Meet Steve, a true governance expert, dedicated to helping schools and academy trusts improve the effectiveness of their governance structures and ensuring they meet statutory responsibilities. Whether it's through providing rapid response guidance on compliance issues or offering professional development opportunities, his team provide the best support for pupils and staff.

As a charity trustee, CEO, and chair of both an Academy Trust Board and a school governing body, Steve's passion for education and governance knows no bounds.

Father of one, Ian has worked in the education sector for 15 years in a range of Education settings, including as an ICT Advisor and a Deputy Head Teacher. His leadership and grammar work has been recognised in ESTYN Case studies and his previous school of employment will become the first Primary School in Wales to achieve the Proud Trust's Rainbow Award. 

Ellie is General Manager at GovernorHub, having previously worked in a lead governor support role in Buckinghamshire. Ellie has spearheaded many key product developments at GovernorHub, including the recent board diversity tracking and reporting feature. She’s also a chair of governors at an academy school in Buckinghamshire. 

Vinny is a dedicated professional with an impressive background in policing, forensics and community engagement. He has worked in policing for over 20 years, most recently taking up the role of Detective Inspector for Kent Police in 2022. Beyond his police work, Vinny is actively engaged in community service and volunteers as the chair of governors for a West Sussex Primary School, a chair for the Equality Advisory Group at Kent FA, and an event organiser for the Light the Lakes charity event. He is also passionate about mentoring and coaching, particularly in developing a structured framework for schools to nurture future leaders.

Hannah Stolton has been CEO of national education charity Governors for Schools since January 2020. Hannah joined the organisation in 2017 where she managed the development of operations, enabling the charity to spend less time on administration, and more time working directly with potential volunteers and schools. After starting her career as a primary teacher, Hannah moved into the recruitment field, managing the UK operations of an in-house agency. She brings 20 years’ experience in this area to Governors for Schools, where she focuses on expanding its reach across England and Wales. Hannah is currently chair of governors at a primary school in Essex.

Olivia joined the Marketing and Communications team at Governors for Schools in December 2022 as the Digital Marketing Executive, then became the new Brand and Digital Marketing Manager in August 2023. For over 10 years, Olivia has been a successful and sought-after private virtual tutor and coach, championing the student voice in all of her endeavours. Olivia is active in the digital, social media and education governance space through her various roles as the creator and co-host of The Governors’ Podcast, website designer, diversity of age trainer, and network manager for Education Governance Solutions and its brands (incl. the National Association of School and College Clerks and the National Black Governors Network). She is also the Committee Chair at a selective secondary school in a medium-sized MAT in Birmingham.

Kirstie has worked in Human Resources for over 30 years and is Senior HR Consultant at Strictly Education. She is the lead for training and conferencing delivery which includes a core HR training programme, as well as bespoke in-house training for schools.  Kirstie’s delivery is focused on the management of HR in schools and also on the mental health and wellbeing of staff.  She is an experienced trainer and facilitator, a chartered member of the CIPD and a certified mediator.

A former Headteacher and Executive Headteacher, Viv has taught across all age ranges and often in schools in challenging circumstances. Part of the team that established a Co-operative Trust and a Multi-Academy Trust, she’s endlessly passionate about supporting other professionals to help young people feel safe, supported and ready to learn. When she isn’t busy fulfilling her responsibilities as Head of Product and Innovation at Thrive, Director of a MAT, a foster carer leading a Mockingbird constellation, and as a school governor, you’ll find Viv travelling the UK in her motorhome or cooking up a feast in her outdoor kitchen.

Titi has worked in Human Resources for over 25 years as HR practitioner in the education and public sectors. She joined Strictly Education in 2021 after 7 years in a stand-alone school and a Multi Academy Trust where she was HR Manager. Titi has thorough knowledge of schools’ terms and conditions, as well as an appreciation of the education landscape, a good appreciation of strategic HR approaches and policy work. Titi leads on diversity and inclusion within the team with a keen interest in training delivery. Titi enjoys working with school leadership teams to identify HR solutions and options for resolution. Titi holds a master’s degree in human resources and is a Chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Bagshot Infant School is a two-form entry setting with a Special Needs Support Centre. The school has a long-standing reputation for inclusion which has been recognised by successive Ofsted inspections, as a strength. The curriculum, pastoral care and enrichment activities are crafted with the children’s needs in mind. The school’s mantra is ‘If every child can’t do it, we don’t do it’.

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