Richard Stevenson

Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Our Lady Of Walsingham Catholic Multi Academy Trust

Richard joined the OLOW trust in November 2023, having previously been a member of the executive team of a large regional, post-16 educational group. Richard has many years' experience and extensive knowledge and background of leading a diverse range of professional service teams including finance, IT and estates within both the private and most recently, public sectors.

1 Workshop series three

Leading financial and estates strategy through trust growth

As funding remains constrained, cost pressures rise, and growth adds complexity, trust finance and estates leaders are navigating strategic choices while continuing to deliver safe, compliant and sustainable environments. This session explores the realities of leading financial and estates strategy through periods of trust growth, balancing ambition with capacity, particularly where central teams are lean. The discussion will focus on practical strategic actions, including long-term financial planning, budgeting for lifecycle and capital costs, and aligning estates investment with pupil demand and curriculum intent. It will also consider the role of centralising estates functions, maintaining robust due diligence, and integrating financial and estates strategy to support sustainable growth and long-term value for money.