Governance

Governance Statement

The four key functions of the Governing Board are to;

• ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction;
• hold executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff;
• oversee the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent; and
• ensure that the voices of school stakeholders are heard.
   

Effective governance is essential for the health and success of any organisation.  The key strategic priorities of the school drive the agenda of the Governing Board and Committee meetings and as Governors, we support and challenge the Headteacher by gathering views and asking questions. The role is strategic rather than operational.

Strategic decisions rooted in and influenced by the voices and views of our stakeholders go a long way to ensuring that the Governing Board develops a better understanding of how Sunbury Manor School is operating on the ground and how close we are to achieving our vision. Opening and maintaining channels of communication between stakeholders facilitates good decision-making.

We believe that for the Governing Board to engage with our stakeholders effectively and meaningfully, we need to be visible within school. It is for this reason, that Governors:

• attend Student Council meetings, to hear the voice of our students;
• attend events within school, to meet and listen to our Parents;
• go into school, in our role as Link Governors, to listen to and support our staff.

As an Academy Trust, we must comply with the ‘Academies Trust Handbook’ as a condition of the schools funding agreement.  It provides an overarching framework for the implementation of effective financial management and other controls, consistent with our obligations as a publicly funded body.

Governance Framework Diagram

Sunbury Manor School Governors

Brikitta Batten (Staff Governor – Maternity Leave)

Brikitta joined the Governing Board in September as a Staff Governor. Brikitta has been teaching at Sunbury Manor since 2011, starting off as a covering supervisor and is now Head of Citizenship Studies.

Emily Benwell (Parent Governor)

Emily joined the Governing Board in December 2014. Emily works as part of a Technology Leadership team in the Telecoms Industry.

Sarmila Bhal (Parent Governor and Link Governor for MFL, Computing, Attendance, Anti-Bullying, Behaviour and Alternative Provision)

Sarmila joined the Governing Board in January 2020 and has a son at the school. Sarmila has a law degree and enjoys combining being self-employed with being a stay at home Mum. She has extensive governor experience at other schools.

Chris Burch (Associate Governor)

Chris joined the Governing Board in March 2012 with a special interest in all things IT related. He was a Trust Governor until August 2022.

Josh Burkmar (Trust Governor and Link Governor for Health & Safety, Business Studies, Maths and Statistics)

Josh joined the Governing Board in March 2021. He is a Chartered Accountant in the wealth management industry, with a focus on financial performance. 

Chiara Crichard (Clerk and Company Secretary)

Chiara is a qualified Solicitor. After a career break to bring up her 3 children, Chiara joined Sunbury Manor in 2012 as an Exam Invigilator and Library Assistant; she became Clerk to the Governors in September 2014.

Jo Cloake (Trust Governor and Link Governor for SEND, Looked after Children, Child Protection and Safeguarding)

Jo joined the Governing Board in July 2019 and has two children at the school. Jo is a Solicitor.

David Evans (Trust Governor, Chair of Governors and Link Governor for Life Skills, PHSE, Careers, Duke of Edinburgh and Extra Curricula)

David joined the Governing Board in May 2013 following his retirement from a busy and successful career in Human Resources and Management. As well as his wealth of business knowledge David has a keen interest in education and giving the ‘next generation’ the best possible start in life.

Jayne Fenton-Hall (Staff Governor and Link Governor for Training)

Jayne joined the Governing Board in September 2019 as a staff governor. Jayne has been teaching ICT and Computing at Sunbury Manor since 2012 and is Head of ICT and Computing.

Mike Hayter (Associate Governor)

Profile to follow

Margi Lamey (Trust Governor, Vice Chair & Link Governor for Humanities – Geography, History, RE and Citizenship and the Creative Arts – Drama, Photography, Art, Music)

Margi joined the Governing Board in 2010. Margi was Head of 6th Form at St George’s College and a physicist of many years teaching experience. Margi previously worked for the Civil Service as a Scientific Officer. She has also been an ISI School Inspector.

Mark McCartney (Trust Governor and Link Governor for Pupil Premium)

Mark joined the Governing Board in July 2017. He is a Chartered Engineer and works as a Project Manager for an Engineering and Technical Services Company.

Michelle Prentice (Headteacher)

Michelle has previously held leadership roles in two London schools and one in Brighton and Hove.

Throughout her teaching career, she has been committed to ensuring the highest standards

of teaching, safeguarding, child protection, pastoral care and SEND provision in her

leadership roles.

Emma Redfern (Parent Governor and Link Governor for English)

Emma Joined the Governing Board in January 2020 and has a daughter at the school. She is an HR Professional working in Social Care, with a keen interest in employee relations and opportunities for all.

Louise Warren (Trust Governor and Link Governor for Science)

Louise joined the Governing Board in September 2021. She works in early phase drug development for a Pharmaceutical Company.

Aysha Wilson (Trust Governor and Link Governor for PE)

Aysha joined the Governing Board in April 2022. She is an HR professional within the technology sector and a recent graduate from the University of Kent, with a degree in Biology. Aysha decided to become a Governor, as she was committed to ensuring young people have the quality of education, together with the support to thrive and build confidence.

Bonnie Wong (Trust Governor and Link Governor for Design and Technology, Food and Child Development)

Profile to follow

James Woods (Staff Governor)

Profile to follow

 

Governor Information Table 2020/21