MEMBERS

Term of office 09/07/2012 - Present

I currently lead a small team of IT specialists for a large media company.  This role requires me to work with people from different disciplines and analyse and balance many different needs.  Recent and ongoing massive technical change in the industry, along with company mergers, acquisitions and reorganisations, means I am used to leading and delivering organisational change.

During my time as chair of governors at Thomas Estley the College has been through considerable change, including academy conversion and rapid development of the teaching school and now age-range change and appointment of a new principal, whilst maintaining high quality provision, progress and attainment for the students.  I’ve lead the governors through changes to be more engaged, more active and more effective.  Governance was highlighted as accurate and effective in a peer review in the autumn term.

I participated in an early cohort of National College Chairs of Governors Leadership Development programme and have since used principles from the programme to lead training and discussion groups for local governors.

I have a passionate belief in inclusive and comprehensive education.  The formation and development of the multi-academy trust offers opportunities t improve outcomes for young people, increase the rate and sustainability of those improvements and provide a strong organisation to ensure those improvements are sustained.

Term of office 04/07/2020  - Present

Tim was a Headteacher in Nottingham City before becoming Principal of Thomas Estley Community College in 2000.  He remained as Principal until his retirement in 2016.  During this period the College gained an "Outstanding" Ofsted judgement, became a founder member of the Thomas Estley Learning Alliance (TELA) and became an academy.  Tim is a National Leader of Education and has supported a number of schools, primary and secondary, nationally.  During recent years this work has included: supporting Primary and Secondary schools in South Yorkshire, developing leadership capabilities in senior and middle leaders and raising standards through lesson observation.  He is a CPD provider with particular focus on senior and middle leadership development, Governor training and strategies to improve the quality of teaching and learning.  In particular, Tim has facilitated NPQH, NPQSL and NPQML courses, writing and delivering the courses in Doncaster, Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham.  For several years Tim led subject leader training for Leicestershire schools.  Tim as been a contributor to national conferences and is the author of "The Big Questions Answered: A guide for New School Leaders".

OLIVIA WOOD

Term of office 26 April 2023  - Present

I retired as Headteacher of Stonebow Primary School in Loughborough in 2014, after working in Leicestershire schools for 20 years. Following my retirement, I worked for Leicestershire Primary Heads on a freelance basis until September 2020. LPH is made up of primary headteachers across Leicestershire, and offers a range of support and training, for both Headteachers and Aspiring Leaders, in Leicestershire Primary schools.

I became a school Governor at Richmond Primary school in September 2018 and have been Chair since 2021. I was heavily involved in the recruitment of the current Head last year, alongside members of the Richmond Governing Body and CEO of the Trust, following the previous Head’s retirement after 18 years at the school. I really enjoyed getting to know the staff and children better as we put together the recruitment pack, and it gave me a really good insight into the school.

In all of the roles I have played in education over the past 30 years, I have always argued passionately for a curriculum that is exciting and innovative, and accessible to all. For me, a successful school can be measured through the positive engagement and enjoyment of all its pupils, including those who present extra challenges, for whatever reason. This means creating a culture where pupils, staff and governors can develop and grow.

In my spare time I love to travel, both within the UK and further afield. I enjoy reading, the theatre, playing the piano and singing.

Term of office 24/09/2016 - 31/08/2024

As Managing Director of Ace Cleaning Company, for over 30 years I am responsible for the employment of over 200 staff. During this time, I have developed skills that range from Business Development, Health & Safety, Human Resources and Finance. In addition, I have also developed a property management and development concern along with associated skills.

I joined the Governing Body of Cosby Primary School in 2002 as a Parent Governor, becoming Chair of Governors in 2007. Being re-elected on several occasions I became a co-opted Governor in 2014. During my time as a Governor I have been involved in all areas of Governance. Been responsible for a number of subject areas as well as specific roles such as Safeguarding Governor, Health and Safety and Chair of Finance.

Working closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership team I have been instrumental in taking Cosby Primary School from “special Measures” to the position of strength we currently enjoy, producing some really exciting results.

