Simon is leading audits, policy development, DSL training, and national best-practice support for schools and trusts across the country. With over 25 years’ experience in education, including 13 as a Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead, he combines practical school experience with a deep understanding of statutory guidance. Simon has also served as a Parent Governor and Chair of Governors, giving him insight into governance expectations. He is committed to child-centred safeguarding and supporting leaders to build confident, well-governed systems that make a meaningful difference.

Rama has over 20 years’ experience supporting schools and colleges through strategic growth, academy and free school set-ups, and governance. He works with multi-academy trusts and serves in governance across mainstream, special, and independent schools, including chairs and trustee roles across trusts of up to 20 schools.

Rama was awarded an MBE for services to education in the 2023 New Year's Honours list.

Harriet joined the charity in July 2023 after working in a Community College to support disadvantaged adults in gaining the confidence and skills to get into employment or learning. Harriet is passionate about increasing diversity in the education sector and hopes to use her previous experience to welcome everyone into the governor role. At Governors for Schools, she leads the free-to-access matching service team and hosts numerous partnerships to spread awareness of governance volunteering opportunities.

Anthony works closely with Multi-Academy Trusts to ensure they have skilled, dedicated, and experienced trustees at the helm. Anthony holds expertise across the education and charity sectors, having previously worked in the education team of an LGBT+ charity, overseeing school recruitment while developing resources for staff and pupil-facing programmes across all key stages. Anthony is a strong believer in ensuring every young person has a school experience that gives them access to different opportunities and to feel valued for who they are. 

Rebecca heads up the Chair Recruitment and Enhanced Governor Recruitment arms of the charity, to ensure schools and trusts nationwide benefit from skilled and dedicated volunteers. Having previously worked in the recruitment industry for over 10 years, Rebecca believes that people lie at the heart of every organisation. She has a passion for flexible working, as well as diversity and inclusion. Outside of work, she is Chair of the PTFA at her daughters’ school.

Mel is a board member of the National Association of Governance Advisory Services (NAGAS) and the founder of Legacy Governance Solutions, supporting schools, trusts, and education professionals to embed strategic, sustainable governance. She began her governance journey as a Parent Governor and Vice-Chair and has since worked across local authorities, multi-academy trusts, and Independent Executive Boards. Melanie brings a collaborative, strategic approach to strengthening leadership, improving structures, and driving better outcomes for children and communities..

Hannah joined Governors for Schools in 2017, where she managed the development of operations, enabling the team to spend less time on administration and more time working directly with potential volunteers and schools. After starting her career as a primary teacher, Hannah moved into the recruitment field, managing the UK operations of an in-house agency. She brings 20 years of experience in this area, where she focuses on expanding the charity's reach across England and Wales. She is currently Chair of Governors at a primary school in Essex and a secondary school in Hertfordshire.

Penny has over 30 years’ experience across the education sector, spanning teaching, school support services, and senior partnership roles. She is currently Partnership Development Director at Supporting Education Group, which works with the vast majority of multi-academy trusts and over half of all schools in England. Penny specialises in building strategic partnerships with schools and trusts to improve workforce resilience, strengthen operations, and unlock efficiencies. With a strong background in talent management and business development, she is passionate about helping education leaders navigate change and create sustainable, high-impact organisations..

Samira is Director of Trust Governance at the Confederation of School Trusts. She has been involved in school governance for over a decade. Prior to joining CST, she served as Head of Governance and Company Secretary at Academies Enterprise Trust, a trust with 57 schools. She started her career in governance with Ark Schools, as a regional governance officer.

With over 15 years of experience in governance (governor support service roles as well as volunteering as a governor and chair in Buckinghamshire), Ellie is now General Manager at GovernorHub. A firm advocate of taking the pain and time drain away from this vital role, Ellie has spearheaded many key developments at GovernorHub including the recent board effectiveness tool.

Save the Date!

We’re delighted to confirm that National School Governors’ Awareness Day will be back in 2027, returning on XXX 2027. After bringing together more than 2,000 governors, trustees and sector leaders this year, we’re already looking ahead to building on that momentum — continuing to champion governance that makes a difference and to celebrate the vital contribution of boards across the country. Save the date and join us again as we strengthen collaboration, share expertise, and support even more leaders in shaping the future of education.
 @SchoolGovDay  #SchoolGovDay #NSGAD2027

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