Academy Governing Body

The Birley Academy is part of L.E.A.D. Academy Trust, a company limited by guarantee. The L.E.A.D. Academy Trust and board of trustees are the proprietors of the trust and help set the overarching vision and strategy for all the L.E.A.D. Academy Trust academies.  

Each academy within the trust is governed by the L.E.A.D. Academy Trust board and members. 

To help discharge these duties successfully, the Trust Board has delegated some of these responsibilities for governance to executive leaders and local academy governing bodies (AGBs) (see scheme of delegation for more information).  

Our governance structure ensures that there are clear lines of accountability, overview, and scrutiny at three levels for each of the academies: These are: 

  • The L.E.A.D. Academy Trust members 
  • L.E.A.D. Academy Trust Board and its associated committees 
  • The Academy Governing Bodies (AGBs) 

Trustees’ and governors’ main responsibilities are the three core governance functions of:  

  • Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction.  
  • Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff.  
  • Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent.  

The Local Academy Governing Bodies (AGBs) 

The Birley Academy has a committed team of governors who are actively involved in academy life. They successfully represent the local community and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from a variety of professional backgrounds. Governors include parent and staff representatives. 

In accordance with the scheme of delegation, the AGB has delegated oversight for a range of key areas that include, the quality of education and standards, safeguarding, special educational needs and/or disabilities and vulnerable pupils.  

In short, AGB’s are an integral part of the trust’s governance structure. They are the eyes and ears on the ground at academy level. The AGB supports the trust board by adhering to their core governance functions and by holding the academy to account for performance and development. In addition, they support academy leaders by acting as their ‘critical friend’.  

The AGB meets formally three times a year (termly). They also meet informally each term through engagement meetings. 

The Trust’s scheme of delegation, AGB terms of reference and articles of association can be accessed by clicking on the link(s) below. These key documents set out in more detail the function and role of the AGB. 

Welcome to the website of The Birley Academy from the Chair of the AGB  

It is a great privilege to serve as the chair of the local academy governing body at The Birley Academy. Our local academy governing body is committed to being actively involved in the life of the academy. This is so that we can best serve our staff, pupils, parents, and the local community. We are determined that every pupil receives a high-quality education which will in turn lead to future academic success.  

Our academy’s core principles of ‘lead, empower, achieve, drive’ will help our pupils develop the attributes they need for their future while emphasising the importance of being caring and compassionate towards others.  

To ensure that the academy’s vision is realised and that our pupils’ best interests are factored into every decision we make, the local academy governing body supports the Trust by acting as a “critical friend,” holding the academy to account for pupil outcomes as well as the quality of educational provision provided. We will also help to define the strategic direction of the academy to ensure that resources are optimised and that all pupils are fulfilling their potential.  

The Birley Academy faces a wide variety of exciting challenges. Nevertheless, I have no doubt that the combined experience, skills and knowledge of our local academy governing body, leadership team and staff we will ensure that we offer the very best to all members of our academy community. 

Chair of Governors: David Petley

Email: [email protected]

Governor Biographies 

David Petley – Community Governor

I am a Professor of Geography and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull.  In a career of over 30 years in higher education, I have held academic roles at the universities of Sunderland, Portsmouth and Durham, and board level leadership roles at the University of East Anglia, the University of Sheffield, and now at the University of Hull.  I am an academic expert in landslides, particularly in the mountains of South Asia, China, Taiwan and New Zealand. I am passionate about both environmental sustainability and social justice, especially equality of opportunity for all pupils.

Rebecca Mazumder – Community Governor

I am a keen advocate for children and their rights, valuing the voices of students and their families. A qualified social worker dedicated to help improve the wellbeing of children, especially in education settings. In my personal time, I also volunteer as a Puppy Foster Carer for a charity that produces disability assistant dogs, as well as being an Independent Visitor for children in care. I hope to support the school with my social work experience and safeguarding knowledge.

