Trustees

Gurminder Singh Athwal is a Trustee of Sikh Academies Trust. He has worked with several schools and colleges across the UK to integrate smart technology and customised software solutions for the classroom. Gurminder also has over 20 years of experience working with local community groups and NGOs, holding leadership positions across strategy, operations, and financial governance. He is passionate about providing opportunities for young people to achieve their full potential, and the promotion of technology within schools to enhance the learning experience.
Appointed 30 December 2024

Tajinder K Jagdev is a seasoned change specialist with over 10 years of strategic leadership and business change experience across a range of sectors such as health (commissioned and provider services), children, and young people services. As a qualified community and youth worker, she is deeply committed to ensuring every young person reaches their full potential. She has served as a Trustee for a youth project based in Hounslow and has been volunteering across health and young people services in Slough since the age of 14. She believes that educational and creative opportunities, provided in an enriched school setting, must act as a springboard to inform, upskill, and empower the young people of this generation to thrive as the next leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs of the future.
Appointed 30 December 2024

Deep is a qualified solicitor with experience of working as an in-house lawyer within various different industries and companies. Her specialties include commercial law, data protection, and consumer law, and she has successfully negotiated large contracts on behalf of clients to ensure the best position for their business is achieved. She has worked closely with stakeholders and organisations to identify, manage, and mitigate legal risks.
Deep has mentored and provided advice and guidance to junior staff in the legal profession as well those aspiring to enter the world of law within the local community.
Appointed 30 December 2024

Jujar is currently a Senior Risk Audit Manager for a large UK & International bank, and has worked in various risk management and audit roles for over the last 15 years. Outside of work, Jujar enjoys getting involved in community projects. He has been a governor at KPS since October 2015, and Chair of Governors since 2017. Jujar strongly believes that the foundations and opportunities we create for children through their early years will have a positive impact for their entire lives. Therefore, he is passionate about creating a nurturing and empowering environment for our children in order to help them to reach their full potential.
Appointed 30 December 2024

James currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Lift Schools, a large MAT overseeing operations for more than 50 schools. With extensive expertise in strategic operational accountability and technology operations, he has a strong understanding of governance and the ATH. James has been a Trustee at Abingdon Learning Trust for over six years, where he chairs the Audit and Risk Committee. Additionally, he is the Deputy Chair of Governors at The Ridgeway Primary School, where he also chairs the Resources Committee.
Appointed 3 March 2025

Jutinder Gulati is an experienced financial advisor and Director at JS Gulati & Co. Bringing extensive expertise in accounting, budgeting, taxation, and strategic financial planning, he has a strong track record of supporting companies in achieving financial compliance and sustainability. His substantial financial acumen, coupled with experience in accounting, reporting, property development, and investment, contributes valuable insight to financial oversight, risk management, and strategic planning. Jutinder also has a wide network across various industries, including banking.

Appointed 3 March 2025

Kay Charles brings significant strategic leadership experience to the Trust, having served as an experienced CEO and overseen the extensive Brent Schools Partnership, encompassing over 60 schools. Her deep understanding of the educational landscape is further enhanced by her position on Ofsted’s national headteacher board. Kay possesses extensive expertise in both Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Safeguarding, ensuring a strong focus on the well-being and inclusive practices within our schools.
Appointed 3 March 2025

Tajinder Matharu is a senior civil servant (Deputy Director HM Prison and Probation Service). Key responsibilities include assessing and reporting on operational quality through a programme of quality assurance spanning the breadth and depth of the agency’s operational functions; using intelligence from audit and scrutiny to drive improvement; enhancing organisational resilience to current and future risks; and maintaining a strong performance narrative supported by evidence, analysis and customer voice.
Appointed 3 March 2025