine Schools Trust since it began. Originally it was the Vine and the Sower Trust – so you could say that I’m a Vine OG!
I have been a teacher; led numerous subjects over the years; a head of school; headteacher and executive head. I am also a qualified SENCo and have a MA in Psychology so anything to do with SEND and behaviour in both adults and children I find incredibly interesting and is where my passion is.
Why do you enjoy working in education?
Having worked in other industries, education is by far the most rewarding and gives me the most satisfaction. I loved school and learning as a child and that was due to having some fantastic teachers who inspired me and believed in me. I wanted to be able to do the same for children and feel incredibly privileged every day to be able to really make a difference. Sometimes it might not feel like you are, but that moment when you look back and see that small glimmer of progress…that is what makes it all worth it.
I also love the diversity that the role brings. I could be working on a strategic plan for our Trust one minute and at a PTA meeting the next. Both are equally valuable. No two days are the same – I actually don’t think any two minutes are the same in education. I love that!
How do you plan to support our family of schools through your new role?
I want to use my own experiences, having been given the support and opportunities to grow within the Trust, to support our schools. We really are a family of schools and as such, I hope to strengthen our family bond by celebrating each school’s uniqueness but also bringing us together through consistency and clarity of purpose.
I know Vine, I have seen what has worked and what hasn’t. I believe in our shared vision and values and we are at an exciting milestone in our journey. I am proud to now have the opportunity to help shape what our educational offer is as a Trust and how we support our staff and our children to help turn those plans into reality so that all can flourish.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy seeing my family and spending quality time with them. I really enjoy most forms of exercise and can be found in the gym most mornings before work.
I like cycling and running too and I am planning on taking part in the Ride Essex 100 (cycling 100 miles through Essex and London) next year so will be training for that over the coming months.
I like to have a goal to work towards to keep me motivated. I also like the usual things like reading, going to the cinema or out for dinner with friends.
Where is a place that you love to visit in Essex?
We are so lucky that there are so many beautiful places to visit in Essex. I couldn’t pick, but if I was pushed, there are a few contrasting places that would make the list.
I love Colchester and its rich history. There is nothing better than a walk through Castle Park on an autumn afternoon.
I am really fortunate that I live by the coast, so a walk or run along the prom at Frinton-on-Sea or Clacton-on-Sea is incredibly special.
Thorpe-Le-Soken is the most beautiful village and I love the sense of community there. St Michael’s Church when the sun streams through the stained glass windows is just glorious.
Finally, Chelmsford and the Cathedral is a favourite of mine. Whenever I visit somewhere new I like to visit the nearest Cathedral and I never tire of visiting Chelmsford Cathedral – the artwork by Mark Cazalet ‘The Tree of Life’ is simply stunning. I could look at it every day and still find something new to see each time.
JOHN 15:5
© The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust 2020 a company limited by guarantee and registered in England. No 8709542.
Registered address: The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust, Diocesan Offices, 53, New Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1AT.
World Mental Health Day at Southminster