Governance Arrangements

Please contact clerk@wickersleypt.org for all enquiries regarding governance.

The purpose of governance is to ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction. An effective governance structure will:

Hold executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its students
Ensure the effective and efficient performance management of staff
Oversee the financial performance of the Trust, making sure that money is spent well.

Our Board holds high aspirations for WPT and is committed to continuous improvement to enable the best possible outcomes.

Wickersley Partnership Trust is made up of three ‘tiers’ of governance:

Board of Members
Board of Directors
Local Governing Bodies

Members

The Members’ role is a tier of governance that a maintained school does not have. Members are the equivalent of shareholders in a commercial company and have overall “control”.

Members of an Academy Trust have a different status from the Directors (also known as Trustees). The Members are the subscribers to the Trust’s memorandum of association, and any other individuals permitted to become members under its articles of association. Members have an overview of the governance arrangements of the Trust and have the power to appoint Trustees and remove these Trustees. Members approve the annual accounts and Directors’ annual report each year at the Annual General Meeting.

Members can amend the articles and may do so to support stronger governance arrangements.

“As Members, we need to ensure that our Directors are providing appropriate support and challenge to the leaders within the Trust. Above all else we need to be assured that the vision and values on which the Trust was originally built are being upheld.”

Steve Calvert

I work for TJX (you may know them at as TK Maxx and Homesense) where I look after the logistics team across Europe.

I love the outdoors and run and walk to keep fit but my real passion is gardening. I also love to travel.

Phillip Marshall

I have a broad range of intensive educational leadership experience spanning 3 decades, having served 13 years as a secondary headteacher in Rotherham.

Since 2011, I have worked with the Department for Education as an ‘Education Specialist’, in addition to serving as a Director of Learners First Schools Partnership.

I am also a Director of PM Impact Ltd, providing leadership and support to academies, Multi Academy Trusts and schools.

Alan Richards

I have been involved in school governance since 2001, and have been a National Leader of Governance since 2012. I have a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Wales.

A member of the Institute of Leadership and Management and the Society of Education and Training, I am passionate about school improvement, ensuring that all children are able to achieve to their full potential.

As a National Leader of Governance, I have supported and helped to develop Leadership and Governance in Schools and Academies throughout the region. I am also a Director serving on several other Boards of Multi Academy Trusts and School Improvement Companies in South Yorkshire.

I currently run my own business as a Consultant Leadership and Management Trainer, designing and delivering courses for, amongst others, the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry and working with many businesses across the region. I run training programs and seminars developing and promoting Leadership and Emotional Intelligence skills throughout the Country.

Mark Wheeler

I am currently Associate Lecturer/ Link Tutor for the University of Huddersfield, working with trainee teachers on their journey towards qualified teacher status.

I am also the Director of the Diocese of Sheffield Academies Trust.

I began my career in teaching quite late after initially working at Parkgate steel works. My teaching career has been within Rotherham Primary Schools up until 2017 when I retired from headship. I enjoyed the position of Head Teacher for twenty years, the last five years as Executive Head of three primary schools. In 2013- I became a designated National Leader of Education- working with Learners First School Improvement team and Wickersley Secondary School to form a Teaching School Alliance aimed at supporting the development of educational practice across Rotherham and beyond.

I have a particular interest in the development of new teachers and how as a profession we can inspire our children’s learning. My interests outside of teaching are linked to family life, sport and the great outdoors, which are all often combined.

Steve Calvert (Chair)

Logistics

I work for TJX (you may know them at as TK Maxx and Homesense) where I look after the logistics team across Europe.

I love the outdoors and run and walk to keep fit but my real passion is gardening. I also love to travel.

Abigail Dombey (Vice-Chair)

Sustainability

I am a Chartered Environmentalist, and have been working in the field of sustainability for over 20 years.

I have extensive experience of sustainability in the education sector. This includes being a Committee Member on the Greater Brighton Infrastructure Panel, and a previous Board Member at Brighton Students Union Bright’N’Green. I was also Head of Sustainability at the University of Brighton. I am currently an Energy and Sustainability Engineer at Carbon13, Venture Builder for the Climate Emergency.

