The Role of the Local Governing Body

In order to understand the role and responsibilities of the local governing body within The Dukeries 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 Dukeries 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.

Fully supported by the Trust’s Governance Team and the Chair, local governors of The Dukeries 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.

Membership Information

NameLink Governor RoleAppointment TypeDate of AppointmentDate of Re-appointment (if applicable)Date of Resignation (if applicable)Attendance 2024-25
David McLuckie Careers Trust01/03/202131/08/2025Update due September 2025
Alistair LittlewoodSEND and Specialist Support Faculty (SSF) Trust10/06/201909/06/2023
Richard HanfordQuality of Education and OutcomesTrust01/09/2023
Lisa ChapmanSafeguarding Trust09/11/2024
Julie WestburyParental Voice, Student Mental health and WellbeingParent01/09/2023
Selena MarshallStaff Voice, Mental health and WellbeingStaff18/09/2024
Mike PringleTrust01/06/202014/10/2024

Contact

If you want to bring any matters to the attention of the Local Governing Body, you should address your correspondence to the Chair of Governors at the school address.

Chair of the Local Governing Body: David McLuckie

Address: The Dukeries Academy, Whinney Lane, Newark, Notts, NG22 9TD

Telephone: 01623 860545

The Governance Team

If you have feedback, or need support, our ATT Central Governance Team are here to help. Please email: governance@attrust.org.uk

Meet the Governors

David McLuckie

David McLuckie, Chair, Local Governor

I have lived in Ollerton for over 10 years. I have spent virtually my whole career supplying schools, colleges and universities with IT solutions. Over these years, I have become passionate about providing the very best educational opportunities and outcomes. Our town and community deserves the best; along with all of the school governors and the school staff, we are endeavouring to ensure that this vision is a reality for our community.

Alistair Littlewood

Alistair Littlewood, Local Governor

I am a Professional Storyteller and have worked in a variety of settings across the East Midlands, including Clumber Park, Center Parcs, and with a range of local schools and organisations.  I have also been a primary school teacher since 2012, working at St Swithun’s in Retford, Maun Infants in Ollerton and since 2018 as a supply teacher in many different schools across the region.  I am an ordained priest in the Church of England, and was formerly Chaplain to the University of Birmingham, and then Vicar of Edwinstowe and Perlethorpe Parish Churches.  I now support the work of Ollerton and Boughton parish, and also provide ministerial cover for other local churches.  All three of my sons have attended The Dukeries Academy, and I am the link governor for Special Educational Needs and Disability, and also for Higher Achieving Pupils.

Screenshot 20230830 163958 Gallery

Julie Westbury, Parent Governor

Hi everyone, people may recognise my face around Ollerton as I’ve worked at Maun Infants and Nursery School for 22 years! The Dukeries Academy has always had a special place in my heart as I attended here myself as a student (all those years ago) and my daughter currently attends, with the intention for my son to join the academy next year.  Through my role as a parent governor, I want to help ensure that the present and future students receive the most out of their education and experience at the academy.  The skills and knowledge gained through my professional role will be used to undertake this to my best ability and additionally to make links and suggestions  to better represent the pupils and parents.

Lisa Chapman2

Lisa Chapman, Local Governor

I am deeply passionate about education and recognise the profound impact that school years can have on a child’s life. As a resident of Ollerton, I care greatly about our community. My own experience at the Dukeries Academy was incredibly positive, and I cherish the time I spent there.  My work in safeguarding, coupled with a background in therapeutic counselling for children and young people, has given me valuable insight into the emotional needs of the youth in our area. I am also committed to investing in my personal development to better serve our community and the children and families I work with.

Crop

Richard Hanford, Local Governor

My name is Reverend Richard. I grew up in Nottingham and have been the parish priest for Ollerton and Boughton since September 2021. As a governor, I wish to help every student at The Dukeries Academy feel that they are loved, cared for and supported in our community.

Person Coming Soon

Selena Marshall, Staff Governor

Since starting my journey with The Dukeries Academy, I have undertaken a variety of roles such as cleaning, admin assistant and now pastoral leader for year 9. I have undertaken each role with professionalism and a drive to make a difference.

I have gained new skills and knowledge along the way and I would like to continue my learning experiences.  I do not have any previous experience of being a governor, however I am very quick to learn and feel that I can offer valuable insights.