Governance (Advocates)

In response to the changing governance needs of a multi-academy trust and the recent external governance review carried out across the trust, in September 2022 The Rivers CofE Academy Trust launched its innovative and sector-leading governance structure.

The new structure will consist of the following advocate roles at local school level:

Headteacher Advocate – to seek assurance that the head is listened to, supported and challenged
Pupil Experience Advocate – to seek assurance that pupils are listened to, feel safe in school and are successful learners
Community Advocate – to seek assurance that the school engages positively with its key stakeholders and local community
Christian Distinctiveness Advocate (church schools only) – to seek assurance that the Christian vision and values are at the heart of everything that the school does.

The aim of the advocacy governance structure is to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the different governance tiers in order to avoid duplication, strengthen communication between governance tiers and maximise the use of the skills, knowledge and expertise of everyone within the governance team. Pupils will remain at the core of all decision-making.

Trustees recognise the importance of the local voice and are committed to ensuring that the local tier contributes to the development of organisational thinking. The election of two parent/carer representatives as advocates per school will ensure that the voice of parents/carers contributes to decisions made at trust board level.

Mrs Suzy Humphries

Headteacher Advocate

I have been on the governing body at Burlish Park Primary School since 2009 also working with several committees including Curriculum, Finance and Premises. I have served on several staff appointment boards including the ones for our current Head and Deputy. My background is in Finance as I head the UK accounts team of a global company so I am keen to ensure we have the budget to meet our needs in the current challenging times. I have been a governor for the past sixteen years for local Wyre Forest Schools, originally for a Middle School and so have seen lots of changes in that time probably the most recognisable the building of our new school.

I want all our children to enjoy their time at Burlish Park Primary School, achieve to their potential and at the end of their time with us leave equipped and ready to meet the challenge of their next phase in life.