Name: Robert Rush

Background:

I grew up in Camelford, attending Camelford Primary School and Sir James Smith’s School, before studying computing at ‘Camborne Tech’ in the 1980s. I graduated from Huddersfield University in 1991 with an Honours degree in Electronics & Information Engineering. I am married with two grown up daughters who both progressed through the Camelford schools and who are now setting out on their own life journeys.

I am a founding director of Camelford Leisure Centre, and helped to save the facility from closure in 2012 bringing it into community ownership where it now continues to offer a wide range of services with a talented and committed staff.

Work:

I have followed a career in market research, originally as a researcher serving the technology and telecommunications sectors, then as a data analyst and project manager. I am now the majority shareholder and managing director of the company, with offices in Cornwall and Greater Manchester employing around 30 people, delivering market intelligence and consultancy services to private and public sector organisations across the UK.

Why a Trustee:

I sat on the Board of Governors at Sir James Smith’s School for about 10 years and as Chair of Governors for the last two years, a term that included the appointment of the school’s new head teacher. I believe my experience at SJS and through the recent changes in North Cornwall schools, through the Moor & Coastal Partnership Trust and then into the Multi-Academy Trust, is a useful background. I have taken an active part of the local community, including several years involved in Camelford’s original pre-school group (we rebranded during my Chairmanship to Little Acorns Nursery) and many other organisations such as the former Camelford Town Forum and the short-lived Camelford Launderette. I welcome the opportunity to continue making an important contribution to the community through the NCLT.