Biography
Howard Nelson is Chief Finance and Operating Officer at Keys Academies Trust, where he leads strategic and operational functions that underpin the Trust’s long-term success. With over 30 years of senior leadership experience across education, health, and industry, Howard oversees finance, estates, ICT, procurement, HR, and compliance—ensuring that resources are aligned with educational priorities and that systems operate ethically, efficiently, and sustainably.
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Previously, Howard served as COO at the Diocese of Norwich Multi-Academy Trusts, where he led infrastructure transformation and governance reform during a period of significant growth. He established DoNESC, a shared services company that streamlined operations and improved value for money across the trust. His career spans senior roles in manufacturing, services, and the NHS, including as a Non-Executive Director, bringing a cross-sector perspective to system leadership and public accountability. Howard is known for his pragmatic approach, strategic clarity, and commitment to enabling educational excellence through operational resilience.
Why have I joined nEdEx?
Howard Nelson has joined the nEdEx advisory board to help strengthen operational leadership as a cornerstone of sustainable school improvement. With deep expertise in finance, governance, and strategic planning, he brings a cross-sector lens to the challenges facing trust leaders today. Howard believes that smart resource management, ethical governance, and collaborative innovation are essential to driving long-term impact—and sees nEdEx as a platform to embed those principles across the sector.
He’s particularly passionate about helping MATs navigate growth, infrastructure planning, and risk, while staying focused on what matters most: delivering great outcomes for children and young people. Howard values nEdEx’s commitment to peer exchange and system-wide insight, and is keen to contribute to its strategic direction. His goal is to ensure the network continues to offer practical value to leaders—supporting them to build resilient organisations that are fit for the future.