Local Governing Body (LGB)

In order to understand the role and responsibilities of the local governing body within The Nicholas Hamond Academy it is important to recognise that the governing body of a school that is part of a multi-academy trust, such as this one is, is very different from that of a single academy school or a community school.

The main difference is that the trust is the accountable body and ultimate decision-making body and not the local governors, or local governance tier as they are known, and it is the trustees who decide how governance works at individual academy level and what responsibilities are delegated to the local tier.  The trust board can, at any time choose to remove those delegated responsibilities or change the committee structure.  So, in a nutshell the local governing body is a committee of, and dependent on, the trust board for any decision-making powers.

So, what is the role of the local governing body at The Nicholas Hamond Academy?

The local governing body is an informed local community resource with a unique local perspective and a delegated responsibility to provide challenge and support to the academy and the Trust.  Local governors are the “eyes and ears” of the trustees in the local community.

In line with the trust’s Scheme of Delegation, local governors are responsible for supporting academy improvement and engaging with academy leaders and the community in order to ensure that all students reach their full potential, regardless of background or level of ability.

This academy is part of a local cluster.  This means that the governing bodies of two or more academies come together to form one local governing body chaired by an Executive Chair.

Fully supported by the Trust’s Governance Team and the Executive Chair, local governors of The Nicholas Hamond Academy are responsible for:

  1.  Knowing, understanding and challenging pupils’ overall progress and attainment. This means being clear about where the attainment gaps are, what provisions are in place to close those gaps and the impact of those provisions.
  2. Monitoring child protection and welfare in the academy including attendance, behaviour, suspensions and permanent exclusions.
  3. Receiving and noting summary management accounts and risk registers provided by the academy.
  4. Hearing any appeals as part of the complaints process and sitting on discipline panels in relation to suspensions and permanent exclusions.
  5. Evaluating their own effectiveness through the local governing body action plan, skills audit and clerk-led self-evaluation.

School visits help governors to understand more about their academy and the reality of school life.  We encourage governors to take on specific roles, dependent upon their interests and visit their academy.

Being a governor is a very rewarding experience.  You will be part of a team who is working to improve the life chances of children, some of whom come from very challenging backgrounds.  You will learn new skills whilst giving something back to the community you live and work in.  Our local Governors are committed to Transforming Lives, they give their time and energy to oversee the academy and take on a lot of responsibility.  Governance is enhanced by a team from a diverse range of professional, social and cultural backgrounds, if you are interested in becoming a local community governor please get in touch with Jo Bickley our Governance Clerk.

Useful Links

 

LGB Meeting Attendance Register 2021-22

LGB Meeting Attendance Register 2022-23

LGB Register of Business Interests 2021-22

LGB Register of Business Interests 2022-23

Governance Scheme Of Delegation 2023-24

Academy Transformation Trust Governance

Academy Transformation Trust Company Information

Governors Virtual Office – GVO (Governors access only) 

Contact the Governors

Jo Bickley, Governance Clerk

Any communication for the Governors about The Nicholas Hammond Academy, along with our governance cluster academies Iceni Academy Hockwold and Iceni Academy Methwold, can be made via the following:

Email: Jo.Bickley@attrust.org.uk

Telephone: Leave a message via ​01760 721480

Address: FAO Clerk to the Governors, The Nicholas Hamond Academy, Brandon Road, Swaffham. PE37 7DZ

Meet the Governors

Helen Warrick-Evans, Executive Chair, Local Community Governor

Term of Office: 02/06/2021 – 02/06/2025 appointed by ATT Trustees

Community Engagement and Secondary Safeguarding (including LAC) and Leadership and Management Link Governor

My first “real job” was working for the BBC Further Education Schools and Radio and television broadcasting back in the days where the adult literacy programmes and new cooking series were starting.  I was a very young Administrative Assistant organising events. I then went onto study for a Batchelor of Education degree in Dance/Music/ Art Design and technology Secondary Education. I taught in Hertfordshire and Essex as Head of Drama and Head of Technology Faculty for many years. I then went to Spain on the Costa del Sol and taught at three International Schools teaching English and Theatre Arts International Baccalaureate reaching Deputy Headship level before I retired.

Swaffham has always been a very special place in my life over the past 16 years as my in-laws spent more than 30 happy years here in retirement. So Swaffham drew us back to retire ourselves. I am a keen Amateur Dramatic member of the Swaffham Players spending the lockdown recording plays and our weekly play readings which has kept us all entertained. My passion is making sure all students and staff have a happy and vibrant experience of their never ending educational journey in life. I feel privileged to be working alongside the TNHA team and bringing my experiences to help forge a bright and positive future for all.

Sylvia Grice, Vice Chair, Local Community Governor

Term of Office: 25/11/2020 to 25/11/2024 appointed by the LGB

Joint SEND Link Governor

I grew up in Hertfordshire before moving to Bath to study at University in 2007. I graduated with a degree in Natural Sciences and trained to become a Science teacher. I then taught in Wiltshire for a number of years before moving to South Carolina, USA as a military spouse. I travelled fairly extensively during this time as well as working in supply teaching. My wife took a posting at RAF Marham and we moved to Norfolk in 2018. Whilst here I have taught locally and am now working in Assessment Management. I am keen to use the skills and experience I have gained through my involvement in education and military life to support TNHA in the community.

Alex Smith, Local Community Governor

Term of Office: 02/12/2020 to 31/08/2027 appointed by the LGB

Primary Safeguarding (including LAC), Leadership and Management Link Governor

Alex has worked in Higher Education (HE) for over 4 years and has experience in developing policies and procedures, supporting students and academic staff, and implementing quality assurance processes. Alex is currently a Partnerships Manager at UEA and acts a relationship manager for partner institutions whereby the University validates HE provision. She is keen to draw on her experiences of HE and make a positive contribution to young people’s educational journey. Alex enjoys spinning, running and baking in her spare time.

