Board of Trustees

In recognition of her outstanding, long term and impactful services to Education, Marilyn Hubbard, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Inspiring Futures through Learning Multi-Academy Trust, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list 2022.

Marilyn has been involved in school governance for over 30 years in total and was instrumental in developing Inspiring Futures through Learning (IFtL) in 2016, a successful Multi-Academy Trust founded on school development and system leadership with a vision ‘to inspire the futures of us all together’.

Marilyn notes that: “it is a joy and an absolute privilege to lead the governance of Inspiring Futures through Learning, serving over 5,500 children from a variety of communities.  Being part of the strategic leadership team of people-centred schools that consistently and successfully strive to provide the best for all children, families and colleagues is one which I enjoy immensely and is one of the most rewarding and humbling activities I can think of.”

She continues: “Whilst I am obviously thrilled and delighted at this recognition personally, the honour also reflects the continuous hard work, dedication and amazing talent of the team – governors and colleagues – across the whole of Inspiring Futures through Learning.”

Marilyn also served with the Department of Education as a National Leader of Governance (NLG) for 9 years, mentoring and supporting Chairs, headteachers and governance professionals across the locality in ensuring robust and strong governance makes a difference to the lives of the communities that schools serve.   Speaking of her approach to governance, Marilyn included recognition that its success lies in building a culture of open, honest and respectful discussions amongst Trustees, governors and executive leaders, all working as a team and bringing their individual expertise and strengths to ensure those discussions are well rounded and lead to clear strategic decision making.  This is underpinned by the firm belief that all children should have access to a ‘world class’ learning environment to shape their futures.

Sarah Bennett, CEO of Inspiring Futures through Learning commented: “We are truly delighted that Marilyn has been awarded an MBE, recognising her absolute dedication to education and school communities.  The honour is so well deserved – she is remarkably generous in her commitment of energy, expertise, challenge and support for all those she has worked with within our IFtL family, and those she has provided outstanding support to beyond IFtL.  We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Marilyn on her award and thank her wholeheartedly for her ongoing commitment.”

Marilyn is a businesswoman within Milton Keynes and is responsible for the Legal and Financial operations of a long-standing manufacturing company, being a key part of the growth of the company from start-up to a highly successful organisation with a multi-million-pound turnover.  She has two grown-up sons and would like to thank her family, including her husband Steve, for their support in all her endeavours.

The New Year Honours list began in 1890 and the award is presented by Queen Elizabeth II or a member of the Royal Family. In 2022, 1122 people are receiving awards including Professor Chris Whitty, actress Joanna Lumley and Tennis player Emma Raducanu.

Congratulations Marilyn!