Governing Body
What is a Governing Body?
Our Governing Body works in close partnership with the headteacher, staff and the local authority.
Whilst the headteacher is, of course, responsible for the day-to-day running of the school, the governors are involved with such things as staffing, curriculum, school buildings and finance. It ensures the school functions well and maintains the proper range of academic and social objectives. All schools in England have a Governing Body which is responsible for overseeing many of the strategic decisions of the school. A key role is to act as a ‘critical friend’: to support, to challenge, to ask questions, ultimately to ensure that the school can be as successful as it can be.
Please note that the photo below is not actually of our governors, though they may well be in years to come!
The structure of our Governing Body is:
1 Staff Governor, 6 Co-opted Governors, 1 Local Authority Governor, 5 Parent Governors and the Headteacher.
The standard term of office for a Governor is four years. The Chair and Vice-Chair are elected annually at the first meeting of the academic year.
The Chair of Governors is Mr John Edwards, who can be contacted via the school office.
Much of the work of the Governing Body is done by committees. At Globe, we have the following committees:
- Human Resources and Safeguarding Committee - Chaired by Cathy Philips
Click here to read the Terms of Reference for the Human Resources and Safeguarding Committee
- Curriculum and Standards Committee - Chaired by John Edwards
Click here to read the Terms of Reference for the Curriculum and Standards Committee
- Finance and Premises Committee - Chaired by John Edwards
Click here to read the Terms of Reference for the Finance and Premises Committee
- Click here for an up-to-date list of Governor responsibilities and which committee each Governor sits on.
What is a Governor's Role?
Our Governors are the strategic leaders of our school and have a vital role to play in ensuring every child gets the best possible education.
Governing bodies have a strong focus on three core strategic functions:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
- Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils.
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
Setting Strategic Direction
The Governing Body is the key strategic decision-making body of our school. It is their role to set the school's strategic framework and to ensure all statutory duties are met.
Our Governing Body should ensure that we have a medium and long-term vision for our future. The Governing Body ensures that there is a robust strategy in place for achieving its vision.
Holding the Headteacher to Account
Our Governing Body works to support and strengthen the leadership of the Headteacher and hold her to account for the day-to-day running of the school, including the performance management of teachers. Governing bodies should play a strategic role and avoid routine involvement in operational matters. It should focus strongly on holding the Headteacher to account for exercising her professional judgement in these matters and of all other duties.
Overseeing the Financial Performance of the School
Our Governing Body is responsible for making sure the school's money is well spent. They do this by making sure they have at least one governor with specific skills and experience of financial matters, and by asking questions such as:
- Are we allocating our resources in line with our strategic priorities?
- Are we making full use of all our assets and efficient use of all our financial resources?
- How do we compare with similar schools?
- How can we get better value for money from our budget?
Here are some useful Governing Body related documents:
List of Initials, Acronyms and Abbreviations Commonly Used in Education
A Competency Framework for Governance
How to Declare Business Interests on Governor Hub
Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021
NGA Learning Link Registration
Governing Body Scheme of Delegation
Meet our Governors
John Edwards – Chair of Globe Governing Body
- Chair of Finance and Premises Committee
- Chair of Curriculum and Standards Committee
- Link Governor for Attendance and Punctuality
I became a governor at Globe School in 2000 and have been Chair of Governors since 2001.
I was born in Maidstone, Kent and came to London in 1984 to study Politics at City Poly (now London Met). I went on to stand in student elections and became Vice President and President of the Students' Union. I also studied at LSE and obtained a Masters in Housing.
Many years ago, I decided I was keen to do something for the local community. I have always been interested in Politics and in particular Education and so I decided to apply to be a school governor. Becoming a Governor at Globe was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Away from Globe, I am a Manager working for a charitable Housing Association called Affordable Accommodation for Students Association Limited (AA4S) which has two buildings - one in Hackney and another in Bethnal Green which I manage. We house University students who are studying degrees in London. The building I run houses 246 students.
Besides being passionate about primary school education, I also have lots of other interests. I love football and am a big Chelsea fan, having supported them since 1970! I have a season ticket at Stamford Bridge and go to all the home matches. I also love going to comedy shows, the theatre, art exhibitions and gigs. I play the drums and sing and have played in a band for many years that have had their songs played on BBC Radio and the band also once toured France.
