Speakers

Daniel Hennessy is an accomplished Chief Finance and Operations Officer with over 27 years of leadership experience across both the public and private sectors. His career includes extensive consultancy work with Multi-Academy Trusts, Central Government departments such as the Department for Education (DfE), and local authorities including Barnsley MBC and Halton MBC.

At Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust, Dan has successfully led the organisation through a major funding transition from CIF bids to School Condition Allocation (SCA), underpinned by a progressive data-driven estate strategy. His strategic approach has ensured strong fiscal planning—using future surpluses to address historic underinvestment in school assets—and reinforced the clear link between high-quality learning environments and improved educational outcomes.

Dan played a pivotal role in establishing two large and successful Multi Academy Trusts: the David Ross Education Trust (DRET) and the STAR Trust, the latter recognised nationally as one of the country’s top-performing MATs. Across these roles, he has provided leadership and direction in areas including school improvement, attendance and literacy strategies, teaching and learning development, budget management, admissions, and the delivery of high-value capital programmes.

His expertise also spans complex project management and procurement, including large-scale initiatives such as Private Finance Initiatives (PFI). Dan has overseen the mobilisation and operational delivery of major projects requiring HM Treasury approval. Notably, he served as a Non-Executive Director for the £600 million Mersey Gateway Project—the UK’s largest infrastructure development of its kind.

With a career defined by innovation, strategic leadership, and operational excellence, Daniel Hennessy brings a wealth of experience and a strong record of achievement to his role as CFOO. He remains committed to driving sustainable growth, ensuring financial resilience, and delivering the highest standards of education and governance across the Trust.