Clerking Associates
I aim to be present at all governance meetings. On occasions where this isn't possible, your board will to be supported by one of the following professionals:
Kirsty Nightingale
Kirsty is currently Governance Manager to a large Diocesan Multi Academy Trust. Kirsty has worked as a Governance Professional to a wide range of schools, helping to improve governance by advising and supporting the governing board and school leaders. Her work has produced measurable results in improving governance, taking school leadership and governance from an Ofsted rating of Requires Improvement to Outstanding. Kirsty has led training for Clerks on Effective Minute Writing, FOl Exemptions & Redaction and Procedures for Clerking Hearings. Kirsty also specialises in Extraordinary Panel Hearings such as Pupil Exclusions and a range of HR Panels. Kirsty is trained in the clerking of Independent Review Panels (IRPs)
Kayla Jolly
Kayla has worked in education since 2016, starting as a specialist teaching assistant working with severely visually impaired children. Kayla moved to the Governance Professional role in 2019 and now runs her own clerking business KJ Governance Solutions. Kayla has worked with various settings, including single and Multi-Academy Trusts, as well as maintained primary, secondary, specialist, and pupil referral units. Whilst working with different type of schools, Kayla has supported trust boards, local governing committees, interim executive boards (IEB) and management committees. Kayla has experience in specialist panel work, including disciplinary meetings involving staff and students, complaints, grievances, and HR matters. Kayla also works for a board of trustees of a large charity outside of education and holds a level 3 clerking qualification.
Jeannette Weir
Jeannette has spent most of her adult life working and studying in the field of education, both in the higher education and state compulsory sectors. Having spent many years working in high-performing UK universities, Jeannette has found a natural connection with the Multi-Academy Trust model and now specialise in supporting governance in this area, as well as doing ad-hoc work for other schools. As well as supporting committee work at all levels of decision making, Jeanette has significant experience of panel work, including admissions appeals and permanent exclusions, along with a strong skillset for handling complaints (thanks to a short-lived career in the insurance industry in her youth!). Jeanette enjoys working in governance because it is rooted in values and regularly presents new opportunities for learning and personal development.
Sharise Denny
Sharise is an experienced professional with a background specialising in secretarial services and minute-taking, boasting a proven track record of providing invaluable administrative support in various organisational settings. With meticulous attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to efficiency, Sharise has effectively managed the day-to-day operations of offices while ensuring the seamless flow of information. Sharise specialises in Academy Trust clerking and has clerked a number of board and committee meetings whilst working with Laura, including the Audit and Risk and Remuneration committees. Both committees have required a high level of attention to detail in recording sensitive discussions and mandatory decisions.