Apart from being obsessed with music and Chelsea FC, I also think laughter is a really important part of life and I always try to ensure that I laugh as much as I can, even if Chelsea lose!
John
Pelin Roberts – Co-opted Governor
My name is Pelin Roberts. I am an Associate Governor.
Both my children attended Globe and I was previously a Parent Governor for two terms.
The reason I became a parent governor is that since my children started at Globe School I was so impressed by their progress, by our school ethos and with the friendly, dedicated staff. I am pleased to be a contributor in this happy learning environment that is provided to our school children.
I am also an active member and the Treasurer of our school PTA, called FOGS (Friends of Globe School). You may see me at school on Saturdays helping running the Saturday Club, setting up/cleaning up the halls for events and mostly running around with a bag of change and charging parents for entry!
As well as being a governor, treasurer and a mother, I have a full-time job in Accounting. The skills and experiences I have gained through my job are useful with my roles as a governor and treasurer at the school.
Pelin
Cathy Philips – Co-opted Governor
- Chair of Human Resources Committee
- Link Governor for Safeguarding
I have been a Community Governor at Globe School since 2009 when I retired.
I came to Tower Hamlets 41 years ago as a primary school teacher. I have been a deputy head and a headteacher in the area and wanted to continue having some involvement in education in Tower Hamlets.
I got to know Globe School when I became temporary headteacher for half a term in 2004. I was impressed with the children and their attitude to the school. I was keen to support the school as I have watched it go from strength to strength in recent years.
I have a particular interest in Special Educational Needs, the safeguarding of children and the arts.
Cathy
Gill Ruskin - Staff Governor
My name is Gill and I am a Staff Governor.
I have been a member of Globe School staff since September 2000 firstly as a Nursery Nurse, then becoming our Family Support and Attendance Officer, and from there I have also taken on the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead.
I have a great love for Globe School, it runs through my blood. I was a pupil here many years ago and was born across the road, which meant I never had an excuse to be late for school! I have 3 children who have all attended this school and my husband has been a Governor here many years ago. My mum also worked here in the seventies and eighties as a midday meals supervisor.
It’s a brilliant school to be part of. Our children amaze me every day with their chatty, happy confident ways and how they are always so polite.
My hobbies include long distance walking, mudlarking on the Thames foreshore and ‘crafting’ especially hand embroidery, and soft toy making.
Gill
Kirsty Sullivan - Co-opted Governor
Having either lived or worked in Bethnal Green and wider Tower Hamlets for most of the 25 years I have been in London, I care passionately about our children's learning and opportunities. I trained as an Early Years teacher and worked in East London schools for five years before beginning a career in museum learning at National Army Museum, Museum of London Docklands and Young V&A. I am now Head of Learning and Participation at Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration.
I got to know Globe while I was the Senior Producer for Formal Learning at what is now the Young V&A, as pupils from the school made up our Children's Forum and helped us develop aspects of the new museum - especially the amazing staircase at the heart of the building. Having spent several years visiting schools across the borough, the confidence, creativity and warm welcome from the Globe community stands out, and I am proud to be part of the governing body.
I believe that all children are entitled to a broad and balanced curriculum which equips them with the skills and experiences to navigate life in the 21st century. I have a special interest in young people's mental health and wellbeing, as well as in the value of creative and cultural opportunities.
Kirsty
Linda Bryan - Co-opted Governor
- Link Governor for Special Educational Needs and Children in Public Care
I joined the Governing Body as a Co-opted Governor in May 2017. I had been wanting to support the school since I started bringing my grandchildren to school on a regular basis, and being a governor felt like the perfect role. I have been very impressed with the organisation, the emphasis on teaching and learning, and the happy children at Globe and I am very happy to be part of it.
I bring over 20 years experience in education as a class teacher, inclusion manager, deputy head and headteacher to the role, along with a real understanding of the East End, having been born and brought up in Stepney.
I am now retired and so have time to fill, which I do by among other things, spending time with my grandchildren and now being a Governor.
Linda
James Purnell - Parent Governor
Harry Rahman - Parent Governor
For those that don’t know me, I’ve outlined a little more about my background. Having attended Globe Primary School myself as a child, almost 30 years ago, I have seen the school and local schools in general (both primary and secondary) improve immensely over the last 20 years. Growing up in Tower Hamlets, one of the poorest and ethnically diverse boroughs in the country, these changes were much needed and it’s imperative that these positive changes continue, instilling and inspiring our children from early years all the way up to when your child is ready to leave school, the importance of education, equality, opportunity, kindness and friendship!
