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Governance

Governance at Harborne Academy 2025-26

Harborne Academy Trust

Company Number: 07310176

A company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.

The Members of the Academy Trust shall comprise:

  • The signatories to the Memorandum, including the Foundation/Sponsor body.
  • The Foundation/Sponsor body, if not otherwise included.
  • Up to five persons appointed by the Foundation/Sponsor body.
  • Any person appointed under Article 15A by special resolution.

Minimum of three Members must be maintained.

Employees of the Academy Trust cannot be Members.

A majority of Members must not also be Trustees.

Trustees of the Academy Trust

  • Minimum of three Trustees.
  • Up to 4 Trustees appointed by Members.
  • Up to 3 Trustees appointed by the Foundation/Sponsor Body.
  • At least 2 Parent Trustees elected or appointed.
  • Principal may be appointed as a Trustee if they agree.
  • Co-opted Trustees may be appointed by non-co-opted Trustees.

No more than one third of Trustees may be employees of the Academy Trust.

Contact: For any queries relating to Governance, please contact:

Clare Baskott – Governance Professional Email: clare.baskott@harborneacademy.co.uk

 

Full Trust Board (FTB) and committee structure

Full Governing Board Membership

  • Nazmin Aktar – Parent Trustee
  • Louise Banks – Co-opted Trustee – Chair of FRPAR Committee
  • Ben Boden – Parent Trustee
  • Deborah Cole – Co-opted Trustee
  • Veronica Docherty – Co-opted Trustee – Chair of QofE Committee
  • Rosina Morris – Sponsor Trustee
  • Sarah Ross – Headteacher
  • Oliver Stokes – Sponsor Trustee
  • Sue Woodward – Co-opted Trustee
  • Fiona Yardley – Sponsor Trustee

The Trust Board meets at least three times each academic year.

In addition, there are two committees; the Finance, Resources, Premises, Audit & Risk Committee and the Quality of Education Committee who meet on a termly basis.

Broader issues are discussed and agreed at the two Committees and both report to the Full Trust Board.

Membership of the committees is broad and based around Trustees' skills mix.

Finance, Resources, Premises, Audit & Risk Committee (FRPAR)

Finance & Resources, Premises, Audit & Risk Committee (FRPAR)

The Finance & Resources, Premises, Audit & Risk Committee (FRPAR) is responsible for the sound management of the academy's finances including planning, probity and monitoring.

It also oversees the management of the budget as well as monitoring staffing, estates and Health & Safety.

The Committee oversees the process for providing assurances to the FTB that risks are being adequately identified and managed.

It is responsible for reviewing the risks to internal financial control and agreeing a programme of work that addresses these risks and, so far as is possible, provides assurance to the External Auditor.

Finance & Resources, Premises, Audit & Risk Committee Membership

  • Nazmin Aktar – Parent Trustee
  • Louise Banks – Co-opted Trustee – Chair of FRPAR Committee
  • Ben Boden – Parent Trustee
  • Deborah Cole – Co-opted Trustee
  • Rosina Morris – Sponsor Trustee
  • Sarah Ross – Headteacher (in attendance)
  • Fiona Yardley – Sponsor Trustee
  • Sue Woodward – Co-opted Trustee

The Quality of Education Committee

Quality of Education Committee

The Quality of Education Committee is responsible for reviewing the curriculum and ensuring that both the academic and wider curriculum offer reflects the school values. The Committee monitor and evaluate students' performance and takes into consideration recommendations relating to teaching and learning from external reviews of the school and ensures an appropriate plan is in place to act on any recommendations.

Quality of Education Committee Membership

  • Nazmin Aktar – Parent Trustee
  • Veronica Docherty – Co-opted Trustee – Chair of QofE Committee
  • Rosina Morris – Sponsor Trustee
  • Sarah Ross – Headteacher
  • Oliver Stokes – Sponsor Trustee
  • Sue Woodward – Co-opted Trustee

Additional Trustee Involvement

Keeping in touch sessions for Trustees (KITs)

Throughout the year, there is a planned calendar of “Keeping in Touch” sessions (KITs) for Trustees whereby they are provided with a briefing or update on a particular topic that is either of national or local relevance or specific to the academy. 

Link Trustee Scheme

Trustees are linked with specific areas within the academy to enable them to see the academy in action and to enable staff to get to know the Trustees.

Link Trustee Scheme

Trustees are linked with specific areas within the academy to enable them to see the academy in action and to enable staff to get to know the Trustees.

Outside of meetings, Trustees are heavily involved in academy life.  They attend a wide range of events including awards ceremonies, student productions and parents’ evenings.

