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 Taylor – 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.
Aleksandra Matczak-Jaskolska – Parent Governor
I have lived in Liden since 2012 and I’m married with two children, both of whom attend Liden Academy.
I work as an Environmental Permitting Specialist at Thames Water where my role is to ensure that company has all the necessary Environmental Permits required to carry out its statutory functions in regard to water discharge activities and to offer specialist technical permitting advice to the business and work closely with the Environment Agency on all permitting matters. Environmental Permitting is core to the business; permits are a necessity for the activities and functions of a Water & Sewerage Utility.
Outside of work I enjoy spending actively time with my family as well as running, cycling and walking.
Jack Wise – Parent Governor
I’m a proud father of four wonderful children, and I currently have the joy of three of them attending Liden Academy. In my professional life, I contribute to the ever-important field of cybersecurity, where I play a crucial role in safeguarding individuals and companies from a diverse array of digital threats.
Working in the cybersecurity sector has granted me the opportunity to be at the forefront of defending against cyber threats that can impact people’s personal lives and the operations of businesses. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, knowing that the work I do helps create a safer online environment for everyone.
One of my passions extends beyond my professional life; I am deeply committed to promoting internet safety. In an age where technology is an integral part of our daily lives, understanding how to protect yourself on the internet is paramount. I believe in sharing my knowledge and insights with others, empowering them to navigate the digital landscape securely.
