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.

Being a governor is a very rewarding experience.  You will be part of a team who is working to improve the life chances of children, some of whom come from very challenging backgrounds.  You will learn new skills whilst giving something back to the community you live and work in.  Our local Governors are committed to Transforming Lives, they give their time and energy to oversee the academy and take on a lot of responsibility.  Governance is enhanced by a team from a diverse range of professional, social and cultural backgrounds, if you are interested in becoming a local community governor please get in touch with Jo Bickley our Governance Clerk.

Contact the Governors

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Jo Bickley, Governance Clerk

Any communication for the Governors can be made via the following:

Email: governance@attrust.org.uk

Telephone: Leave a message via 01623 860545

Address: FAO Clerk to the Governors, The Dukeries Academy, Whinney Lane, Newark, Notts. NG22 9TD

Meet the Governors

David McLuckie

David McLuckie, Chair, Local Community Governor

Term of Office: 01/03.2021 – 28/02/2025

Safeguarding Link 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 Parent Governor

Term of Office: 10/06/2019 – 09/06/2027 (2nd Term)

SEND Link 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.

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Julie Westbury, Local Parent Governor

Term of Office: 09/01/2023 – 08/01/2027

Parent Voice Link 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.

Mike Pringle

Cllr Mike Pringle, Local Community Governor

Term of Office: 01/06/2020 – 31/05/2024

Pupil Premium Link Governor

I’ve lived in Ollerton since 1970 when my family came from the North East of England to continue in the local coal mining industry.  As a growing youngster I attended The Dukeries Academy and have fond memories of an innovative school representational of the local community.  I followed a 6 year apprenticeship following a higher national certificate of engineering. I’ve worked in heavy engineering, coal mining and run my own fabrication business for some 22 years.  Presently I hold elected seats for Ollerton division of the County Council, Newark and Sherwood District seat for Ollerton, and an Ollerton and Boughton Parish council seat.

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Richard Hanford, Local Community Governor

Term of Office: 09/01/2023 – 08/01/2027

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.