Local Governance Committee
Overview
The governance of a multi-academy trust differs from those of maintained schools. The White Horse Federation (TWHF) believes that placing statutory responsibilities firmly at its centre, in the remit of the board of trustees, allows the Local Governance Committee (LGC) to focus on providing support, overcoming challenges in the delivery of educational excellence, and outstanding outcomes for all pupils.
There are direct channels of communication between the principal and the LGC chair and central services. The clerk to the board of trustees will hold contact details for all members of LGCs within TWHF. However, routine communication for day-to-day school business should come from the chair of that LGC, managed by the school or through an LGC clerk.
The principal and the chair of the LGC are responsible for ensuring the quality and timely distribution of all material needed to keep LGC members well-informed about the school and TWHF. The principal and the chair are also responsible for ensuring the views of the LGC have good lines of communication to the board of trustees. This can be done via the elected chair’s representative on the board of trustees. Senior executives from TWHF will be nominated by the CEO to attend any LGC.
The White Horse Federation has a very clear and shared understanding of what constitutes good and effective governance. Schools within TWHF will be judged to have outstanding governance when members of the LGC:
- Talk about teaching and learning.
- Know a great deal about the school and its community.
- Are ambitious for the school and its community.
- Ask questions which make colleagues reflect, and that these discussions lead to delivering the very best outcomes for every child and adult within the school community.
- Maintain strong and effective relationships within TWHF.
For the shared model of governance to be effective for TWHF and the schools, it is essential that there is effective communication between the board of trustees, the LGCs, chairs groups, principals, the central team, and the executive leadership team.
Current Local Governance Committee
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Helen Fowler | Co-opted Local Governor - Safeguarding (Chair) |
| Chris Neal (DSL) | Principal |
| Mariann Rahman | Parent Local Governor - English |
| Donna Walker | Parent Local Governor - SEN |
| Matt Oswin | Parent Local Governor - Maths |
| Kim Sheppard | Clerk |
| Sara Osborne | Staff (Teaching) Local Governor |
| Nikki Tuffnell | Staff (Non-teaching) Local Governor |
Helen Fowler - Chair of Governors
Hi, I am Helen, I have been a governor at Haydon Wick Primary School for over 20 years! I have 3 children and they have all attended Haydon Wick, 2 are adopted and have SEN needs and my experience of this helps me as a governor to look at school and education from the point of view of other children and parents with these experiences. I have 2 dogs who keep me fit, and generally get me muddy! In between kids and dogs and being a governor, I work as an ISO certifications consultant and Data Protection Officer focusing on Information Security and Quality.
Mariann Rahman - Parent Local Governor
I'm Mariann Rahman. My son is in year one at Haydon Wick Primary School. I currently work as the European Quality Manager for a Chemical company in Swindon. I'm delighted to be a Governor for Haydon Wick Primary and support it as it continues to thrive. Outside of work and spending time with my family & friends, I enjoy outdoor exercise and can often be spotted wearing a collection of colourful leggings"
Donna Walker - Parent Local Governor
Hi, I'm Donna. I have two children currently attending Haydon Wick Primary School. I have worked in a variety of roles within banking and finance over the last 20 years, and I am currently a senior risk underwriter at a building society in Swindon. I am very passionate about supporting children to understand basic banking and finance skills through fun learning to support them in later life. We have a French bulldog called Bruce and a cat called Tilly at home, the cat is definitely the one in charge!! I am excited and honoured to be part of the local governing board where I feel my skills and experience will enable me to support Haydon Wick Primary School on their journey.
Matt Oswin - Parent Local Governor
Hi, my name is Matt and I have a son at Haydon Wick Primary School. I currently work at Innovate UK, where I am a Customer Support Team Leader. I have experience of working in primary schools and believe this will support me in being a Governor. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and most sports, especially ice hockey.
Governor's Additional Information
Register of Interests 2023-24
| Name | Role | Nature of Interest | Date Interest registered | Terms of Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helen Fowler | Chair, Community Governor,
Co-opted Local Governor - Safeguarding |
Company Director | 01/09/2015 | 01/09/2023 - 31/08/2027 |
| Mike Essam | Co-opted Local Governor - Early Years | Management Committee at Zurich Municipal | 11/05/2023 | 22/10/2019 - 10/07/2026 |
| Matt Oswin | Parent Local Governor - Math |
Employee at Innovate UK | 21/11/2016 | 26/01/2023 - 15//01/2027 |
|
Sara Osborne |
Staff (Teaching) Local Governor | TWHF Employee | 01/09/2023 | 01/09/2023 - 31/08/2027 |
| Nikki Tuffnell | Staff (Non Teaching) Local Governor | TWHF Employee | 01/09/2023 | 01/09/2024 - 31/09/2027 |
| Mariann Rahman |
Parent Local Governor - English |
Employee at Magnaflux UK | 01/10/2018 | 15//11/2022 - 14/11/2024 |
| Donna Walker | Parent Local Governor - SEN | - | N/A | 15//11/2022 - 14/11/2024 |
| Chris Neal | Principal |
Headteacher TWHF Employee |
N/A | N/A |
| Kim Sheppard | Clerk |
TWHF Employee Married to the Site Manager at Haydon Wick Primary School LGC Clerk at Grange Junior School LGC Clerk at Bowerhill Primary School |
14/09/2015 16/08/2020 01/09/2021 13/12/2022 |
N/A |
Previous Governors - resigned within the last 12 months
- Karen Palmer - resigned 25/07/2023
- Craig Richardson - resigned 25/07/2023
- Mike Essam - resigned 29/09/2023
Governor Vacancies
There are currently two co-opted local governor vacancies.
The White Horse Federation Governance Information
Each school has its own local governance committee (LGC). The chair of each LGC will also sit on a collective group of similar chairs, from which one representative will be elected and then co-opted onto the executive board. This process will be repeated every two years, thus affording new chairs the opportunity to be similarly elected.
TWHF executive board has clearly identified the areas of responsibility that they delegate to the LGCs. Although not in any way legally responsible, and not itself accountable for the statutory functions, the LGC has an important role to play in assisting the school to operate effectively in line with the wishes of TWHF executive board as communicated to the LGC.
To learn more, visit The White Horse Federation website.
Click on the button below to access TWHF governance information, including:
- Annual report
- Annual audited accounts
- Memorandum of association
- Articles of association
- Names of charity trustees and members
- Funding agreement