I am also fluent in both spoken and written French.

Alistair Budd

Education

Having spent my childhood in Rotherham where I attended Brinsworth Whitehill Primary School and then Brinsworth Comprehensive School, I trained as a teacher and have taught in Oldham, Maltby and Barnsley.

Now the Principal at Upperwood Academy in Darfield, Barnsley, I have always taught and lead in the primary sector. My philosophy for education is firmly rooted in the belief that young children who get a great start in schooling will go on to succeed in education and in life.

I have broad experience in the primary sector, supporting other schools in leadership, in delivering strong outcomes for children and in supporting teachers to be their best in the classroom.

I firmly recognise that the classroom is where the difference for pupils is made and much of my focus is spent ensuring that the classroom experience is mutually supportive and respectful.

Outside my professional life, I am the proud father of three children, and play competitive sport.

Jackie Burn

I have over 25 years experience working within HR, and have been HR director of Punch Pubs & Co since 2011. This includes operating as part of the Board and Executive Team.

I strongly believe that young people should have every opportunity to be the very best that they can be.

Stephen Cavell

Finance

I am a senior private equity professional with over 25 years’ experience in the sector, latterly as Head of an Investor Relations Team responsible for several highly successful fundraisings in varied and difficult environments.

I have an atypical background in that I have worked in all areas of private equity, including mid-market deal execution and listed fund-of-funds management.

Following recent approaches by mid-market private equity firms in the UK and on the Continent I have worked on various fundraisings as well as working with a leading UK charity. Since Graphite I have also had time to pursue my interests in politics, finance and economics and I am now ready for a new and challenging role. Finally, I am also a bi-lingual French speaker.

Jhansi Devineni

Technology

I have been in a technology leadership role for HSBC UK and HSBC Europe during its major business and technology transformations from 2015, resulting in double profits year on year until and including the 2022 financial year.

While performing a technology implementation role, I guided C-suit members to make right technology decisions to separate HSBC bank into 2 entities during UK Banks Ring Fencing regulation.

I specialise in identifying areas to automate and also expanding technologies to improve efficiencies in operational activity. While working in the Legal industry, I removed the secretary concept to all lawyers by introducing digital dictation which was a game changer for law firms in the UK.

Mike Hemingway

Audit & Risk

After a thirty six year career in Banking, I retired as a Senior Executive at HSBC in May 2023.

I have lived in Rotherham Metropolitan Borough for fifteen years.

It is home to my wife, son, daughter and two Labradors.

During my career, I worked across retail and commercial banking, throughout the UK, gaining experience in leadership, performance and financial management, finance, Human Resources, employee relations, organisation development and change management.

I have been Governor of Anston Hillcrest Primary School for over two years, and Chair of Governors at Wath Victoria Primary School, both part of James Montgomery Academy Trust.

I am a Trustee Director of both Wales High School Academy Trust and Wickersley Partnership Trust.

Since leaving full time employment, I have become an Associate Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University Business School.

I have also become Parish Councillor serving on Anston Parish Council.

In support of my children’s passion for football, I hold an FA Coaching License, coaching at Thurcroft Hubstars FC, and watch my daughter play at a team in Rotherham (they are both goalkeepers, to their mum’s despair!).

I believe my varied career experience, and current roles within the education sector equip me with a good understanding of the issues and challenges faced by schools and colleges generally.

My broader activities allow me to see these from the perspective of the communities they serve.

Yuri Burton

Audit & Risk

Yuri Burton is a seasoned risk management professional with a strong track record of leading risk management initiatives at the highest levels of organisations.

Based in London, Yuri’s expertise extends to director-level risk management roles, where he collaborates with executive teams, board members, and non-executives. His commitment to enhancing risk oversight and assurance is a hallmark of his career which has included roles at Legal and General, Softbank, Barclays, M&G, Ford and BDO.

Yuri is a qualified leader and volunteer within the Organisation of Ukrainian Scouts in Great Britain (PLAST), responsible for running the finances at the annual jamboree.

Joseph Diston

Finance

I’m an Audit Director for Pricewaterhouse-Coopers LLP within their Centre of Excellence team.

