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Governance

The TSAT Governance Model

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust governance model is different from that of a traditional maintained school.

Governance within the Trust operates through a clear layered structure, combining strong local oversight with Trust-wide strategic accountability.

Local governance is delivered through the Academy Governing Body (AGB), with overall responsibility held by the Trust Board of Directors.

This ensures that each school benefits from dedicated local governors who understand the community, alongside consistent Trust-wide leadership and assurance.

For information on the role of the Board of Directors, Members and Board minutes please follow the link here: www.tsatrust.org.uk/about/governance/

 

Academy Governing Body (AGB)

Each academy (or small cluster of academies) has an Academy Governing Body.

AGBs typically consist of between 8 and 11 governors in addition to the Headteacher, made up of:

  • Parent representatives
  • Staff representatives
  • Trust-appointed governors
  • Community governors

Governors are appointed or elected based on the skills and experience required to support effective governance. Governors usually serve a term of four years and AGBs meet a minimum of six times per year.

 

The role of the Academy Governing Board

The key responsibilities of the Academy Governing Board are to:

  • Hold academy leadership to account for educational performance, quality of care and provision
  • Ensure the Trust’s vision, policies and strategic priorities are delivered within the academy
  • Monitor the effectiveness of local strategies and progress against the School Improvement Plan
  • Represent and consider stakeholder voices in strategic decision-making
  • Contribute to the performance management of the Headteacher, including the involvement of the AGB Chair in annual professional growth reviews

AGB Members for The Victory Academy

Name

Type

Link RolesAppointed ByDate of AppointmentTerm of OfficeDate Stepped DownBusiness Interests
Olly OwenHeadteacherN/AN/AN/AN/AN/ANone
Richard HoldsworthChair, Community Representative & Safeguarding Governor                              Safeguarding, Mental Health, Attendance, Safe School/Site, Risk & Compliance, ArtsmarkBoard of Directors01.09.20244 years-None
Lynda MetcalfeVice Chair, Community RepresentativeCurriculum & EnrichmentBoard of Directors01.09.20244 years-None
Nickie ForrestCommunity RepresentativeSEND, Equality, Attendance, PP, LiteracyBoard of Directors08.10.20244 years-None
Cllr Douglas HamandisheCommunity RepresentativeMental HealthAGB Appointed27.01.20264 years-Councillor at Medway Council (Labour & Co-operative), representing Gillingham North. Member of Planning Committee, Joint Meeting of Committees, Health & Adult Social Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Children & Young People Overview & Scrutiny Committee
Clovis HarrisCommunity RepresentativeCurriculum & EnrichmentBoard of Directors01.09.20244 years-None
Mimi Kirke-SmithCommunity RepresentativeSEND, Mental Health, AttendanceAGB Appointed12.11.20254 years-Ad hoc consultancy work in professional capacity as Child and Adolescent Psychologist and providing staff training for schools on aspects of SEMH
Lisa FrancisParent RepresentativePupil & Parental Engagement, Marketing & Communications, PPParent Vote28.01.20254 years-None
Helen GaherovaParent RepresentativePupil & Parental Engagement, Marketing & CommunicationsParent Vote28.01.20254 years-None
Michael McAllisterStaff RepresentativePupil & Parental Engagement, Marketing & CommunicationsAGB Appointed27.01.20264 years-None
Brigid SugarStaff RepresentativeArtsmarkAGB Appointed08.10.20244 years-None
Leanne Talbot-BrownTSAT RepresentativeAttendance, Recruitment, Diversity, Workload & Wellbeing, LiteracyBoard of Directors08.10.20244 years-Assistant Headteacher at Cedar Primary, Parent works at The Victory Academy
Funmi AyeniStaff RepresentativePupil & Parental Engagement, Marketing & CommunicationsStaff Vote 4 years30.11.2025None
Michael BakerCommunity RepresentativeSafeguarding, Risk & Compliance, Safe School/SiteBoard of Directors14.05.20254 years16.09.2025None

To explore Governor vacancies available within the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, please visit our recruitment website or email governance@tsatrust.org.uk

 

AGB meeting attendance during academic year 2025/26

NameMeetings AttendedOut of a Possible
Olly Owen22
Richard Holdsworth22
Lynda Metcalfe12
Nickie Forrest22
Douglas Hamandishe11
Clovis Harris22
Mimi Kirke-Smith11
Michael McAllister11
Lisa Francis22
Helen Gaherova22
Brigid Sugar22
Leanne Talbot-Brown22

More information about the AGB and governance across the Thinking School Academy Trust can be found at: http://www.tsatrust.org.uk/about/governance/