Dawn McAughey – Community Governor

I have been a Primary School teacher for over 25 years working with children from the ages of 3-11.  I am proud to be the Headteacher at Birley Primary Academy and have worked at the school for 15 years.  It is wonderful to be part of this community and to work closely with The Birley Academy forging links for children and families within our learning community.

I know from my own background how important education is.  I grew up in a small village in Derbyshire and went to The University of Derby – the first person in my family to do so.

Working in education allows me the amazing opportunity to create that special spark for learning from the moment children begin their learning journey with us in Nursery.  This can set our young people on their course for life.  I see this as the most wonderful privilege

Uzoamaka Metu – Community Governor

I have been working in the teaching field for about two decades. During this time, I have worked as a Business Studies teacher contractually at various secondary schools in South Yorkshire and as an associate lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University. I have held some positions at the University of Sheffield International College, including interim head of business. I am currently serving as the Curriculum Leader for Business Management for Foundation and Pre-Masters degree programs in the school, a role I have held for over five years.

My education includes an MBA from the University of Sheffield and a PGCE and PhD in Business from Sheffield Hallam University. Since Covid, I have become increasingly interested in the role of technology in education, as it is the future of the field. I am currently exploring ways to integrate technology into education.

Volunteering is important to me because every child deserves access to the best possible education, regardless of their background. I am passionate about using my skills to impact the children in my community positively. As a governor at the Birley Academy, I work alongside other governors to ensure the delivery of high-quality education to all students.

Emma Bramwell – Parent Governor
I am a firm supporter of school libraries & believe that every child should have the same opportunities to learn & have access to books for their education & enjoyment. I enjoy seeing the pupils progress & flourish at Birley with the help of all the staff & want to support both pupils & staff in any way I can.

Andrew Hulme – Teaching Staff Governor

I currently work as an Assistant Curriculum Leader in the English Department at The Birley Academy. I have recently been appointed to the Staff Governor role and look forward to supporting our academy in our ambition to increase the pace in improving the school’s standing for pupils, staff and the community. I am a highly committed colleague with a keen determination to contribute to the success of the academy. 

Kay Smith – Community Governor

I am retired. However, I worked with children and families for over 40 years, both as a teacher and residential social worker in different types of establishments including children’s homes, special schools, mainstream schools and in the voluntary sector. I worked in many different areas of the country before settling in Sheffield over 30 years ago. I see it as a privilege to be a part of the governing body at The Birley Academy and to be able to contribute to ensuring all children are included in education. Like my colleagues on the governing body, I believe that access to good quality education is vital for children to ensure they have the best life chances and choices as they go forward into society.

Governor Vacancies

The Birley Academy welcomes parents and members of the local community to apply to be a school governor. If you would like to know more about becoming a governor, please do get in touch with us. 

Contact our chair of the Local Academy Governing Body 

The chair of the Local Academy Governing Body is Mr David Petley.

Should you wish to contact the Chair of the Local Academy Governing Body (AGB) please contact the Trust’s head of governance, Mr Simon Hudson, via email [email protected] or by post, addressing any correspondence for the attention of Mr Simon Hudson at the Ropewalk L.E.A.D. Academy Trust, 5a The Ropewalk, Nottingham, NG1 5DU 

Please note that any complaints regarding the academy must be raised in line with our complaints policy and procedure and cannot be raised directly with the local academy governing body or Trust governance team. 

Find out more about becoming a governor at The Birley Academy 

Why become a governor at The Birley Academy?  

Make a difference in your community, develop your professional skills and support children and young people by volunteering as a governor at The Birley Academy, Sheffield. 

What do governors do?  

Our governors have delegated responsibility for a range of areas outlined in the scheme of delegation. These include, the quality of education and standards, safeguarding, special educational needs and/or disabilities and vulnerable pupils. 

In short, The Birley Academy governors are the eyes and ears on the ground at academy level who support the Trust Board in adhering to their core governance functions:  

  • Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction  
  • Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils  
  • The effective and efficient performance management of staff.  

 

Why become an academy governor?  

