The national awards, supported by IMP Software, recognises excellence in the MAT-finance sector and celebrates the unsung heroes of the industry for the impact they have made on the development of financial services within their Trust.

Renowned judges from, the Confederation of School Trusts, Institute of School Business Leadership, Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust, IMP Software, L.E.A.D Academy Trust, and Bishop Fleming, identified David and John for their excellence in the following award categories; MAT Finance Leader of the Year and MAT Finance Rising Star of the Year (John Halstead), and MAT Finance Champion of the Year (David Clayton).

Within the MAT-Finance Leader of the Year category, nominees are recognised for their outstanding strategic oversight and responsibility for finances across their Trust. Notably John has been acknowledged for his leadership of the centralisation of Consilium’s finance function in conjunction with the adoption of GAG pooling, which has provided a coherent, focussed, and efficient finance service for the Trust. The success of this project was grounded in John’s ability to build strong relationships, and clearly communicate the benefits of the project to stakeholders. John articulated confidently how the changes would allow the Trust to provide an equity of opportunity for students and colleagues. As a result of John’s leadership, the centralisation project delivered cost savings within the administrative functions of over £1.4 million, which the Trust has been able invest into frontline services to support students. This work also led John to be recognised as a MAT-Finance Rising Star of the Year, having achieved this success at just 29 years of age.

Further, as a MAT-Finance Champion of the Year nominee, David, has been identified as a Chief Executive who champions innovative practices around MAT finance and motivates and inspires others to achieve success through effective leadership. David lives and breathes our Consilium values of partnerships, opportunity, integrity, equity, excellence, and people-centred. His approach to MAT finance always puts students and staff at the forefront of the decision-making process, while ensuring that the Trust remains a beacon of good practice for regulatory compliance. His dedication to lead change in order to transform the lives of every member of the Consilium Trust has been grounded in incorporating progressive systems that align and support these values. His tireless efforts to champion efficient financial planning, to direct maximum resource into schools and classrooms, results in the greatest positive impact on our students and staff.

Winners of the awards will be announced on Wednesday 15^th December via MAT Finance Award’s Twitter account.

We wish David and John the best of luck in their relevant categories.