Governing Body

Thomas Whitehead CE Academy is part of the Diocese of St Albans Multi Academy Trust (DSAMAT).  The DSAMAT was founded by the Diocese of St Albans, and is a Trust working with schools across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.  The DSAMAT community has a strong commitment to a shared mission.

Enabling all to flourish: Rooted in God’s Love

This is underpinned by our shared values: Hope, nurture, collaboration, equality, respect

Our Trust is governed by a range of bodies. Members have strategic oversight for the work of the Trust, include representatives from the Diocesan Board of Finance and Diocesan Board of Education and reflect the range of skills required to oversee an Academy Trust.  Directors of the Trust are appointed by the Members and are responsible for the day-to-day running of the Trust. The academies are accountable to the Directors who make strategic decisions impacting them.

The Articles of Association can be found by following the link below:

https://www.stalbansdmat.co.uk/governance/

Individual academies are governed at a local level by their own Local Governing Board (LGB). LGBs have the same level of delegated responsibility from the Directors which is outlined within the Governance Framework and financial delegation.

What does the LGB do?

Our LGB work with the DSAMAT’s central team and has a significant amount of delegated responsibility including the following; 

• Agreeing Academy’s vision and strategy?
• Set and monitor local and centralised policies
• Management of risk
• Monitor progress on key priorities on the Development plan
• Audit and reporting on matters of compliance e.g. website
• Learning walks in the academy to monitor ethos
• Hold discussion with pupils and staff to gain insights into the workings of the academy

To contact the governing board, please mark your correspondence for the attention of the Chair of Governors, Mr. P Foster office@twa.dsamat.co.uk.

Chair of Governors

Our Governing Body consists of the following members:

Paul Foster- Appointed Governor - Chair of Governors

Paul is a Chartered Surveyor and Engineer with a background in planning, creating and operating significant social infrastructure investments across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He has a portfolio of commercial company directorships and charity trusteeships in housing, later living, healthcare and education. Paul is a qualified Mediator and supports clients as an executive coach. Paul is experienced in overseeing governance in private, public and third-sector organisations.

Tracey McMachon - Appointed Governor - Vice Chair 

Tracey has lived and raised her family in Houghton Regis for more than 50 years. She is a local Councillor with a background in Human Resources, bookkeeping, and business admin; with a strong personal commitment to Life Long Learning and education. Tracey has a BaH in Applied Social Science, and works closely with a number of local Community Organisations and charities.

Janet Steele - Foundation Governor

Janet is a retired teacher with over forty years experience in education. She is a musician and plays in local amateur orchestras. Janet is a Parish Administrator at All Saints' Church and leads the church choir. She was also Churchwarden there for more than twelve years.

Caroline Chandler - Parent Governor - Health and Safety Governor

Natasha Chiswell - Head Teacher

Katie Glastonbury - Teacher

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full John 10:10