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The Governing Body
Become a School Governor
Could you help shape the future of St Peter’s?
St Peter’s Church of England Aided School in Exeter is looking for two new volunteer governors to join our governing board.
We are currently recruiting for:
- One Co-Opted Governor
- One Diocesan-Appointed Governor
We are particularly interested in hearing from people with financial or accounting expertise who could contribute to our Business Services Committee.
You don't need previous experience of being a school governor, or experience of working in education. What matters is that you can bring your skills, experience and perspective to the role, and have a genuine commitment to making a difference to the lives of young people.
What does a school governor do?
Our governors play an important role in the leadership and development of the school. Working collectively as a governing board, governors help to:
- Set the strategic direction of the school
- Hold school leaders to account for educational outcomes
- Oversee the school's finances and use of resources
- Support the school's vision, values and Christian ethos
- Contribute to decisions about the school's future
- Ensure that the needs and interests of our pupils remain at the heart of our decision-making
Governors work as part of a team and do not need to be experts in every aspect of school life. Training and support are provided to help you understand your responsibilities and become an effective governor
The vacancies
Co-Opted Governor
We are seeking one Co-Opted Governor who can bring relevant skills, experience or expertise to the governing board.
For this particular vacancy, we would be especially interested in someone with a background in areas such as:
- Finance or accounting
- Budgeting and financial planning
- Audit
- Risk management
- Business services
- Governance or organisational management
We are also keen to hear from people who may have other skills and experience that could contribute to the work of the governing board.
Diocesan-Appointed Governor
We also have one Diocesan-Appointed Governor vacancy.
This is an opportunity to contribute to the leadership and development of St Peter's as a Church of England school, supporting our Christian vision and the values that underpin our school community.
The appointment process for this vacancy is through the Diocese. Further information about the requirements and appointment process can be provided to anyone interested in finding out more.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for people who are:
Committed
You will care about the education, wellbeing and future of our pupils.
Collaborative
Governance is a team effort. You will be willing to listen, ask questions, consider different perspectives and work constructively with other governors and school leaders.
Reliable
Governors need to be able to attend meetings, prepare in advance and take an active interest in the work of the school.
Willing to learn
You don't need previous governance experience. Full training and induction are available.
Able to bring relevant skills and experience
For these vacancies, financial, accounting, business, audit, budgeting or risk-management experience would be particularly valuable.
How much time does it involve?
Governors attend termly governing board meetings, which are generally held in the evenings, as well as any relevant committee meetings.
There will be some preparation and reading required before meetings, and governors may occasionally be asked to contribute to specific activities or discussions.
We understand that volunteers have work, family and other commitments, and we aim to make meeting arrangements as flexible as possible.
Travel expenses are reimbursed.
What will we provide?
You don't need to know everything about schools or governance before you start.
We will provide:
- A full induction
- Training and ongoing development
- Support from the Chair, other governors and school leaders
- Opportunities to understand the different aspects of school governance
- A welcoming opportunity to become part of our school community
Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to use your skills and experience to help shape the future of our school and make a difference to young people.
Why become a governor?
Being a school governor is a voluntary role, but it can be incredibly rewarding.
It is an opportunity to:
Use your professional skills for a purpose
Bring your financial, business or other expertise into a role where it can have a meaningful impact.
Develop new skills
Gain experience in strategic leadership, governance, education and working with a diverse group of stakeholders.
Support young people
Play a part in helping our pupils have the best possible educational experience.
Help shape our future
Contribute to important discussions and decisions about the direction of St Peter's.
Interested?
If you would like to find out more about either vacancy, or have an informal conversation about what being a governor involves, please contact:
Germaine Brooks
e: gbrooks@spexe.org
t: 01392 204 764
Contacting the Governors
To contact the governors, please email Germaine Brooks (Clerk to the Governors) at governors@spexe.org outlining the nature of the issue or call and leave a message at reception on 01392 204764.
Alternatively, you can address your concerns in writing to:
Andrew Beane (Chair of Governors)
c/o St Peters Church of England Aided School
Quarry Lane
Exeter
EX2 5AP
Andrew Beane
The Venerable Andrew Beane
Archdeacon of Exeter
Foundation Governor (Ex Officio Substitute)
Chair of Governors / Standards & Provision Committee
Declaration of Business or Pecuniary Interest: To be advised
Term of Office 11/12/19 – 10/12/23
Second Term of Office 11/12/23 - 10/12/27
Ali King
Foundation Governor (Diocesan Board of Education)
Ethos and Chaplaincy Committee Member/Deputy Lead Governor for Safeguarding
Term of Office 3/1/18 – 2/1/22
Second Term of Office 3/1/22 – 2/1/26
Third Term of Office 3/01/26 - 02/01/30
Declaration of Business or Pecuniary Interest: Nil
Billie Stokes
Co Opt Governor
Term of Office - 01/02/2023 - 31/01/2027
Declaration of Business or Pecuniary Interest: Nil
Chris Campbell
Foundation Governor
Ethos Committee Member
Term of Office 20 Sep 2024 to 19 Sep 2028
Declaration of Business or Pecuniary Interest:
|
Entity |
Nature |
Notes |
Start |
End |
|
Balloons |
Other governance role |
Bereavement Charity |
01/05/2023 |
- |
|
ISCA Medical Practice |
Business or finance interests |
GP Partner |
14/01/2014 |
- |
|
ISCA Medical Services Ltd |
Business or finance interests |
Director |
01/04/2023 |
- |
|
Practice Plus Group Ltd |
Business or finance interests |
Devon IUCS (111, OOH and CAS) |
22/09/2022 |
- |
|
Exeter Medical School |
Business or finance interests |
Head of BMBS Admissions |
25/01/2019 |
01/09/2025 |
Fiona Boorer
Foundation Governor (Episcopal Trust)
Ethos & Chaplaincy Committee Member
Term of Office 17/11/21 – 16/11/25
Second Term of Office: 19/01/26 - 18/01/30
Declaration of Business or Pecuniary Interest: To be advised
Jenine Searle
Parent Governor
Standards & Provision Committee member
Term of Office 26/11/18 – 25/11/22
Second Term of Office 01/02/2023 - 31/01/2027
Declaration of Business or Pecuniary Interest: Nil
Joyce Lau
Foundation Governor
Ethos Committee Member
Term of Office 07/02/24 - 06/02/28
Declaration of Business or Pecuniary Interest: Nil
I worked as a teacher in a local secondary school in Hong Kong for three years, during which my passion for young people and education grew even more. Therefore, after moving to the UK in 2022, I continued to pursue a career that would allow me to continue my passion. I worked as a youth employment coach in a charity for a year in London and decided to move down to Exeter to be involved in a church plant. Now I am a Partnerships Manager in a school governor recruitment charity.