I have previously worked with a youth development program, working with communities, businesses and parents to improve the life chances of children who sometimes come from very challenging and vulnerable backgrounds. Then moving into mainstream government politics, I have always wanted to give something back to our community, schools and those in need. Though I currently work in the corporate world of Business, I feel I have skills which could aid a Parent Governor role to improve, and continue the great education and environment at Globe. I currently work alongside the leadership team for a company called WOBI. WOBI (World Of Business Ideas) is an international multimedia company specialising in executive education powered by the world’s foremost thinkers. We source the highest quality business information, management knowledge, ideas and trends and channel them through all media platforms, including print, online facilities, exhibitions, congresses and forums. What you learn to understand working with C Suite and business leaders of the world is the importance they will always put on ones education and continuous learning. Many would describe me as someone who enjoys solving complex issues from strategy to execution. I have supported teams and individuals to disrupt, improve and evolve ways of working when necessary and arranging sponsor appropriate assignments and experiences to help people realise their potential and support their long-term aspirations.
As Parent Governor, I believe it is important to identify gaps in learning and spot opportunities to create value propositions for our children. Furthermore, look for opportunities to scale efficiencies and new ways of improving the school and environment. Creating an environment where teachers and children thrive together to accomplish more than they could apart. I always promote and encourage others to value difference when working/teaching/learning in a diverse environment and take ownership for developing connections that help deliver what is best for our children and school. I truly believe it’s crucial to influence and facilitate the creation of long-term relationships and improvements which would add value to Globe.
Harry
Shah Majeda Begum
My ambition is to support Globe Primary to achieve its strategic goals and ensure the school can be as successful as it can be for our children and the wider community.
Adam Hunt - Local authority Governor
Governing Body Register of Business Interests
|
Name of Governor |
Governor in another educational establishment |
Declaration of any relevant business interests |
Declaration of any relationships between Governor and school staff |
| John Edwards | No | None | None |
| Pelin Roberts | No | None | None |
| Cathy Philips | Yes - Bangabandhu Primary School | None | None |
| Harry Rahman | No | None | None |
| Linda Bryan | No | None | None |
| Gill Ruskin | No | None | None |
| James Purnell | No | None | None |
| Gill Ruskin | No | None | None |
| Marie Maxwell | Yes - Bangabandhu Primary School | None | None |
| Shah Majeda Begum | No | None | None |
| KIrsty Sullivan | No | None | None |
| Adam Hunt | No | None | None |
Governing Body - Term of Office & Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings
|
Name |
Category of Governor |
Term of Office Start Date |
Term of Office End Date |
|
Ms Cathy Phillips |
Co-opted |
16/03/2019 |
15/03/2023 |
|
Mrs Marie Maxwell |
Executive Headteacher |
07/12/2018 |
To Present |
|
Mr John Edwards |
Local Authority |
15/05/17 |
14/05/2021 |
|
Ms Pelin Roberts |
Co-opted |
17/11/2017 |
16/11/2021 |
|
Ms Linda Bryan |
Co-opted |
13/03/2017 |
12/03/2021 |
|
Ms Gill Ruskin |
Staff |
10/07/17 |
09/07/2021 |
|
Mr Harry Rahman |
Parent |
17/11/21 |
16/11/25 |
|
Mr James Purnell |
Parent |
24/01/20 |
23/01/24 |
|
Ms Shah Majeda Begum |
Parnet |
24/11/22 |
23/11/26 |
|
Ms Kirsty Sullivan |
Co-opted |
24/11/22 |
23/11/26 |
|
Mr Adam Hunt |
Local Authority |
|
|
Governing Body Meetings, Minutes and Visits
The full Governing Body meets six times each year and each committee meets 3 to 4 times per year.
Agendas are prepared in advance and minutes of each meeting are taken. Minutes are not published on the school website due to confidential items contained therein. Copies of minutes can be requested through the school office.
Governors visit the school on a regular basis in order that they can see school improvement actions at first hand. This is one of the methods they use to evaluate the impact of our school development plan. A report is written following each Governor visit.
Governors solicit the views of parents through their annual parent questionnaire. Outcomes from these questionnaires are found on the Parent View page of this website.
Record of Governor attenddance at Full Governing Body Meetings 2022/2023