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Who we are

 

MEET OUR BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Chris Drury – Chair of Trustees and Local Governing Body

I have a wide experience at Board level in finance, policy, business change and project management. Both of my daughters attended New Haw Community School which led to my involvement with the Trustees and Governing Body for the past 8 years.

I took early retirement 3 years ago following 28 years’ service with Kraft Heinz Company. My last full-time role was Head of Procurement Operations for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Currently, I am working part-time for an Education Trust supporting their procurement process.

I trained as an Engineer, holding a B.Eng. from Cardiff and an MSc. from Warwick.

Rohit Nanda – Vice Chair of Trustees and Local Governing Body

(Chair of Finance & Resources Committee)

After over 25 years of working in a range of sectors globally including engineering, fintech and capital markets, I now run a business growth consultancy for small and medium size businesses.

As Chair of the Finance and Resources Committee and a member of the Governing Board since May 2021, I contribute to a variety of governance areas and am committed to supporting the school in any way that I can. One of the reasons for applying to join the Governors’ was to gain an insight into the workings of the school and hopefully leverage some of my experience and knowledge to help the school become an even better place for our children to thrive. Most recently I have been appointed to the Board of Trustees.

I currently have two children at New Haw Community School after my eldest left last summer and in between work and family, I am a keen diver, a poor golfer and can often be found spending my ‘free time’, watching a variety of sports.

Teresa Shearer – Trustee

After 30 years in education, I can definitely count myself a lifelong learner. As an English teacher, a Head of 6th form for 5 years, and most recently serving 8 years as a Vice Principal in secondary school, I love to discover how primary education fits into the whole education process for our children. It is useful to cast that continuity eye across the primary and secondary sectors to check for sequential learning and celebrate the necessary ambition and opportunity an effective bridge between the two can offer everybody.  I endeavour to ensure that New Haw Community School and the local secondary schools our pupils transition to achieve the right balance of ambition and care for all the pupils and staff they serve. 

Ian Bacon - Trustee

I have 36 years of experience working in the food industry - 26 years with Unilever in a variety of roles, and subsequently 10 years with Tate & Lyle Sugars as Chief Executive.

I retired in 2015 and have spent much of my time learning to play golf, interspersed with some volunteering, initially with the Community Rehabilitation Company mentoring people on probation. I currently volunteer with the British Red Cross as part of the “Home from Hospital” team.

I have previous involvement with New Haw as both of my daughters attended the school. At that time, I was elected as a parent governor and served as Chair of the Finance Committee.

Joan Read – Local Governing Body

I am Joan Read, a retired civil servant. I have been a member of the local governing body at New Haw for several years, and am currently in the SEND and Safeguarding governor role. I also visit the school weekly as a reading volunteer.

 

Toni Williams – Local Governing Body

I'm Toni Williams, a new parent to New Haw school with a son in year 3. I also have a daughter at infants, so look forward to building a strong association with the school for many years to come. 

I have over 20 years’ experience working at senior level in the PR & Marketing sector, specialising in helping businesses improve communications with customers, staff and stakeholders. I also help manage all aspects of our small family business manufacturing musical equipment.  

I am keen to play a positive role within the school community and will be committed to helping drive improvements that mean every single child is safe, happy and achieving their full potential. 

Michelle Austin – Trustee

I am Michelle Austin. I have been a School Business Manager for over 10 years and am currently part of the Senior Leadership Team at Meath School in Ottershaw.  I also bring my experience as a qualified accountant and teacher to the Governing Body.  I have two daughters, one of whom is thriving at New Haw, while the other is looking forward to starting at the school in September 2022.

 

Dan Stent - Local Governing Body