Matthew Melksham
Matthew Melksham
Foundation Governor (The Lord Bishop)
Business Services Committee Member
Declaration of Business or Pecuniary Interest: Associate – Bush and Co Chartered Accountants,
Director and Trustee – Churches Housing Action Team (Mid Devon) Ltd
Term of Office 27/3/19 – 26/3/23
Second Term of Office 27/03/23 - 26/03/27
Phil Randall
Headteacher
Declaration of Business or Pecuniary Interest: Trustee, Exeter Episcopal Trust
Rachel Oliver
Foundation Governor (St John’s Hospital Trust)
Vice Chair of Governors / Chair of Ethos & Chaplaincy Committee / Business Services Committee member
Declaration of Business or Pecuniary Interest: Employee Redhills Primary School, Exeter
Term of Office 1/9/16 – 31/8/20
Second Term of Office 1/9/20 - 31/8/24
Third Term of Office 1/9/24 - 31/8/28
I joined the Governing Body in September 2016 as a Foundation Governor appointed by St John’s Hospital Trust and I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve as a governor.
Previous to becoming a governor at St Peter’s, I have been a Governor at Redhills School for six years. I also work at Redhills School as a part time Teaching Assistant, and this gives me a good knowledge of educational issues.
I am married with three children, the eldest two being at St Peter’s. In my spare time I enjoy being an active member of a local church, mountain biking and walking, and enjoying watching football, rugby and cricket.
Stephen Bright
Local Authority Governor
Business Services Committee Member
Term of Office 12/12/18 – 11/12/22
Second Term of Office 01/02/23 - 31/01/27
Declaration of Business or Pecuniary Interest: Director, Britac Ltd. Director, Grassways Management Co (Exeter) Ltd. School Governor – St David’s CofE Primary School Exeter
I was appointed a governor in December 2018. My son currently attends the school.
By profession I am a self-employed Chartered Accountant performing accounting, taxation compliance and advisory services for a portfolio of owner managed business ranging from sole traders to companies with turnovers up to £25 million. Before this I spent several years working for various accounting practices and also two years working as a financial director of a publishing company which was a subsidiary of a major international concern.
I became a governor as I wanted to help the School with the financial and management skills and experience I have gained. I am a firm believer that the most valuable thing a child can gain is a good education and sense of values and I would like to contribute to this in some small way. I would also hope that the knowledge and experience I have might support the governing body and contribute to enabling the School to meet its mission and objectives. In particular I aim to apply this assisting in overseeing the financial performance of the school and ensuring that the limited financial resources that the school has at its disposal is well spent and achieves maximum value for money.
Trevor Mills
Foundation Governor (St John’s Hospital Trust)
Chair Business Services Committee
Declaration of Business or Pecuniary Interest: Nil
Term of Office 1/9/18 – 31/8/26
Staff Governor: Ruth Hough
Staff Governor
Term of Office - 14 Oct 2024 to 13 Oct 2024
Declaration of Business or Pecuniary Interest: Nil
Parent Governor: Carolyn Jordan
Deputy SEND Link Governor
Term of Office 18/10/23 – 17/10/27
I was appointed to the Board of Governors in October 2023 as a Parent Governor. We have 4 children, 2 of whom are currently at St Peters. My background is in financial services, but I currently work part time at Tedburn St Mary Primary School and am also Chair of their PTA.
I applied to be a Governor because I would like to learn more about secondary education and offer a parents' perspective to the Governing team. I am a dedicated and passionate advocate for education and the role that parents play in this. I believe strongly in volunteering and enjoy bringing my skills to a team where we can offer help and effect change for the advancement and advantage of children. St Peter's ethos and vision underly an incredible opportunity for our young people and I am excited to be a part of this.
Former Governor: David Armstrong
Co-Opt Governor
Business Services Committee Member
Term of Office 07/02/24 - 30/04/25
Declaration of Business or Pecuniary Interest: Nil
I have been an academic for most of my working life, having been a senior lecturer at Birmingham University and a professor at Durham, Exeter and Buckingham University. I have written books on a range of topics relating to international relations, including China’s foreign policy and international organisations and international law. I am in the 56th year of my marriage and have two sons and four grandchildren. I was a volunteer with the Samaritans for several years.