A prime concern over the years has been developing a proactive and involved Governing Body. Ensuring that Governors take an active role helps to secure their understanding of our schools position and really know what is going on within the school first hand and not just relying on reports and data analysis. The whole of the Governing Body as well as staff at Cosby can take ownership for our successes in all areas. Undertaking regular review of our own governance and carrying out a full SWOT analysis during the current year has helped to develop knowledge and provide useful input to the school development plan.

During the years as a Governor I have accessed numerous training opportunities that have helped me to develop my knowledge base to the benefit of the school. These include a number of courses on Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment, Head Teacher Performance Management, E Safety, several Ofsted courses, British Values and many more.

Other personal qualification includes a Business Studies degree and AAT diploma in accountancy. 

Term of office 25/08/2016 - Present

I have spent 27 years in the education sector, from Teacher of French to College Principal, in Leicestershire, Leicester City and Warwickshire, including working for two years in the School Improvement Sector as a school improvement consultant.

Although substantive posts have mainly been within the secondary phase, since 2013 I have also worked within the area of primary school improvement, often through Teaching School related opportunities within Leicestershire and surrounding counties.

I am currently Trust Principal, Head of Teaching School (Thomas Estley Learning Alliance, with over 40 primary and secondary member schools) and Principal of Thomas Estley Community College and Preschool.

Additional current system leadership roles include Teaching Schools representative for the Leicestershire Education and Excellence Partnership, member of the Leicestershire Secondary Heads steering group, lead for TELA National Professional Qualifications delivery (we are a nationally accredited provider) and programme/oversight lead for Leicestershire Leaders, which offers training and support for headteachers in Leicestershire and Leicester City . 

I am absolutely passionate about Building Leadership and Character Together while continuing to raise outcomes and improve provision within our Success Academy Trust schools.

Term of office 31/03/2022 - 30/03/2026

Graham Smith FCCA, CMgr, FCMI, CILEX Practitioner (ACCA Probate)   

  Graham is a Chartered Certified Accountant, Chartered Manager and a CILEX authorised probate practitioner. He runs a small accountancy and business advisory firm, based just outside Leicester, providing a wide range of accountancy, tax and business/financial advisory services to SMEs and High Net Worth individuals, throughout the UK and beyond.     

Having left school at 16 with fairly average O levels and no career plans, Graham was fortunate enough to find himself guided towards professional qualifications by a workplace mentor and as such he is a firm believer in the power of education to transform lives, whether that be at school or subsequently.     Alongside running his own practice Graham acts as an advisor to other practitioners and as a mentor to early career accountants. He has also considerable experience of working with charities, both in his professional capacity and as a trustee (and inevitably treasurer) and has also been a school governor.   

Term of office 22/08/2023 - 21/08/2027

Passionate about building a sustainable future. As an experienced building services engineer, I am at the forefront of low carbon energy solutions in buildings. Supporting the government through policy advice and legislation, I work closely with the new building safety regulator to enhance safety standards.

Education and training are close to my heart. I have led projects for the development of apprenticeships in England and Wales, ensuring a skilled workforce for years to come. With a focus on developing occupational standards, I strive to create opportunities for growth and excellence.

As a former governor at Thomas Estley Community College, I am dedicated to supporting trust in providing young people with exceptional opportunities in a supportive environment.

Term of office 31/03/2022 - 10/04/2023

Peter is a Chartered Process Engineer and Environmentalist. He helps people to find balance and recovery using Tai Chi and poetry. He is married to Sue and they have two grown-up sons, and five grandchildren.

  During his career he has worked on improving industry at Vickers, DuPont and Agfa; improving the NHS at Airedale Hospital; and improving all sorts of organisations at Fujitsu and Ψ (Practical Service Improvement). He has volunteered as a Trustee of CILT, Secretary of Melton Team Parish and sits on Community Panels for Youth Justice.  Peter has excellent networking and communication skills underpinned by the presence, self-confidence and credibility necessary to be effective. He has extensive experience in people management, business process re-design, service improvement, business model innovation and collaboration.  

His goal is to be more philanthropic.