Ben Vine, Local Community Governor

Term of Office: 08/7/2020 to 31/08/2027 appointed by the LGB

Behaviour for Learning Link Governor

I have worked in Education since graduating from the University of Bedfordshire in 2012. My specialist subject is Physical Education. Since starting my career in teaching I have worked in a small number of schools taking on the roles 2nd in department, head of department, Lead Practitioner, Professional Tutor and Year 11 Progress Leader giving me a broad experience across the many facets of education. I have lived in Swaffham since 2016 and have two young children. I truly believe a high-quality education can improve the prospects of our community and the future of the students in our academy.

Debbie Mann, Local Parent Governor

Term of Office: 25/11/2020 – 31/08/2027 appointed by The Nicholas Hammond Academy parents

Quality of the Curriculum Link Governor

I moved to the Swaffham area at the beginning of the Covid lockdown. My daughter now attends TNHA and thanks to the welcoming staff and children she’s settled in beautifully. I also have 3 year old twins and have worked in Education for the past 20 years. My roles in education include Preschool Manager, Pastoral and Behaviour Mentor, Family Support Practitioner and Higher Level Teaching Assistant reception to Year 6. My qualifications and training include BAHons in Early years, Autism and ADHD qualifications and Leadership and Management (NPQML) training at Ambition institute. I’m also a licensed THRIVE Practitioner (an approach supporting children in social and emotional development),  Forest School Leader, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Signs of Safety Trained. I was a LGB Governor for an Academy in Norwich, with roles of Inclusion Governor for all Norfolk trust schools, and Early years Governor across Two trust schools. I found this hugely rewarding, it increased my knowledge of governance greatly and I very much enjoyed supporting the school staff, children and families. I strive to support the local community where I can.

I have a huge motivation and passion for supporting children to achieve their goals and look forward to supporting the staff, children and families at TNHA.

Graham Edwards, Local Community Governor

Term of Office: 10/03/2023 to 31/08/2027 appointed by the LGB

Secondary Careers Link Governor

 

Michelle Walters, Local Staff Governor

Term of Office: 04/01/2023 – 31/08/2027 appointed by Iceni Academy Hockwold staff

Staff Voice for ICP and Primary Pupil Premium Link Governor

Michelle has worked at the Academy since 2018. Her roles include MSA, staff member of the Wrap Around Club, relief Teaching Assistant and cleaner. Michelle has four children whom she is very proud of and has a love for reading, baking and her cats.

Keren Thompson, Local Staff Governor

Term of Office: 02/11/2023 – 01/11/2027 appointed by Iceni Academy Methwold staff

Staff Voice for ICS Link Governor

Keren has been a staff governor in her previous schools and is the Head of Year 11 and Teacher of Science.

Neil Kellet, Local Parent Governor

Term of Office: 01/09/2022 – 31/08/2027 appointed by Iceni Academy Hockwold parents

Joint SEND Link Governor

Neil has worked in the forestry sector for over 40 years, with the last 22 years for Forestry England, based in Thetford Forest. He has held roles in forest management and led the recreation team, before taking up his current position as Business Manager, a role that encompasses strategic planning, business management and woodland creation. Neil is passionate about trees and forests and the benefits they bring to people, nature and the climate.

Neil lives locally with his wife and young son and in his spare time loves running and supporting his boyhood football team Oldham Athletic.

Samantha Caro, Local Staff Governor

Term of Office: 27/05/2022 – 31/08/2027 appointed by The Nicholas Hammond Academy staff

Staff Voice for TNHA Link Governor

I trained as a Maths teacher in 2013 after completing my degree in Mathematics at the University of East Anglia.  Since then, I have worked in several schools in Norfolk and am passionate about providing a good quality of education for young people.  I have been the Director of Mathematics at TNHA since 2017 and have seen first-hand what an amazing job everyone at the school does on a daily basis.  Our students get a truly unique and personal experience that I feel very fortunate to be part of.

Sandra Ferreira, Local Community Governor

Term of Office: 12/07/2023 to 31/08/2027 appointed by the LGB

Attendance Link Governor

I have worked in Social Care and Social Housing for the past 13 years, managing various services supporting vulnerable children and adults of all walks of life.  My work has given me a real vision into how important it is that education includes life and employability skills. I want to use the skills I possess to support and enable every child/young person to reach their full potential. Away from school I am an avid traveller and travel the world with my family whenever we get the opportunity.

I am keen to play an active role in school life and to work alongside staff, families, and our community to ensure our pupils receive an inspiring curriculum no matter their background or circumstance.  As a governor, I want to ensure our children get the best possible education and that, parents receive the best possible communication to help all experience a relaxed and pleasant school experience.

Simon Connor, Local Parent Governor

Term of Office: 01/09/2022 – 31/08/2027 appointed by Iceni Academy Methwold & The Nicholas Hammond Academy parents

Secondary Pupil Premium Link Governor

Simon has been a Police officer for 28 years carrying out a wide range of roles.  Simon has 2 older children 1 who is in the Army and the other works in a family business.  Simon also has 2 children at Iceni Secondary, and has a real passion to ensure all children have the best chance to succeed at school and give themselves options for the future. 

Simon has previously been a Governor at his children’s Primary School, he found it very rewarding and threw himself into the role.   Outside of work Simon has 2 spaniels who need lots of walks. Simon also enjoys gardening and growing his own Vegetables. Simon also enjoys playing golf.