 There are many benefits to becoming a governor:  

  • Develop your professional skills and experience in areas such as strategic planning, chairing, policy implementation, and teamwork, all of which are valued by employers and can assist your career development. 
  • Build relationships and networks in your local area and;  
  • Support children and young people in your community.  

To find out more, Simon Hudson, via email [email protected] or by post by addressing any correspondence for the attention of Simon Hudson at the Ropewalk L.E.A.D. Academy Trust, 5a The Ropewalk, Nottingham, NG1 5DU 

There are many benefits to becoming a governor:  

  • Develop your professional skills and experience in areas such as strategic planning, chairing, policy implementation, and teamwork, all of which are valued by employers and can assist your career development.  
  • Build relationships and networks in your local area and; 
  • Support children and young people in your community. 

As well as looking at our governance page, you might also be interested in exploring governance in more detail by clicking on the links below.  

School governance https://www.gov.uk/education/school-governance 

National governance association https://www.nga.org.uk/ 

Statutory information for AGB Governance

AGB Attendance, Declaration of Interest and Term of Office

NameGovernor CategoryHow AppointedDate of AppointmentTerm of OfficeBusiness Interests DeclaredGovernance Roles in Other Educational InstitutionsAGB Attendance: Academic Year 2022-2023
Diarmaid Casey Headteachern/an/an/aNoneNone3/3
Andrew HulmeStaff Governor (Teacher)Elected by staff15 November
2021
4 YearsNonen/a
Lee CoddingtonStaff Governor (Teacher)Elected by staff15 November
2021
Resigned 30 March 2023Sheffield Wednesday FC – Casual Talent ID ScoutNonen/a
Rachel HardyStaff Governor (Support)Elected by staff17 December 20194 Years (Term expired 16 December 2023)NoneNone1/3
Emma BramwellParent GovernorElected by Parents1 February 2017
Re-elected 30 March 2021
First term: 4 years
Second term: 4 years
NoneNone3/3
Kay SmithCommunity GovernorAppointed by Trust1 July 20204 YearsNoneNone2/3
Dawn McAugheyCommunity GovernorAppointed by Trust1 February 20177 YearsNoneHeadteacher at Birley Primary Academy3/3
David PetleyCommunity GovernorAppointed by Trust5 December 20234 YearsUniversity of Hull, CEOUniversity of Hull, Member of governing bodyn/a
Abigail HancockCommunity GovernorAppointed by Trust30 March 2023Resigned 23 January 2024NoneNone2/2
Rebecca MazumderCommunity GovernorAppointed by Trust5 December 20234 YearsNoneNonen/a
Uzoamaka MetuCommunity GovernorAppointed by Trust5 December 20234 YearsNoneNonen/a
Maria ThomasCommunity GovernorAppointed by Trust22 November 2022Resigned 12 Sept 2023n/an/an/a
James BeightonCommunity GovernorAppointed by Trust20 November 2018
Re-elected 20 November 2022
Resigned 17 November 2023n/an/an/a
Susan BreezeCo-opted GovernorAppointed by Trust21 March 2019 (Parent Governor),
30 March 2023 (Co-opted Governor)
Resigned 18 November 2023n/an/an/a

The Chair of the AGB is David Petley

The Safeguarding Governors are Dawn McAughey and Rebecca Mazumder.

Diversity Data

The DfE encourages maintained schools and academy trust boards to collect and publish diversity data about their boards and those of any local committees. Information should be widely accessible to members of the school community but schools and trusts must make sure that individuals cannot be identified through the publication of the data, particularly when board member levels are low. We are currently using GovernorHub to collate diversity data however Governors submit their data on a voluntary basis. At this moment in time, we are unable to publish an anonymised report but will continue to review this position.

Scheme of delegation

Complaints Policy and Procedure

Statutory information for Trust Governance

Financial Accounts

Union Facilities Time is reported on page 6 on the above report.

Members and Trustees

Articles of Association

Funding Agreement

Memorandum of Association