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Brigantia Learning Trust

 

 

Governance

Brigantia Learning Trust understands that good governance is the bedrock of our Academy Trust.

The Trust has 3 tiers of governance: Members, Trustees/Directors and four Academy Advisory Councils. Governance at every level is made up entirely of volunteers. These individuals bring their experience and judgement, and accept accountability, not for material benefit, but for the greater public good. In particular to improve the life chances of the pupils/young people in our academies.

Each tier of governance is finely balanced to ensure there is appropriate skill, competency and experience to undertake the necessary duties of that team. Collectively they provide leadership, scrutiny and challenge to the Trust Executive Team and Academy Trust overall.

Good governance is the foundation of our success. It enables informed decision-making, fosters transparency and accountability, and amplifies the voices of our diverse communities. Our Trustees and AAC members are instrumental in this process, offering strategic insight and local perspective to ensure our policies and practices reflect the realities of our pupils, families, and staff.

Board of Members

The Members of the Trust are the guardians of the governance process, and although they have little strategic or operational responsibility their engagement and role within the Trust is key. Members are responsible for holding the Trustees to account for successful governance of the Trust and furthering the Trust's charitable objects.

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees oversees educational policy and practice, the standards achieved, the management and deployment of finance, ICT, human resources, governance and strategic development for the whole family of Brigantia Learning Trust academies. Two subcommittees are set up to enable deeper scrutiny for the areas of Education & Standards and Finance, Risk & Audit. The Trustees ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction. Through outcome monitoring and leadership support, they drive continuous improvement. Their governance ensures all decisions align with the Trust's values, educational goals, and long-term success for students, staff and the wider community.

Academy Advisory Councils

Each Academy Advisory Council (AAC) consists of a group of people who could be parents, community nominees, academy staff. They will meet with the academy (Executive) Principal, Associate Principal and other senior leaders where appropriate. In attendance at these meetings will be Link Trustees and members of the Trust Executive Team may be in attendance. This is to ensure that the voice of the local stake holders is heard first-hand by the Board of Trustees.

 

How the business of governance is organised is shown in our handbook, terms of reference, scheme of delegation and annual meeting schedule.

If you would like to become involved in Academy governance, please contact the Executive Principal for an informal discussion.

Brigantia Learning Trust's Documents of Compliance

 

 

Trustees Date of Appointment Term of Office Ends Appointed By
Julie Edwards (Chair of Trustees) 03.03.2021 02.03.2028 Member Board
Alison Warner (Vice Chair)(Chair of Finance, Risk & Audit Committee) 01.07.2009 31.07.2028 Member Board
Julie Lee 22.10.2025 21.10.2029 Co-opted Trustee
Mary Pepper 22.10.2019 21.10.2027 Member Board
Jane Robinson 01.08.2017 31.08.2026 Member Board
Mark Sherburn (Chair of HR (People) Committee 21.08.2020 20.08.2028 Member Board
Nicola Shipman (Chair of Education & Standards Committee) 22.10.2019 21.10.2027 Member Board
Mike Westerdale (CEO) 15.12.2021 Member Board

 

Members Date of Appointment
Zahid Hamid (Chair of Member Board) 01.08.2017
David Drayson 19.07.2007
Nicola Rawlins 15.12.2022
Doug Liversidge  01.08.2017
Julie Edwards (Chair of Trustees) 01.09.2025

 

Resigned in last 12 months
Name Role Date of Resignation
Muna Taha Trustee 20.01.2026
Tracey Eason Trustee 18.11.2025
David Drayson Trustee 31.08.2025
Rizwana Parveen Trustee 28.01.2026