The latest Bondholder appointments and promotions

Archway Learning Trust, Nimbus Disability, Nelsons, Vibrant Accountancy and Timms Solicitors are just some of the Marketing Derby Bondholders who have made new appointments over the past few weeks.

Ann Donaghy has taken up the role of executive principal at Archway Learning Trust, to drive up standards at several schools, including Alvaston Moor Academy.

The school was recently pronounced to be “improving” by Ofsted, its predecessor Merrill Academy having been in special measures.

Now, Ann has been appointed by Archway to work with the school’s senior leaders to help continue its progress.

Ann said: “All children deserve a great school. This community deserves more truly great schools.

“I care about these children, and I care about this community. I passionately believe that your socio-economic background should not be a limiting factor in what you can do and where you can go.”

Nimbus Disability, the Derby-based social enterprise run by disabled people for disabled people, has appointed two new non-executive directors.

Lisa Sturley and David Gordon will join the board which oversees the organisation’s operations, including the award-winning Access Card which simplifies and improves disabled people’s access to a wide range of venues and events.

Lisa has more than 30 years’ experience in financial services including roles at RBS and Credit Suisse. She is currently head of market intervention – insurance, at the Financial Conduct Authority.

David is associate professor of marketing at De Montfort University’s Leicester Castle Business School and brings a wealth of business knowledge and lived experience as a wheelchair user.

Martin Austin MBE, founder and chief executive at Nimbus Disability, said: “We regard ourselves fortunate to continue to attract highly experienced and knowledgeable non-executive directors to provide guidance, governance and to be our critical friend. We look forward to welcoming Lisa and David to our board in the coming weeks.”

Chris Chan, an experienced property litigator, has joined Nelsons as a partner.

He joins from Roythornes, where he was senior associate and has previously worked for Knights and Fraser Brown, as well as spending time as in-house senior legal counsel.

Daniel Brumpton, partner and head of commercial litigation at Nelsons, said: “It’s great to welcome Chris into the dispute resolution team; he will play an important role, working closely with Simon Waterfield and the team.

“Chris’ reputation and experience of property litigation makes him a vital asset to this part of our service and something we were keen to bring in to help us support the volume of clients we are experiencing.”

Vibrant Accountancy has welcomed Kerry Morgan as its new office manager.

The 43-year-old has previously worked for BB&J Commercial, Flint Bishop and Bates Weston and brings a wealth of experience with her.

In her now role, she will help with the day-to-day running of the business.

Her appointment brings the number of employees at Vibrant Accountancy to 10.

Owner Bev Wakefield said: “We have grand plans for Vibrant Accountancy in 2024, and Kerry will play a key part in helping us to grow. She complements the Vibrant team perfectly.”

Finally, Timms Solicitors has further expanded its care team with the appointment of childcare solicitor Jessica Silvers.

Jessica, who is a former recipient of the Derby and District Law Society Junior Lawyer of the Year, has extensive experience in care proceedings – representing children, parents and other family members.

Her work also includes adoption matters, advising guardians and matters involving deprivation of liberty.

Fiona Moffat, managing partner at Timms, said: “We are delighted that Jessica has joined the growing care team in the family law department.

“Not only does she bring a wealth of experience in key areas of the work we do here, but her natural empathy and professional approach will be a great asset to the whole team in her capacity as qualified mental health first aider.

“This workplace support is particularly important in our duty of care commitment for colleagues handling sometimes disturbing and traumatic cases.”