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 board of governance (GB) to focus on providing support, overcoming challenges in the delivery of educational excellence, and achieving outstanding outcomes for all pupils.
There are direct channels of communication between the Headteacher and the LGB chair and central services. The clerk to the board of trustees will hold contact details for all members of LGBs within TWHF. However, routine communication for day-to-day school business should come from the chair of that LGB managed by the school or through an LGB clerk, if such a position is deemed necessary.
The Headteacher and the chair of the LGB are responsible for ensuring the quality and timely distribution of all material needed to keep LGB members well-informed about the school and TWHF. The Headteacher and the chair are also responsible for ensuring the views of the LBG are well communicated 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 sit on an LGB. Trustees reserve the right to attend any LGB meeting.
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 LGB:
- 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.
In order for the shared model of governance to be effective for TWHF and the schools, it is essential that there is effective communication between the trustee board, the LGBs, chairs groups, Headteachers, the central team, and the executive leadership team.
Minutes are available on request from the school office.
Current Local Governors
Amy Edwards Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead
Rachel Sims Chair of Governors - Co-opted Local Governor
Sharon Noyes Co-opted Local Governor
Moira Laffey Co-opted Local Governor
Lianne McCarthy Co-opted Local Governor
Zoe Pletts(support) Local Governor, Family Support Advisor and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Fay Pearce Staff (teaching) Local Governor, 04.09.2023 - 03.09.2027 no declarations of interest.
Current Local Governors Interests 2022-23 & Attendance 2021-22
Local Governors have been appointed by the Board of Trustees and will serve a four-year term.
| Governor's Name | Role | Nature of Interests | Date Interests Registered | Terms of Office | Attendance 2021-22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Amy Edwards |
Headteacher | TWHF Employee |
01/09/22 |
01/09/22 - 02/01/26 |
N/A |
Rachel Sims |
Chair of Governors |
Trustee of Friends of Southbroom Infants' (FOSI)
Haine and Smith Opticians Employee General Opticial Council Member Association of British Dispensing Opticians Member Parent |
25/11/2020 | 01/09/2022 - 01/09/.2026 | 5 of 5 |
| Sharon Noyes | Co-opted Local Governor | None | 27/09/2021 | 27/09/2021 - 29/09/2025 | 5 of 5 |
| Moira Laffey | Co-opted Local Governor |
TWHF chair of LGB at Larkhill and Melksham Oak. TWHF Trustee |
11.07.2022 | 11.07.2022 - 10.07.2026 | N/A |
| Lianne McCarthy | Co-opted Local Governor | Parent | 13 Oct 2022 - 12 Oct 2026 |
||
| Zoe Pletts | Staff (support) Local Governor | TWHF Employee | 12/01/2023?- 11/01/2027 |
Previous Governors - resigned within last 12 months
Samuel Worsfold Left - 20/06/2023
Rachel McCarthy Left - 27/01/2023
Rebecca (Bex) Thompson Left - 23/09/2022
Joanne Jardim Left - 31/08/2022
Jean Edwards Left - 31/08/2022
Susi Waters Left - 20/10/2021 (attended 6 of 6 meetings)
Harriet Hannah Left - 01/02/2021
Ellen Woodroffe Left - 10/12/2020
Amanda Smith Left - 07/12/2020
The White Horse Federation Local Governing Body
Each school has its own local governing body (LGB). The chair of each LGB 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 LGBs. Although not in any way legally responsible, and not itself accountable for the statutory functions, the LGB 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 LGB.
To learn more, visit The White Horse Federation website.