Governance

The Trust is governed by three groups that represent the local community, the Diocese of Bath and Wells and local schools.

Policy is generated by the Academic board (mainly made up of the headteachers in the Trust) and then prepared for scrutiny and approval by the Trustees. The members ensure that the work of the Trustees is effective and is responsible for appointing Trustees. Local Governing Bodies support and monitor the work of each school and use this information to develop both the School Development Plan and  Trust Development plan. 

The Academic board meets every month and is chaired by the CEO. The Trustees meet every term to scrutinize the work of the Academic board to ensure that we maintain high standards. The Members meet less frequently to receive reports from Trustees and scrutinise their work.

MEMBERS

Mr Lee Baker - appointed 1/04/2016

Mr Ed Gregory (Diocese of Bath and Wells) - appointed 1/09/2019

Mrs Kathryn Tucker - appointed 1/04/2016

Mr Nick Mouzouri - appointed 1/04/2016

TRUSTEES

Appointees of the Diocese of Bath and Wells:

Mrs Hayley Lake (Vice Chair) - appointed 27/7/18

Mr Paul Rushforth (CEO)

Mrs Kathryn Tucker - appointed 1/9/16

Mrs Jane Bellamy - appointed 1/9/19

Mr Andy Giles - appointed 7/11/19

Mr Andy Kingston- James - appointed 11/12/19

Mr Christopher Wood  - appointed 11/11/19

Mrs Elizabeth White (resigned 19/06/19) 

Mrs Cerys Randell (resigned 10/07/2018)

Rev Tim Langdon (resigned 06/18))

Rev Simon Robinson  (resigned 21/3/18))

Mrs Barbara O'Keefe (COO & Clerk to the Board of Trustees)

Mrs Trudy Danby (Clerk to the Finance Committee)

NON-DENOMINATIONAL APPOINTMENTS

Mrs Susie Brown  ( Chair) - appointed 1/4/19

Mrs Fiona Miller - appointed 11/12/18

Mrs Jill Ewen - appointed 12/7/18 

Mr Geoff Lloyd (resigned 31/08/19)

Mr Iestyn Milton-Jenkins - H&S (resigned 21/7/19)

Mrs Debbie Shelley (resigned 03/01/2020)

Dr Jane Keely - resigned 2020

MEMBERS OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD

Janine Donovan

Adam Evans

Daniel Hartley

Emma Murch (Director of Early Years) 

Paul Rushforth (CEO)

Barbara O'Keefe (COO)

Sebastien Crossley (Exec SENDCO)

Sarah Hill (Assessment Manager) 

A message from Dr Jane Keeley, chair of the board -Resignation of Debbie Shelley 

The Board of trustees recognises the significant contribution Debbie has made to governance of Minehead's individual schools over many years, and latterly also as a trustee on WSAT's board. We will miss her hard work and dedication to the trust's schools. Her highly-respected profile within the local community, and her knowledge of the community, will also be greatly missed, as will her work on behalf of the Trust’s schools. We sincerely thank Debbie for her long service as both a governor and as a trustee, and in appreciation of her fine work in supporting the achievements of our schools, and give her our best wishes for the future. The Trust is very fortunate to have trustees of Debbie’s calibre and commitment.

A message from Paul Rushforth CEO

Over the many years Debbie has worked for our schools (as governor, chair of governors and trustee) we have come to rely on her fair mindedness, kindness and generosity of spirit. I am delighted that she will still be part of the educational scene as governor at the West Somerset College but will miss her enthusiasm and drive to improve our schools for the children in our care.

From Adam Evans Headteacher Minehead First School

Debbie played a crucial role in the development of Minehead First School. She is a valued member of our school community and continues to be even though her child has long since left. It is a mark of her commitment to the young people of our area that she has continued to work for the young people of the area that she has continued to lead our schools even though her own child has moved on.

All Trustees have declared their business interests and these are recorded on the Trust’s Register of Business Interests. At Trustees’ meetings, if a potential conflict of interest arises, the relevant Trustee withdraws from the discussion.