Clerking Connections

Jack Minto

I provide an independent freelance “Clerk to the Governors” service to school and MAT governing bodies.

I undertake this work in the wider context of a clerking and governance consultancy where I provide advice and guidance on:

• setting governance strategy
• governor’s legal, constitutional and statutory responsibilities
• “best practice” in the operations of the governing body
• “staying current” on governance legislation and regulations.

Finally – my “Template” for how I would hope that governors might best perceive how I undertake the Clerk to the Governors function ……..

“”Governors might best think of the effective clerk as a “critical friend” who not only (i) undertakes the core role of “clerk to the governors” (i.e. in respect of the general management of the governing body and it’s programme of meetings) – but who also (ii) functions as a “compliance and legal advisor” to the governors and (iii) supports and guides governors in their key strategic role of ensuring the performance and accountability of the school’s leadership group””.

You can see more on what I do at www.jackminto.com

Kirsty Nightingale

Professional clerk to governors with over 8 years’ experience offering a full governance service to schools and academies.  I clerk for 5 schools presently (2 are church schools and one is an IEB) and I provide cover clerking for one-off meetings for other schools nationally.  My work in governance has produced measurable results in improving governance from an Ofsted rating of Requires Improvement to Outstanding, achieved by working with governors and leaders, improving systems and guided CPD for governors.

I am experienced in permanent exclusion hearings, complaint panels, staff disciplinaries and grievance hearings and I am fully trained to undertake IRP hearings.      

Theresa Palmer

I have 18 years’ experience in governance, having led and managed both large and small dynamic teams.  I have extensive experience working within the Local Government Sector.   Since August 2007 my work has primarily been within Education, however for a significant number of years I also worked within Regeneration, Planning and Programmes. I was the designated Company Secretary for the Aldridge Education Multi Academy Trust, with responsibility for the maintaining of company records on Companies House; the annual filing of company accounts and payment practice, as well as the servicing of the Board and its committees. 

In addition, I was the Data Protection Officer (DPO) for Trust and its subsidiaries with responsibility for implementing data protection systems and processes.  I also have a practical perspective, as well as first-hand experience, of the role that governance plays in advancing the broader benefits for the greater good

Robert Hawker

Robert Hawker currently clerks for a number of schools (primary, secondary and academies) in London including in Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham, Hackney and Lambeth. He also works part-time for an education services company in marketing. He developed an interest in school governance through his involvement with his children’s primary school where he served as a parent governor for eight years and was chair of the premises and the personnel committees and served on the headteacher’s performance management group; during this time he helped the school achieve an Ofsted outstanding rating. Robert also has experience of clerking for hearings, school exclusions and advising chairs on procedures and strategy. 

He is happy to attend meetings either virtually or in person.

References can be provided on request.

Nicola Chapman

Hi. I have been employed as a Clerk to the Governors for approx. 20 years - after starting out as a Governor and then Chair of Governors at my daughters primary school - working mainly for maintained schools but also for a SAT and a MAT.

I am a Nationally Accredited Clerk and also have an NVQ/BTEC in School Governance

I am employed as a Local Authority Clerk as well as working independently.

I would be interested in taking on more schools but would also be willing to help with any cover meetings either face to face or virtually if not in my area.

I look forward to hearing from you.