Richard joined Leigh Academies Trust in 2014 to develop the Trust’s HR strategy and drive improvements in its people practices. After a decade with the Trust, he was appointed Deputy CEO, leading central services to deliver high-quality support that enables academies to thrive.

Richard is a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and has built a career focused on driving operational excellence. With leadership experience across HR and broader operational functions, he brings a commercial, pragmatic, and human-centred approach to service delivery. Before joining the Trust, he held senior HR roles in engineering, construction, facilities management, and oil and gas. His focus at LAT is ensuring that central services work seamlessly to support staff and students, fostering a culture of collaboration, efficiency, and continuous improvement.