I oversee a team of c.180+ individuals across a number of locations within the UK and have a strong focus on audit quality, client service and people management. I am a fellow of the ICAEW, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in May of 2010, having graduated from Newcastle University with a BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance. I have worked in a number of different locations across the globe including the Cayman Islands, US and Australia.

I am an avid follower of Sheffield Wednesday FC (for my sins), having represented the club from the ages of 9 to 18, together with representing my town and county at various age groups. I also enjoy both cricket and golf alongside travelling and spending time with my young family.

Paul Eastell

Estates & Compliance

I am currently employed as a Civil Servant, and have spent the last 13 years working in the DWP, HMPPS and the HSE.

During this period, my roles have included Head of Technical Compliance and Audit, Regional Service Lead – Health, Safety, Fire and Litigation and HM Inspector of H&S.

I have also worked for a local authority as Principal H&S Officer and in local steel works and coal mines for many years.

I am a Chartered Member of IOSH, Certified Member of IWFM and Associate Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers. My learning in the H&S field has included work-related study at the University of Warwick where I was awarded Postgraduate Diploma in Regulatory Occupational H&S.

I am married with two grown up daughters, and live locally. Out of work I enjoy playing golf (sometimes good, often not so good!) and have a keen, but remote eye for Sheffield United.

Emmeline Ford

Education

I have been a headteacher for ten years, working in schools that serve areas of high disadvantage in West Yorkshire.

I have had success in improving outcomes for children at all key stages and improving the Ofsted gradings of my schools, taking schools out of special measures.

I have trained as a musician and has seen first hand the difference that the arts make to children’s lives; developing confidence, social and cultural capital and adding joy to the life of a school. I believe in working collaboratively with a variety of organisations in order to improve children’s life chances, including introducing the Opera North, In Harmony programme to my school, with great success.

I believe in the power of Multi Academy Trusts to improve standards and have been a Headteacher in two MATs, of varying sizes. I have taken on the role of Director at Wickersley Partnership Trust as I believe the future of schools is in successful MATs and I want to support Wickersley on its realistic ambition to further improve life chances for children in areas of disadvantage.

I have also recently qualified as an Ofsted inspector.

Andy Hague

Logistics

I graduated in Business, then in later life achieved a Masters. I’ve worked in Logistics for over 30 years, primarily in the Grocery Sector (Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury) but latterly in Retail and E-com (Asos, House of Fraser and TKMaxx).

2019 marked 50 years since I started at Rawmarsh Ashwood Primary School, and thankfully I still see some of those pals on a regular basis. Having visited the school recently, it seems it’s aged much better than all of us! So when I was asked to put something back in via the Trust I was more than happy to spend the time and hopefully give something back.

There is no doubt that my early education has shaped my later life and anything I can do to help current kids gives me great satisfaction. Equally, I feel I’m learning much from the Trust, and have been very impressed by the dedication and skills of Helen and her team.

David Owen

Education

David Owen is an emeritus professor of education and former primary and secondary teacher.

He was head of department in the Sheffield Institute of Education at Sheffield Hallam University from 2014 to 2023, leading initial teacher training, education and childhood courses. He has specialised in geography education, teacher development, digital learning and developing successful education partnerships, and has written and presented to national and international audiences on these areas. David is committed to working collaboratively across the education sector to improve outcomes for all school students. He has chaired national Department for Education initial teacher training groups, as well as working as a member, governor and trustee for other regional multi-academy trusts, schools and colleges.

Peter Sadler

Marketing

I am a marketing director in one of the UK’s largest software businesses, Advanced. I work with organisations ranging from small manufacturers, schools and colleges, to the National Health Service.

I have over twenty five years of business and leadership experience, at least half of it working exclusively in the education sector. In my spare time I like to cycle and run, and whisper it very quietly, I am an Aston Villa supporter.

Being part of the Trust allows me to help by adding my experience and insight to the overall organisation. The goal that we should “never do any less for someone else’s child than we would do for our own” is one that I completely support. Living in Derbyshire and working in central Birmingham, I hope I can also bring a perspective from outside the immediate area.

