Meet Your School Governors

The governors of Powick CE Primary School who make up the Local Academy Board (LAB) bring expertise from all areas of the community.  Their interest and expertise is not just in education but also from commercial backgrounds, the wider school community and importantly our Church of England heritage.  The governors of the LAB meet regularly at the school to provide challenge and support to the headteacher, drawing on their knowledge and experience.  They make strategic decisions together on matters such as performance, targets, school policies and school development plans.  They monitor the impact of policies and oversee school budgets and staffing, report on school achievements and respond to inspection recommendations.  They ask the searching questions that need to be asked of a school whilst respecting the position of the headteacher as the professional leader of our school.

How are governors chosen?

Parent governors are elected by the parents of the children currently at the school and staff governors are elected by the school staff.  Community governors are appointed by the Governing Body and vacancies are advertised in the Parish and on the school website.We also have Governors appointed by the Diocese (Foundation Governors) and Associate Governors.  It is the intention that these governors initially serve for a period of four years which can be extended by re-election or re-appointment.  Associate governors bring particular skills to the Governing Body and are invited to join the Governing Body on an annual basis.  The Head Teacher is also a Governor.

Whenever a vacancy for a parent governor arises, all parents are notified and nominations are invited.

How can I contact and meet the school governors?

The governors can be contacted through the school office by message or letter.  In addition Governors also attend many school events where parents are also invited such as carol services, sports functions, and performances.

What do governors do?

Governors are there to make sure the school is being run well and the learning experience Powick School offers remains a positive one with continuously improving standards.  While the headteacher is responsible for the day-to-day running of the school, school governors look at the bigger picture. Governors are at the centre of all the major decisions that need to be taken about the school and its future.

Governors are answerable to parents and the Diocese of Worcester Multi Academy Trust (DOWMAT) for the school’s performance. As well as supporting the school and staff, governors are expected to challenge or question the performance of the headteacher and the school as a critical friend.

What does it take to be a governor?

Governors don’t need any special qualifications. They just need enthusiasm, commitment, and an interest in contributing to the success of the school. Training is provided for new governors by the Local Authority and by the church.  Governors attend a full Local Academy Board meeting (Chair: Emma Holland) once or twice a term, usually on a Wednesday evening but also sit on at least one of either the Resources (Chair: Emma Holland), Teaching & Learning (Chair: Martha Worthington) or Culture & Personal Development (Chair: Kay Shuard) committees established to look at specific areas of school life.  If you are interested in knowing more about being a Governor please contact the Chair for an informal chat.

Chair of Governors

Emma Holland - I have lived in Worcester for 8 years, the last 5 of those have been in Powick. I grew up in neighbouring Herefordshire, having moved away for university and the early stages of my career, but have migrated back close to the Malvern Hills, where I love to walk. I have taken on the Foundation governor role in order to give something back to the community that I live in.  I have a real interest and passion in supporting our next generation in receiving the best possible start to life. I have a little boy who keeps me on my toes! I work as a lawyer and am the current Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the South West of England. I hope to bring some transferable skills from my day job to the role and support Powick to be the best it can be.

Vice Chair of Governors

Philip Robson - I have lived in the area for ten years now and have two children attending the school one in Year R and one in Year 2. I have enjoyed watching both my children develop in the time they have been in the school and became a governor with the intention of supporting the school. My work commitments sadly don't allow me much time to do the school run so I'm pleased to able to be involved in this capacity, having a wealth of management experience, mainly in construction supply. I'm sure I have skills that will be put to good use in building on the high standards already in place. Should you ever wish to discuss any matters with me please feel to approach me via the Clerk to the Governing Body.

Kay Shuard - I was born in north Worcester but passed through Powick for many years as a child on route to my grandparents in Malvern. A lot has changed!

I spent 11 years in Reading, initially going there for university, followed by starting my career as a graduate entrant to the civil service. For 28 years I worked in various management roles across the natural environment sector before leaving in December 2016. I now work at the Diocese of Worcester, am a member of Powick Church Council and an Authorised Lay Minister for children and family work in Powick parish.

I am married to Robin and we have three sons, all of whom attended Powick School over the course of 18 years. As a Foundation Governor I am committed to helping steer this wonderful school through the opportunities and challenges ahead, focusing particularly on how the school's Christian vision is borne out in all it does.

Julia Page - I have been an active Governor for Powick CE Primary School since 1997 when I joined the Governing Body as a Parent Governor. During my time as a Governor I have chaired the full Governing Body, the Finance and the Curriculum Committees. I am currently a Co-opted Governor and as I have now retired from working I am pleased that I have additional time to devote to the Governing Body and Powick CE Primary School. My enthusiasm for the role of Governor comes from a long career in Agriculture / Land Based Further Education and a desire for young people to achieve their full potential through challenging broad based education. I am pleased and proud to be a Governor of Powick CE Primary School.

Ann Woods - Staff Governor

Originally from Lancashire, I have been lucky enough to live on Colletts Green since 1992 and have been employed as a teaching assistant and lunchtime supervisor at school since September 1999. In that time there have been many changes and school has grown considerably. My favourite pastime is to walk and I completed the Offa's Dyke Path four years ago. We have some lovely walks locally so I can often be seen out and about around Powick.

Dave Woodward - I am Dave Woodward and have lived in the village since 2018 with my wife and two children. My daughter has just started in reception (September 2021). I absolutely love the community feel in Powick, hence my desire to be a school governor to help the school flourish.  Professionally, I am the PGCE secondary subject lead for physical education at the University of Worcester. Prior to this, I worked for 10 years in secondary schools in Herefordshire, teaching PE and ICT. I was Director of Sport and a professional mentor and as such, I have worked in close collaboration with national and local organisations. I hold an NPQML (National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership) from the Department for Education, professional membership for the Association for Physical Education and I am a fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.  I hope to be able to bring my expertise to support the panel of governors in making sure that Powick continues to go from strength to strength. 

I look forward to getting to know more parents over the coming months. I am frequently on the “school run” or sometimes even doing an actual run along the main road so do say hello!

Ian Medlicott - Ian Medlicott is a Deputy Headteacher at a large Secondary school in Worcestershire who brings a wealth of experience to his role as Co-Opted Governor. Ian has operated in a range of educational settings for over 20 years across the West Midlands, both as a Geography teacher and a school leader. He is committed to supporting the school as it develops all children to fulfil their potential and will support the school through the sub committee of Teaching and Learning. Ian is a local resident with a young family, and a keen road cyclist who makes the most of the Malvern Hills when time permits.  

Rev. Gary Crellin - Represented on the Governing Body by Kay Shuard. Rev. Gary is the vicar of St Peter's , Powick and St James', Callow End. As a Governor,  Rev Gary will sit on the Full Governing Body and provide subject support for RE.  He is keen to encourage a distinctive christian ethos for the school.  He regularly visits the school, as the local vicar, for assemblies and class room discussions with the children.  He is keen to ensure that the Church and School work well together, and the church buildings, are a place of education and welcome for all.  Rev Gary was installed as the new vicar in June 2018 and lives in Colletts Green.  He is married and has three growing up children.