In a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), the Trust is responsible for all of its schools/academies. For the Community Inclusive Trust, governance of our MAT resides with Members, Trustees and Local School Boards.
Members: The members are akin to the shareholders of a company. They have ultimate control over the academy Trust, with the ability to appoint some of the Trustees and the right to amend the Trust’s Articles of Association. CLICK HERE to view the CIT Articles.
Trustees: The trustees are responsible for the three core areas of governance.
- 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 effective and efficient performance management of staff; and
- Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent.
CIT’s Members and Trustees oversee the whole organisation and the MAT is the legal Governing Body for all CIT schools, but much of the work of the Trust Board is delegated to the Local School Board. CLICK HERE to view the CIT Scheme of Delegation.
Local School Boards and Local Governors: Schools have a committed team of Governors who are actively involved in the life of the school. They reflect the community they serve and include parent, community and staff representatives. Governors serve as a key link between the Trust Board, parents/carers and the local community. They monitor the performance of the school, advising the Trustees on what’s going well and of any concerns.
If you want to bring any matters to the attention of the Local School Board, you should email the Clerk: adrian.kwok@bingham-cit.co.uk or address your correspondence to the Chair of Governors at the school address.
The Governors are passionate about the school and are here to make sure that every young person is given the best education, opportunities and experiences possible. Our Governors play an important role in overseeing the work of the school, acting as “critical friends” for the Senior Leadership Team and holding the school to account for performance and development.
Please note that any complaints regarding the school must be raised in line with our complaints policy found HERE and cannot be raised with the Local School Board.
To find out more about CIT's Governance Structure, please click the link below:
Mrs Sophia Hayes-Watson
Chair of the Local School Board
Sophia has worked in education for almost 10 years in financial, operational and strategic roles. She is very keen to support the school and use her knowledge and experience to hopefully benefit Bingham Primary School.
Sophia is also the Pupil Premium Governor.
Mr Luke Sweet
Vice Chair & Parent Governor
Luke works within the English Institute of Sport (EIS), a subsidiary of UK Sport, the government agency responsible for investing in Olympic and Paralympic sport in the UK. The EIS provides support services to improve sporting performance, such as experts within science, medicine, technology, and engineering.
As part of the EIS, Luke has coached and supported over 100 Olympic and Paralympic athletes across our high-performance system in the UK. As part of a leadership team, his current role involves supporting and quality assuring practice to over 48 coaches. These coaches work directly with athletes across 27 sports, all striving to represent Team GB or Paralympics GB. This role involves a broad range of activities from strategic planning, learning development, performance measurement and management.
Luke volunteers as a Parent Governor to support the development of a strong relationship between Bingham Primary School, the parents, and the local community.
Mrs Joanna Winterton
Safeguarding Governor
Jo lives in Staunton with her husband, Robert, and 3 dogs. Her experience as a mother of 5 children and her ongoing role as a volunteer for Home Start in Newark has taught her the importance of early years learning and the role the school plays in young people’s formative years.
Jo has also worked in events management roles for heritage sites and regularly hosts for inclusion charity for older people, Re-engage.
Mr Steven Orton
Health & Safety Governor
Steven has recently moved to Bingham having relocated from Leicester.
Steven is a Chartered Accountant by trade and works as a Chief Finance Officer for a large Multi-Academy Trust based in Leicestershire.
Steven has 2 children still attending Bingham Primary School, and is committed to helping the school deliver the very best education possible to the community.
Ms Geraldine O'Neill
Community Governor
Geraldine is delighted to be a Community Governor at Bingham Primary School.
Geraldine is a Family Support Officer and SENDco for Rushcliffe Children’s Centres and has been based in Bingham for 10 years. Prior to this, she worked in a Primary School for 17 years and therefore has excellent knowledge in primary education.
Geraldine is passionate about guiding children, parents and staff with accessing the correct support to allow the children to meet their full potential, and she is looking forward to supporting Bingham Primary School in any way she can.
Mr Michael Baker
Community Governor
Michael is Chair of Farndon Parish Council as well as being a member of East Stoke Parish Council. He is also Chair of Nottinghamshire's Association for Local Councils, and Chair of Trustees for Farndon Focus Magazine.
A retired Fire Fighter with Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, Michael is proud to be a governor for Bingham Primary School.
Mr Ashley Caress
SEND Governor
Ashley has worked in SEN schools since 2013, spending 9 years in Lincolnshire before moving to Foxfields Academy as Headteacher in 2022. Ashley is passionate about pupils of all ages and abilities having equal opportunities. Ashley believes strongly in providing a wide range of experiences that enrich the lives of young people and help to best prepare them for life after school.
Ashley holds the NPQH and is a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE).
Mr Thomas Gidman
Parent Governor
Thomas is a post graduate of Sociology and Education, with a keen interest in securing the brightest future for children. His eldest daughter attends Bingham Primary School and Thomas looks forward to having a positive impact on her experience.
Thomas is an active member of the local Bingham Rugby Club, and helps coach the Under 5's.
Mr Timothy Marshall
Staff Governor
Tim has enjoyed a 45 year long career in the Hotel industry both in the UK and overseas. In more recent years, he has worked as a Maintenance Manager in the Health Care profession.
Tim is the Site Manager at Bingham Primary School.
Mrs Helen Drew-Bradley
Special Interest Trustee
Helen is a business professional with over 25 years experience in senior financial positions in public, private and third sector organisations. She has over 15 years of extensive board experience driving strategy and business development. She has previously chaired the Trustee Board of a wildlife charity in the South West and currently sits on the East Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee and is a member of the Policy & Governance Subcommittee. Helen strongly believes that every child should be given the opportunity to fulfil their potential and that first-class education and care are key to making that happen.