Anasua Sarakar-Roy

Finance

I am a legal and risk management professional with particular expertise in the financial services sector. I was General Counsel and CRO of Pacific Life Re, a global life reinsurance business, until 2021.

I qualified as a solicitor in 1995 and previously held roles specialising in M&A and corporate finance transactions at Ashurst, Nomura International and RSA. I now work on a freelance basis as an executive coach, Non-executive Director and risk consultant.

I also serve as a Trustee at Whitefield Academy Trust which operates schools in North London serving pupils with special educational needs. I spend a lot of time out on my bike and also volunteer with Citizens Advice and the local Foodbank.

Directors

(Trustees)

The Directors set the overall strategic direction for the Trust collectively and are the people responsible under the Academy Trust’s articles of association for controlling its management and administration. They have responsibility for directing its affairs, and for ensuring that it is solvent, well-run, and delivering the Trust’s charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public.

Although the Directors are directors of the company in company law terms, they are also charity trustees, as the Academy Trust is charitable in law.

To perform their role effectively, the Board of Directors must have a real understanding of the Trust’s structure, its aims and how it means to meet those aims. The recruitment and development of Directors is critical to good governance. The Trust aims to have an appropriately skilled and knowledgeable Board of Directors that collectively are able to provide strategic leadership and challenge Trust performance in the following key areas as a minimum:

Student Welfare
Teaching and Learning Pedagogic Performance
Human resources and staff professional development
Asset management and operations
Financial management

The Directors have appointed Local Governing Bodies (committees) for each school within the Trust to which duties are delegated. Day to day operational matters are delegated to the Headteacher and through the Headteacher to the senior leadership team of each school.

The Trust has appointed a Chief Executive Officer who is an ex-officio director of the Academy Trust.

Would you like more information about what a Director does, or would you like to become a Trust Director?

Subcommittees

Audit and Risk Subcommittee

Mike Hemingway

Interim Chair

Education Subcommittee

David Owen

Chair

Estates and Compliance Subcommittee

Abigail Dombey

Chair

Finance Subcommittee

Stephen Cavell

Chair

Staffing and HR Subcommittee

Jackie Burn

Chair

Local Governing Bodies

The Directors consider schools to be an integral part of their local communities and aim for community links to be fully embedded into the life and work of the school.

Local Governing Bodies (LGB) are appointed for each school within the Trust and are accountable to the Trust’s Board of Directors.

The LGB’s for each school essentially fulfil the same role as the Governing Body of a maintained school. Their core focus is the attainment and progress of their students.

Our Local Governing Bodies are responsible for:

Developing a vision and strategy for the school
Holding the school leaders to account to ensure that every pupil has the best possible education
Engaging with students, staff, parents and the school community to understand their views of the school

Our LGBs meet six times a year and follow a set agenda to look at information and evidence around topics such as education, data, admissions, subject audits and policies.

Would you like more information about what a Governor does, or would you like to become a Governor?

James Sharman

I have been a governor at Aston Hall since 2019. My children are currently at the school. Previously, I was a LA governor at Aston Academy and supported establishing the Aston Community Education Trust, where I continue to be a Trust Member, setting the strategic direction for the multi-academy trust.

I attended Aston Springwood and Aston Academy as a student prior to studying Law and Politics at Manchester University. Following graduation, I have worked for a large international bank for the last 18 years, holding a variety of roles, including branch and project management. I currently support commercial customers as a resilience risk manager, specialising in risk governance and operational and cyber security.

I am passionate about the power education and skills development has to unlock opportunities for all and believe in driving the highest standards to ensure all pupils realise their full potential. I’ve always lived in Aston and want to support providing the best possible start for young people in our local community.

Full governance information for Aston Hall Junior and Infant School, including meeting attendance, can be found

here.

Luise Stabell

My current professional role is Head of Procurement for a company in Buxton which import, cut and pack and sell cheese to the majority of the retailers and wholesalers.

