Local Governance at Unity Schools Partnership
According to the Department of Education, the three core functions of governance in a Multi Academy Trust are:
- Giving the school a clear vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
Ultimate responsibility for these tasks is held by the central Board of Trustees but support from local governing bodies is vital in providing local representation and acting as the eyes and ears in each school community. Local governors work alongside school staff, to support them in improving the outcomes and wellbeing of all the children in their schools. Feedback from each local board is reported to the Trust Board, and taken into account during decision-making.
Local governors follow a Governance Charter, which is summarised here:
Scheme of Delegation
Governance at Abbots Green Primary Academy
The Chair of Glemsford Primary Academy is Ian Goodchild. They can be contacted by email via the school office.
More information about all members of the governing body, including any relevant declarations of interest and attendance at meetings, can be found in the table below:
| Name | Category of Governor | Term of office end* | Relevant business or pecuniary interests | Governance roles in other educational establishments | Relationship to school staff | Meeting attendance in 2024/25 (annual year) |
| Luke Dominy | S | 02/02/29 | Other governance role | Yes | 3/3 | |
| Jenna Duncan | C | 27/01/28 | None | 3/5 | ||
| Ian Goodchild | C | 10/06/26 | None | 5/5 | ||
| Lauren Marlow | C | 10/03/28 | None | 3/5 | ||
| Ang Morrison | HT | N/A | None | 5/5 | ||
| Joe Pointon | C | 29/10/27 | None | 5/5 | ||
| Natalie Punchard | C | 31/01/28 | Abbeygate VI Form College employee | 5/5 | ||
| Laura Silk | P | 10/03/28 | King Edward VI School employee and husband is a King Edward VI School employee | 4/5 | ||
| Chris Timm | P | 09/02/27 | None | 4/5 |
Abbreviations
C: Community Governor, Trust appointed
P: Parent Governor, elected by parents
S: Staff Governor, elected by staff
HT: Headteacher
AY: Academic Year
* Please note: The duration of all terms of office is four years.
Past Governors
Information about governors who have stood down from the Governing Body over the past 12 months can be found here:
| Name | Category of Governor | Term of office end | Relevant business or pecuniary interests | Governance roles in other educational establishments | Relationship to school staff | Meeting attendance in 2024/25 (annual year) |
| Laura Arfi | S | 07/12/24 | None | 1/5 | ||
| Joanna Moore | C | 23/09/24 | Thurston Community College (Employee) | 0/5 |
Ian Goodchild – Chair of Governors
Having been a Governor at Abbots Green for four and a half years, I was honoured to be asked to step into the role of Chair of Governors to lead an excellent governing team, as we support and challenge the school through the next phase of its journey.
The role of Governor is often referred to as a ‘critical friend’ and my role is to provide constructive criticism to help the school be the best it can be. I have two children at the school who have benefited significantly from the school culture, which is inclusive and nurtures independent learning – I will do what I can to ensure Abbots Green retains this positive, aspirational attitude and never stops striving for improvement. I am particularly proud of how the school successfully navigated the pandemic and recently received a pleasing Ofsted inspection rating.
My background is in Investment Management and Financial Planning where I have over 21 years’ experience working for large and small businesses in senior management roles. Using this experience, I particularly assist the school with strategic planning, operational management, and financial oversight.
You can contact me via the school office or by email at chair@abbotsgreenacademy.co.uk.