Meet the STEP Team

Ben March, Chief Finance & Operations Officer

Ben has worked in senior positions within the Public Sector since 2002, and from 2011, has specialised in Education. He was part of a pilot programme for Aspiring Business Managers run by the National College, achieving an advanced diploma in 2013. Ben joined STEP in 2014, and since that time has embedded a business strategy which has facilitated STEP’s growth from four academies in Croydon to 20 across London and the South East, whilst at the same time supporting the Trust to consistently post strong educational outcomes. Currently, Ben’s remit includes oversight of the STEP Ahead Teaching School Hub, as well as all functions that support Teaching and Learning and strategic partnerships.

As part of Ben’s commitment to the Education sector, he has been involved in shaping various pilots organised by the ESFA, including the SRMA and Mentoring CFO programmes. This is in addition to supporting the ESFA on bespoke projects; and also undertaking Trust reviews on behalf of Regional Directors, as well as reviews on request from Trust boards. Keen to support the sector in other ways, Ben also speaks at national conferences and has been commissioned by Ambition Institute and Fig Tree International to present on their executive programmes. Ben is a qualified accountant and is currently completing his NPQH alongside an Executive Coaching and Mentoring qualification. Ben is a Fellow of the Institute of School Business Leaders, and since 2022 has also been a Trustee of the Institute.