Our Central Team
Jenny Brown, Chief Executive Officer
Nicola Lea, Chief Operations Officer
Nicola was a civil servant with over 20 years’ experience before moving into the education sector. Nicola joined Waterloo in 2012, working initially as part of the admin team. She completed the Level 4 Diploma in School Business Management and it was whilst completing this, that it became apparent she wanted to develop her knowledge and expertise in HR. She successfully brought the HR function in-house, providing a professional yet personal service for all current and potential employees. By working closely with other academies, listening to their needs and developing positive relationships, she was then able to offer an SLA to other schools. Nicola has visited a number of schools on an advisory/consultancy basis, offering ways to improve their current processes and procedures and carrying out HR audits.
In November 2019, Nicola was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and is continually working alongside the CEO and CFO to develop the operations area within the Trust. Further to this, Nicola is currently undertaking a year-long executive leadership programme.
Nicola is committed to adding value through delivering a professional HR and Payroll function along with the central team, with the aim of supporting the Trust to continually improve outcomes for all pupils and ensuring Zest remains an employer of choice.