My name is Luise Stabell and I am relatively new to the Governing board here at Aston Lodge. My current professional role is Head of Procurement for a company in Buxton which import, cut and pack and sell cheese to the majority of the retailers and wholesalers. This is a new challenge for me and I hope my skill-set and experience from a business perspective will be valuable to the board here at Aston Lodge. I am sure with the right blend of skills and experience in the board that the strategic direction that has been set can bring the best possible outcome for pupils and take the school to the next level

I look forward to be working closely with the current leadership of the school in my new role as governor and my objective is to give Mrs. Cronin the support that she and her staff need to enable them to achieve the priorities that have been set and agreed as the school continue growing lifelong learners.

When I do have free time I enjoy socialising with friends and family, I try to get out 3 time a week for a run to clear my mind and love to travel abroad with my partner.

Full governance information for Aston Lodge Primary School, including meeting attendance, can be found here.

Hellen Bolton

Full governance information for Brinsworth Whitehill Primary School, including meeting attendance, can be found here.

Helen Wetherall

Helen has over 35 years’ experience in all phases of education and different public and private sector organisations as leader, manager and as part of DfE commissioned intervention teams.

She has undertaken leadership and chief officer roles in a variety of settings including:

Managing Director of AMF(UK)Ltd – Advisory and consultancy service in support of
public and private sector companies associated with education
Assistant Director Children’s Services – Performance and Improvement, Norfolk
County Council
Assistant Director Children’s Services – Transformation, Leicester City Council
Director of Property, Leicester City Council
Heads of Service roles for Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council, Norfolk County
Council and Northamptonshire County Council
Client Director for Place Group, Education Consultancy
Manager of Excellence in Cities Programme, Doncaster
Head of Department for Health and Social Care, Chesterfield College.

In addition, Helen has a wide-range of experience of governance including:

Member of the board of governors, Doncaster College, Chair of the Curriculum and
Standards committee
Member of the governing body, Fir Vale School, Sheffield
LA nominated governor for Fullhurst Community College, Leicester
Chair of St Matthews C of E Primary School, Stockport; Chair of Curriculum,
Standards and Safeguarding Committee
Chair of Derby Cathedral School.

Full governance information for Clifton Community School, including meeting attendance, can be found here.

Deborah Cooke

I have worked for many years in the private sector for a variety of companies in business administration for the first part of my career, moving into accounting and finance.

I trained in business accounting and finance whilst I worked and attended university part time. I now work for the family business and manage the accounts and a small accounts team.

I have seen through my employment how a good education gives the basis for so many opportunities. I am passionate about education and believe that every child should have access to good quality education. I want to be involved in ensuring that all the children at Foljambe and Aston Hall are happy and flourish with the best opportunities regardless of their ability.

Full governance information for Foljambe Primary School, including meeting attendance, can be found here.

Shaun Flynn

I spent 27 years in my chosen profession, raising and qualifying from trainee, through branch, area and regional management to MD and CEO.

With no challenge left, and 20 years left to work I wanted a new goal and 5 years ago joined the motor trade, I am currently a sales manager for new cars at a Ford dealership.

I joined the board of governors at TGA (my third school governorship) nearly 6 years ago and have had the absolute privilege to be chairman for the last 3.5 years. Over the years I have been involved in many groups and organisations but my connection to TGA is the one I enjoy and am proud of the most. We have come a long way at TGA in recent years and now belong to a fantastic “family” in Wickersley. I have been lucky enough to work with three terrific head teachers, all of whom brought individual talents and skills to their role. We are far further ahead now than we have ever been, we must continue this trajectory, all of you are part of this.

Just like my business career we need challenges. Every student here at TGA is an important part of these challenges. My challenge to you students here at TGA is to do your best, be part of our present and our future but above all let’s all work together to make this school the best we can, a school that puts out great town firmly on the map and a school we are all proud of.

Full governance information for The Gainsborough Academy, including meeting attendance, can be found here.

Adam Dawson

Having been educated in the town, from nursery to college, I went to study Primary educational studies at Bishop Grosseteste University College in Lincoln.

Returning back to Rotherham, I started my teaching career at a number of local schools before moving into senior leadership. Currently I am a Headteacher at a primary school in Pontefract. I have always wanted to give back to my local community and I am keen to ensure that all pupils at Monkwood get the bet possible teaching, learning and curriculum possible, underpinned by a strong personal development offer. I want the children of Monkwood to excel, thrive and enjoy coming to school each day.

