Liden Academy’s Governors sit on an Academy Committee (AC), whose purpose is to support and advise the Principal and Excalibur Academies Trust’s Board of Trustees in delivering effective welfare, behaviour and extra-curricular provision. In every aspect of its work, ACs look through the lens of the child, asking: “What is it like to attend this school?”, whilst being mindful to avoid adding to the Principal’s workload.
ACs help shape a school’s vision, build links with local community, provide specialist volunteer skills/knowledge and give vital input to statutory processes (for example complaints, exclusions and recruitment).
The responsibility of monitoring and improving educational outcomes lies with the Trust’s professional Academy Improvement Team.
Responsibilities
To fulfil these functions, the Academy Committee has the following responsibilities:
- Culture, vision and ethos
- Personal development and staff and pupil welfare
- Behaviour and Attendance
- Extra-Curricular provision
- Safeguarding
- Engagement and promotion within local community
- Staffing, behaviour and complaints panels
- Senior management recruitment/performance management
Governor Roles
The Academy Committee must appoint Governors to the following roles: Health & Safety Governor, Safeguarding Governor & SEND Governor. Depending on the school’s size, additional roles should also be assigned; examples include Education Performance Governor, Pupil Premium & Inclusion Governor and Finance Governor.
Safeguarding & Training
Excalibur maintains a strong safeguarding culture and ethos, with all Governors applying for an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, in addition to undertaking mandatory safeguarding and cyber-security training. It is the responsibility of the nominated Safeguarding Governor to ensure this is adhered to and the Trust monitors compliance. Supplementary training to support Governors in their role is also available.
All Governors and Trustees must agree to be bound by the Excalibur Academies Trust Code of Conduct, with annual compulsory recommitment and declaration of business interests.
More information
Further information about the Excalibur’s Academy Committees can be found by visiting: https://www.excalibur.org.uk/governance/join-us/ or contacting the Trust’s Head of Governance Cathryn Poole: [email protected]
The governors on the Liden’s Academy Committee are:
David Parker – Chair of Governors
I have been a school governor at Liden since 2013 and as Chair of Governors supported the School in its journey towards becoming an academy in 2021. Prior to being chair of the governing body, I was chair of finance and the safeguarding governor – I have undertaken many training courses including the ‘Chair of governors’ course run by Swindon Council over the course of a year, safer recruitment, school finance, child protection etc ….
I work for an educational AV company and have the opportunity to visit many schools across the country where I can observe many different aspects of ‘schooling’ as well working on significant financial projects and tenders
In my spare time, I am involved with charity re-uniting relatives across the world!
Suzanne Durham – Staff Governor
I am Vice Principal and Early Years lead at Liden Academy and have been at this lovely school for 3 years. I have been teaching for too many years to mention but during that time I have had experience in teaching in all Primary year groups, however KS1 and Early Years is where my passion lies.
I have 7 years of Governor experience and enjoy working with professionals from a variety of working backgrounds, sharing with them the achievements of our children and staff.
Jenny Gould – Community Governor
Previously a parent governor at Wanborough Primary School I am a qualified accountant and have worked in finance for over 40 years in variance finance manager roles. When my children were growing up, I worked in the education sector, initially as a primary school bursar where I obtained the CSBM qualification. Within two years I turned the school’s finances from a deficit to a surplus budget and progressed to work for FS4S ltd as a School’s Accountant providing support to Swindon schools as they obtained academy status. Two years later, I moved to the Whitehorse Federation as Finance and Resources Manager where I delivered unqualified audits and sorted out management reports and installed a budget software across the Federation. Once my daughters reached secondary age, I moved back into industry and have worked for the family office for Sir James Dyson in various roles. Currently I work within the tax team after recently obtaining the ATT qualification. Outside of work I am an active member of a local bookclub, I love baking, swimming, aquaroebics and any craft activities.
Grace Olunlade – Community Governor
Grace is a dedicated and compassionate leader with a profound commitment to safeguarding children and supporting her community. With a BSc in Social Work and an MSc in Psychology, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her roles. As the Child Protection Chair, Grace works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of children, implementing robust safeguarding policies and providing essential support to those in need. Her passion for helping others is evident in her proactive approach and unwavering dedication. In her role as a Church Women Leader, Grace inspires and empowers women within her community, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment. She organizes various programs and activities that promote personal growth, spiritual development, and community engagement.
Balancing her professional and community roles, Grace is also a loving mother of three. Her personal experiences as a mother enrich her understanding and empathy, making her a relatable and trusted figure in her community. With a strong educational background and a heart for service, Grace continues to make a significant impact in the lives of many, advocating for the protection and well-being of children and supporting her community with unwavering dedication.
Justine Wood – Parent Governor
I am a Chartered Certified Accountant and a busy working mum of three young girls. I’m passionate about working together with others to support our school and local community.