Keith Fielding – Chair
Originally from Newcastle upon Tyne, I have enjoyed living in Euxton with my wife for over 40 years. I have two sons, who both attended Balshaw Lane Community Primary School and Parklands High School. Initially I joined the Governing body when my children started school, I thought it was important to be involved with their school and be supportive. I have been a School Governor/Chair of Governors at both schools for over 20 years and additionally provide support to Lancashire County Council Governor Services Department at several other schools. I worked in the Newspaper industry for over 35 years at The Guardian/Observer national press in London and Manchester. As senior manager, I was involved with team management, future planning, introduction of new technologies, recruitment of staff, training, and managing financial budgets in a fast-changing industry. Many of the skills I developed equipped me with a balanced, professional perspective and a broad understanding of people and how to help them to meet their potential. I feel passionately about good schools with good educators and working with senior leaders at both schools. I believe that I can bring a fair and professional approach to being a Member and the link to the Board of Trustees.
Lynsey Austen
I bring 25 years of experience in education and a proven track record as a teacher and headteacher in primary schools across the northwest. Initially progressing into school improvement support and advice through a role within the local authority, I established myself as a respected senior adviser with team management and strategic responsibilities across the LA. Now as Director of my own school improvement company, I continue to work with several primary schools supporting all aspects of their work. I am passionate about making a difference to the lives of children and young people and it is this that motivates me. I have experience of engaging with, supporting and challenging school leaders. I regularly provide external validation of monitoring and evaluation systems and judgements, always drawing on my own experience and wider reading. I ensure I keep up to date with the national education agenda, education research and information which impacts on the work of schools. Outside of my professional life, I am a mum to a primary aged child, wife and keen runner and Cross fitter.
Carol-Ann Duke
I was born and raised in Cardiff and went on to study Law and Accountancy at University in Leicester, ultimately choosing to pursue a career in law and qualifying as a Solicitor in 1996. During my time at University, I met my husband, who was originally from Chorley and I moved to Chorley to be with him, in 1997, where I have lived ever since. Through dedication and commitment, I have worked my way up to becoming a Partner in a solicitors’ practice and bring extensive legal knowledge and professional experience to my role as Trustee. As a parent of two children who both attend Parklands, I was motivated to join the Trust to support the school community and contribute to its continued success. I am deeply committed to improving the lives of children and ensuring they receive a high-quality education. This commitment underpins my approach to governance and drives my desire to support the schools in achieving the best possible outcomes for all students.
Ian Hamer
I was born in Blackpool and work took me down to London to work for Sainsburys. I settled back in the north west and have lived in Chorley for the last 23 years. For the last 32 years I have worked for Tesco in various senior general management roles. I am currently an Area Manager looking after 34 shops in the north west. My role requires delivering demanding KPIs and protecting the welfare of 800 colleagues. I have experience in a wide range of HR issues, resolving problems, colleague relations and managing change in a fast moving retail environment. I am married with four children, all adults now , who all attended Balshaw Lane Primary School and then Parklands. I served on the governing body of Balshaw Lane for 12 years and I have been on the governing body at Parklands for 17 years so far, including 6 as Chair. I am active in the local community and my role as a cub leader at Euxton Methodist scout group and serving as a parish councillor with Euxton parish keep me busy.
Linda Kinnaird
I am now a retired teacher, living within the Chorley community, but grew up in Stalybridge, in the Tameside area of Manchester. After graduating from The University of Manchester, with a degree in Zoology, and then obtaining a PGCE in Science education from Didsbury College, I became a Biology teacher at Altrincham Girls’ Grammar school, moving later to Mornington High School in Wigan, where I taught all three sciences. I also have an additional PGCE in SEN education from The University of Lancaster. During my teaching career I have held management responsibilities within both pastoral and curriculum areas. I was Special Needs/ Gifted and Talented Manager for several years, progressing to a senior management role with responsibility for leading new innovation and improvement within the school setting. During this time I trained as a narrow boat leader and took parties of students on a number of expeditions and accompanied a group of students each year on an outdoor pursuits week at the local authority’s outdoor pursuit centre on Coniston Water. I was a staff Governor at Mornington High School for five years, and have been a Governor at Parklands since 2010, where I have contributed to several committees as Vice Chair of Governors and a Chair of the Standards and Effectiveness committee. I have thoroughly enjoyed making whatever contribution I could to the Governing body and the school. In recent years I have volunteered at Balshaw Lane Community Primary School, supporting children on an individual and group basis.
Kelly Knowles
I was born and grew up in Chorley, and my connection to the Trust is deeply personal. I attended Parklands as a pupil, and now my daughter is proud to be part of the same school, reinforcing a strong belief in the school’s ethos and community. I bring extensive financial expertise to the board through a career dedicated to public service. Professionally, I work as an Operational Director of Finance within the NHS, where I lead on financial strategy and ensure resources are used effectively to support patient care. My career has given me a deep understanding of governance, accountability, and the importance of making decisions that create positive outcomes for people. Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, musical theatre, and walking to keep fit. I’m married and a proud mum to two children, which makes supporting education and opportunities for young people even more important to me. I aim to contribute to the Trust’s vision by combining professional insight with a genuine understanding of the importance of education in shaping futures. Being a trustee allows me to give back to the school that helped shape mine, and to support opportunities for every child to thrive.
