A national academy chain running dozens of schools across the country has named a former Conservative minister as its new chair. The Greenshaw Learning Trust has appointed Diana Barran – who oversaw the academies brief under prime ministers Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak – to the role. She is the latest former education minister to become an academy trust chair. “It is a real honour to take on the role,” Barran said. “I look forward to visiting our schools and all of you who lead and support them – and learning more about the incredible work that you all do.” ‘Deep insight’ Greenshaw said Barran, who moved into the position at the start of this month, will bring “deep insight into national educational policy, school improvement, and community support”. She takes over from interim chair Karen Roche, who will continue as the trust’s vice chair. Barran served as academies minister from 2021 until the general election three years later. During that time, she worked under prime ministers Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. She also held roles in the government equalities office and department for digital, culture, media and sport. She was a member of the Conservatives’ shadow education team until April. Greenshaw runs 39 schools in London, the south east and south west. Barran, Agnew, Knight Barran is the latest former minister to take a trust chair role. Another was Theodore Agnew, the long-time chair of the Inspiration Trust. He moved into the position after founding the 18-school chain in 2012. He stepped down from the role following his appointment as academies minister in 2017, before returning to it in 2022. Jim Knight was also appointed E-ACT chair five years ago, having served as a Labour schools minister between 2006 and 2009.