Designated Areas Trustee HA SLT / Management Link
Leadership and Management Susan Woodward Sarah Ross (Headteacher)
Quality of Education Veronica Docherty Gregory Caines (Deputy Headteacher and Lead on Teaching and Learning)
Careers Veronica Docherty Andrew Farrell (AHT)
Culture for Learning Louise Banks

Gregory Cainer (Deputy Headteacher and Lead on Teaching and Learning)

Kevin Keelan (Assistant Headteacher, DSL and Pastoral)

Safeguarding Rosina Morris Kevin Keelan (Assistant Headteacher, DSL and Pastoral)
SEND Rosina Morris Matthew Fortune (Assistant Headteacher, SEN and Inclusion)
Pupil Premium Deborah Cole Sarah Ross (Headteacher)
Parent Engagement and Communication

TBC

Sarah Ross (Headteacher)
Finance, Health & Safety

Deborah Cole
Tim Graylen
Fiona Yardley

Debbie Smyth (Business Manager)
Human Resources and Staff Well-Being TBC Laura Harris (HR Lead)
IT Oliver Stokes Kevin Keelan (Assistant Headteacher, DSL and Pastoral)
Premises and Health & Safety Susan Woodward Debbie Smyth (Business Manager)
Audit and Risk Louise Banks Debbie Smyth (Business Manager)
Resources Susan Woodward Debbie Smyth (Business Manager)

 

Documents

Page Downloads Date  
Full Trust Board Calendar 2025 26 22nd Oct 2025 Download
HA Members Trustees Declarations Attenda... 22nd Oct 2025 Download
@@HarborneAcademy03:18 PM - 24th October, 2025 To find out what’s been happening at the academy this week, please see the link to the newsletter below. Have a lovely half term break. Read more
@@HarborneAcademy01:05 PM - 24th October, 2025 Year 7 students Ummeyah and Elhana have created some wonderful Remembrance artwork, incredible! pic.twitter.com/6z2SXHLZCj
@@HarborneAcademy10:30 AM - 24th October, 2025 Students were invited to participate in a workshop run by NYT (National Youth Theatre) Ignite, aligned with Netflix, where they could learn more about roles within film and television. Students were also tasked to create an idea for a potential film/tv series! pic.twitter.com/lzJMkxdKjq
@@HarborneAcademy02:59 PM - 23rd October, 2025 Last week, our Year 9 Forward Thinking cohort enjoyed an introduction to university life with a subject taster day at the University of Birmingham. Well done to everyone for getting involved. pic.twitter.com/snhNKizZ2m
@@HarborneAcademy12:15 PM - 23rd October, 2025 Well done to our wonderful Year 7 students Madison, Iris, Emily and Advika they have created these brilliant WW1 propaganda posters - great effort! pic.twitter.com/lu8NrBSASH
@@HarborneAcademy02:09 PM - 22nd October, 2025 In the build up to Arts Week, we’re asking students to submit artwork they’ve created at home. Just look at these it itsy-bitsy teeny weeny clay sculptures created by Year 7’s very talented Parmin! pic.twitter.com/QxLfeEdmDC
@@HarborneAcademy02:56 PM - 17th October, 2025 To find out what’s been happening at the academy this week, please see the link below to the weekly newsletter: Read more
@@HarborneAcademy08:23 AM - 17th October, 2025 Our new board game club has become a hit! The club is by invitation, for students to help build their self-esteem through imaginative team building games. If you feel your child may benefit from joining, please contact Mrs Piddock. pic.twitter.com/eTo52TLi5B
@@HarborneAcademy09:04 AM - 16th October, 2025 We had our first PSHE day of the new term yesterday, the students took part in a range of workshops, such as first aid, self-defence, careers, team work, dance and fitness and much more. Thank you to the external providers for a fantastic day. pic.twitter.com/jPcpIfMoR8
@@HarborneAcademy03:19 PM - 15th October, 2025 Thank you to all who attended and supported our annual Mental Health Art Exhibition for World Mental Health Day. Our artists and helpers were incredible, raising an estimated £524 for The Edwards Trust! pic.twitter.com/LRUQSAkmLr
@@HarborneAcademy11:54 AM - 15th October, 2025 Our Year 9 students were lucky enough to experience a morning at KPMG’s offices in Birmingham. As well as a tour of the offices, they enjoyed a workshop and delivered a presentation to their peers. pic.twitter.com/kF4ZdQUT1e
@@HarborneAcademy03:06 PM - 10th October, 2025 To see what’s been happening at the academy this week, please follow the link below to our weekly newsletter: Read more
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