Independent MAT governance is at the heart of Red Lodge Learning. Founded in 2019 by David Moran, we provide the objective expertise Multi Academy Trusts need to build effective, high-performing boards.
Great governance matters. It’s the foundation of effective organisations—the difference between trusts that thrive and trusts that struggle. Good governance enables clear strategy, sound risk management, regulatory compliance, and ultimately better outcomes for children.
But governance is hard to get right. Boards operate in complex environments, balancing competing demands with limited time and often incomplete information. They need objective insight, experienced perspective, and honest assessment of what’s working and what isn’t.
That’s what Red Lodge Learning provides.
We operate with complete honesty. Our assessments reflect what we see, not what clients want to hear. We disclose conflicts of interest and manage relationships appropriately.
We handle sensitive board information with discretion. Governance work requires trust, and we protect that trust through rigorous confidentiality.
We work within our areas of expertise and are transparent about what we know and what we don’t. We provide references and evidence of our qualifications.
We approach every board with respect for the complexity of their work and the commitment of their trustees. We challenge where necessary, but always constructively.
David founded Red Lodge Learning following six years as Chief Executive Officer of E-ACT, one of England’s largest Multi Academy Trusts. During his tenure, he led the transformation of the organisation’s governance, financial position, and educational performance.
That work was featured as the opening case study in Sir David Carter’s book Leading Academy Trusts: Why some fail, but most don’t. Sir David Carter, the former National Schools Commissioner, chose David’s leadership of E-ACT as the first example of trust transformation—recognition of both the scale of change achieved and its relevance to the wider sector.
Before E-ACT, David worked in school leadership in inner London and led system-wide educational reform in Tennessee. His career began as a volunteer teacher in Kenya, where he first encountered the challenges of educational improvement in under-resourced systems.
Over two decades, David has worked at every level of education—from classroom to boardroom—always focused on improving outcomes for children in disadvantaged communities. He understands the reality of what schools and trusts face because he has lived it.
David conducts independent board evaluations for Multi Academy Trusts, facilitates strategic planning for boards, provides CEO induction and mentoring, and supports trusts through merger and partnership processes. He has led the largest MAT merger in the South West and conducted due diligence for multiple potential partnerships.
He is a skilled facilitator, an experienced system leader, and a trusted advisor to boards navigating complex governance challenges.
