"Support from Andy Martin was invaluable in establishing Derby Diocesan Academy Trust. He brings considerable knowledge of Multi Academy Trusts nationally and is able to broker highly effective relationships from a variety of sources. He keeps a calm head and responds resourcefully to periods of challenge."

Canon David Channon, Diocesan Director of Education, Derby Diocese, CEO Derby Diocesan Academy Trust and Derby Diocesan Academy Trust 2

"Over the years I have worked with Andy in his role as academies adviser, I have found him to be hugely knowledgeable and supportive. He is approachable, organised and efficient. His 'we can do this' attitude has proved invaluable in supporting my work as Diocesan Director of Education. He has helped to find solutions to many of the challenges presented in the changing world of education. Although he has a variety of roles, he is easily contactable by phone or email and is very quick to respond."

Ann Mundy, Director of Education, The Diocesan Department for Education Team and Board of Education, Diocese of Worcester

"Acumen has worked closely with us on a number of major projects, including a merger of two schools and the successful bid for, and project management of, a free school. With a genuine commitment to the Church of England Vision for Education, they took the time to understand our diocesan context, working flexibly as part of our team to make sure our specific aims were achieved. At the same time, the rigour and focus they brought was invaluable. I have no hesitation in saying that Acumen is one of our preferred partners and I look forward to a continued, strong relationship with them. "

Canon Linda Wainscot, Coventry Diocesan Director of Education

"Through their Academy Adviser work, Acumen Associates worked with BDAT to complete our MAT effectiveness audit in Autumn 2016. We used the audit as pre-meeting evidence in our RSC meeting. It showed we had taken the time to QA our own work, and it pre-empted and addressed a number of potentially challenging questions before they became a concern. Acumen Associates are knowledgeable of the academies agenda and what is working across the country. They have a genuine passion to help Academy Trusts make a difference within their ethos and ways of working."

Carol Dewhurst, CEO of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust

"Andy shaped and delivered the pre-pilot professional development programme for MAT CEOs for us. He is solutions-focused and thinks outside of the box, which is just what we were looking for. He is professional, approachable and responsive to the needs of a situation."

James Townsend, Director of the Church of England Foundation

"Andy led the MAT CEO programme I attended as a new CEO. He created a safe but challenging environment and made the participants feel supported during the course and well beyond. He was instrumental in establishing a successful CEO support network which is still functioning today. The documents he created and shared were incredibly helpful. He is very knowledgeable and supportive."

Liz Agbettoh, Previously CEO of Cidari Academy Trust, Diocese of Blackburn