Our new blog series ‘Spotlight on Staff’ has been launched to showcase the great team we have here at Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust. 

We are keen to introduce you to the large team of fantastic staff we have across the Trust and to give you an insight into the work they do as we strive to serve our stakeholders and improve the life chances of the students in our schools.

Michael E Coles, Trust Estates Leader joins us as our first member of staff under the spotlight.

Can you give a brief overview of your role at the Trust and some information about your career so far?

I work closely with the whole Estates Family to deliver an efficient and streamlined service across the Trust ensuring we deliver and maintain safe and inspiring environments for our children, students, and staff to flourish. Utilising my experience in construction I can channel the knowledge and experience gained in to imaginative and forward-thinking ideas and solutions to maintain and enhance our schools and colleges whilst always offering best value to the Trust.

What do you enjoy most about working for the Trust?

Trust life is a new experience for me and one very different from that of the construction industry, one thing that stands out is the overwhelming enthusiasm and drive to deliver the very best on all levels to our children and students, this is a lovely and refreshing approach and one that I am proud to be part of.

How would you describe your team/ people you work with?

I am surrounded by a team of dedicated, hardworking, and experienced individuals who go above and beyond daily to deliver the highest level of service possible, they are genuine, generous and caring individuals who put others before themselves on a regular basis.

Biggest challenges that you face within the sector

Biggest challenge is the demand for our services versus our resources and fund availability.

If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

Don’t take yourself so seriously all the time.