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
Governance Structure
Documentation
For all enquiries about governance, please contact clerk@wickersleypt.org
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Steve Calvert
Hello everyone I’m Steve.
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.
Mark Wheeler
Directors (Trustees)
The Directors set the overall strategic direction for the Academies 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 academy 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 Academy.
The Trust has appointed a Chief Executive Officer who is an ex-officio director of the Academy Trust.
Steve Calvert (Chair)
Hello everyone I’m Steve.
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)
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.
Jackie Burn
Andy Hague
2019 year marked 50 years since I started at Ashwood Road 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.
I graduated in Business then in later life got 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).
David Owen
Peter Sadler
George Scott
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.
Jhansi Devineni
Jhansi has 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 she guided C-suit members to make right technology decisions to separate HSBC bank into 2 entities during UK Banks Ring Fencing regulation. Jhansi specialises in identifying areas to automate and also expanding technologies to improve efficiencies in operational activity. While working in the Legal industry, Jhansi removed the secretary concept to all lawyers by introducing digital dictation which was a game changer for law firms in the UK.
Emmeline Ford
Emmeline has been a headteacher for ten years, working in schools that serve areas of high disadvantage in West Yorkshire. She has had success in improving outcomes for children at all key stages and improving the Ofsted gradings of her schools, taking schools out of special measures.
Emmeline 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. She believes 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 her school, with great success.
Emmeline believes in the power of Multi Academy Trusts to improve standards and has been a Headteacher in two MATs, of varying sizes. She takes on the role of Director at Wickersley Partnership Trust as she believes the future of schools is in successful MATs and she wants to support Wickersley on its realistic ambition to further improve life chances for children in areas of disadvantage.
Emmeline has recently qualified as an Ofsted inspector.
Alistair Budd
Having spent his childhood in Rotherham where he attended Brinsworth Whitehill Primary School and then Brinsworth Comprehensive School, Alistair trained as a teacher and has taught in Oldham, Maltby and Barnsley.
Now the Principal at Upperwood Academy in Darfield, Barnsley, Alistair has always taught and lead in the primary sector. His philosophy for education is firmly rooted in the belief that ensuring young children who get a great start in schooling will go on to succeed in education and in life.
Alistair has 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.
Alistair firmly recognises that the classroom is where the difference for pupils is made and much of his focus is spent ensuring that the classroom experience is mutually supportive and respectful.
Outside his professional life, Alistair is the proud father of three children, and plays competitive sport.
Paul Eastell
Stephen Cavell
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.
Joseph Diston
I’m an Audit Director for PricewaterhouseCoopers 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.
Helen O'Brien (CEO)
Subcommittees
Audit and Risk Subcommittee
Chair – George Scott
Education Subcommittee
Chair – David Owen
Premises and Health & Safety Subcommittee
Chair – Abigail Dombey
Finance Subcommittee
Chair – Stephen Cavell
Staffing and HR Subcommittee
Chair – Jackie Burn
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 Academy within the Trust and are accountable to the Trust’s Board of Directors.
The LGB’s for each academy 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.
Chairs of LGBs
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.
Aston Hall Junior & Infant School
Full governance information for Aston Hall Junior and Infant School, including meeting attendance, can be found here.
Steve Watson
Aston Lodge Primary School
Full governance information for Aston Lodge Primary School, including meeting attendance, can be found here.
Hellen Bolton
Brinsworth Whitehill Primary School
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.
Clifton Community 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.
Foljambe Primary School
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.
The Gainsborough Academy
Full governance information for The Gainsborough Academy, including meeting attendance, can be found here.
Adam Dawson
Monkwood Primary School
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.
Rawmarsh Ashwood Primary School
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.
Rawmarsh Community School
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).
Rawmarsh Sandhill Primary School
Full governance information for Rawmarsh Sandhill Primary School, including meeting attendance, can be found here.
Joanne McCreath
Thrybergh Academy
Full governance information for Thrybergh Academy, including meeting attendance, can be found here.
Richard Chamberlain
Since leaving university and following a brief career in finance, I have worked in the recruitment sector, advising professionals in Yorkshire on their careers and supporting organisations with their recruitment strategies. I am currently studying towards an MBA at Sheffield Management School.
I became a Governor because I am passionate about supporting young children and making sure they are in the best possible environment to thrive, develop life skills and ultimately build a livelihood and a career for themselves.
I am proud to support and represent Thrybergh Primary School.
Thrybergh Primary School
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.
Wickersley School and Sports College
Full governance information for Wickersley School and Sports College, including meeting attendance, can be found here.
Charity Commission Guidance