Full governance information for Monkwood Primary School, including meeting attendance, can be found here.

Helen Walker

I work for Sheffield Hallam University as a project manager in the South Yorkshire Futures team.

This team supports various projects that aim to improve the educational health of the region and improve life chances for young people across South Yorkshire. Many of the projects that I work on involve working closely with schools and young people, and it is this combined with my passion for education that sparked my desire to become a school governor. Outside of work, I enjoy sports and play netball for the Maltby Wasps.

I wanted to become a governor as I felt I had something to offer, I wanted to do my part in supporting the young people of Rotherham and knew how in need of support schools across the country are.

I am so proud to be chair of governors at Ashwood Primary School and part of the wider Wickersley Partnership Trust family. Not only is it inspiring to work with so many people who cannot do enough for every child within the trust, but I get to utilise the skills from my day job including decision making, leading and motivating a team and utilising individual strengths. These skills have been critical during a period of change at Ashwood over the past two years, however knowing that I have been able to play a part in turning the school into a place of positivity and determination to succeed is tremendously rewarding. We are an Ashwood family and that sense of togetherness provides a benefit to governance which I could never have imagined.

Full governance information for Rawmarsh Ashwood Primary School, including meeting attendance, can be found here.

Jodie Laing

I left school in 1999 before gaining an NVQ Level 2 in Hairdressing.

I then started training to support teenage pregnancy and teenage mums in education, using this education to support teenage parents to get them back in to work and with parenting life. I continued to build my area of expertise with mental health first aid training and counselling, working with the local authority to help safeguard and keep children safe.

I have gained many extra skills and an understanding of how the world can be seen in a different way. I have a qualification in behaviour that is challenging, Level 2 Safeguarding and a Diploma in Autism and SEN. I also have a qualification in speech and language, and other qualifications around children with additional needs.

I originally joined RCS as a parent governor in February 2022 and from this progressed to Chair of Governors. I am hoping to put my knowledge and skills to good use, supporting the students at Rawmarsh to be the best that they can be.

Full governance information for Rawmarsh Community School, including meeting attendance, can be found here.

John Kanes

I am an internal auditor currently working for the Government Internal Audit Agency.

Previously I have worked across the public sector including the Church of England, Prison Service, local government, House of Commons and the 2nd oldest UK overseas territory (St Helena). I have previously been a governor in several local schools – both primary and secondary – as well as a trustee and Audit Committee chair. I am a keen sports watcher following Rotherham Titans and Gillingham FC. I also sing in some local choirs and quiz (although not very expertly).

Full governance information for Rawmarsh Sandhill Primary School, including meeting attendance, can be found here.

Joanne McCreath

I have been a Governor at Thrybergh Academy for many years. I started as a parent governor while we were a 3-16 Through School with Foljambe Primary so have experience within the Primary phase of education as well.

I have worked for many years in customer service and management positions. I am currently a full time carer. My caring role has inspired me to learn more around disabilities and inclusion and how to advocate for someone to get the best outcome they can achieve.

I am passionate about education for all and believe all children should have access to good quality education. I want to ensure all children have the ability to achieve their very best and get the outcomes they need to reach their goals.

Full governance information for Thrybergh Academy, including meeting attendance, can be found here.

Jodie Laing

I left school in 1999 before gaining an NVQ Level 2 in Hairdressing.

Full governance information for Thrybergh Primary School, including meeting attendance, can be found here.

Anna Lidster

I work for the NHS as a clinical assistant for the Sheffield Learning Disability Intensive support service.

The aim of the team is to keep adults with learning disabilities, complex mental health needs and challenging behaviour out of hospital and secure accommodation and to enable them to live in the community. My main role within the team is to deliver appropriate training to staff teams, families and individuals accessing the service.

I am the licensed Lay Evangelist and Church warden at St James Church Clifton and am involved in organising and running many activities for young people within the community including a yearly Musical in a week project in the summer holidays in partnership with Jesus College Oxford.

Full governance information for Wickersley School and Sports College, including meeting attendance, can be found here.