She heads up the HR, Catering, Data and Exams, Site and Administrative teams and her previous experience, both in Central Team Finance and as School Business Manager at Beanfield Primary School, has given her the skills necessary for the step into her current role. 

Diana took over during lockdown and works closely with the staff and leaders to ensure the operations are as efficient as possible.

She said: ‘I had to hit the ground running and get to know everybody over Teams. I have been doing the role for about six months although I really only got to know people face to face once the Academy reopened in September.

‘I have responsibility for Business Support Functions. At the moment, and particularly with Covid, it is a very reactive role, but I am a proactive person so I have a plan in place for those things that need immediate attention and others that will have a longer term strategy. We need to put the right structures and processes in place to support the Corby Business Academy’s primary function, which is to provide a great education for students.’

She knows the school well as both her daughters attended Corby Business Academy and she has quickly forged professional links with colleagues and the senior leadership team. She works closely with Principal Simon Underwood and likes the collaborative approach that the school fosters:

‘In some schools you do see a ‘them and us’ divide between the education and support roles. You don’t get that here as the senior leaders are happy to get involved so it is very much a joint approach. I love every aspect of this role. It is very busy and diverse and so you need to bring experience, strategic thinking and the ability to lead and inspire teams.

‘I don’t pretend that I have got all the answers and that is where you value your team. If you have the right team around you it works. The business support teams are very willing and have been absolutely brilliant. They are happy to learn and try anything and that will take us forward. It is all about the people you are working with and everyone is pulling together.’