Kirsty Payne

Kirsty Payne has been with the Leadership Academy since its inception in 2018, becoming the second member of the team employed. She works across the organisation managing all aspects of the Leadership Academy’s business and operational functions. She has been instrumental in developing the organisation into high performing Welsh Government sponsored body, fulfilling all aspects of its corporate responsibilities.

The Leadership Academy has developed new ways of working and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and Kirsty would like to see the organisation continue to build on their innovative and efficient practices. She is passionate about growing the Leadership Academy’s reach and remit and for it to become the first point of call for all leadership matters across the education sector in Wales.

Kirsty is highly experienced and has managed business in the private and third sectors. In her previous roles she has managed large scale projects delivering higher apprenticeship and organisational development initiatives. Kirsty is passionate about lifelong learning and has a first-class honours degree in Business and Management from the University of South Wales, which she completed whilst working full time.

Kirsty got married 10 days before the first UK national lockdown and is now expecting her first baby – which is a new challenge! She has an allotment in a local association, where she lowers the average age by about 35 years!