Board of Trustees

Trustees have three core functions of governance:-

Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the Trust and its pupils, and the performance management of its staff
Overseeing the financial performance of the Trust and ensuring best value at all times

CL Governance Chart Dec 2019

Trustees meet at least once a term. Please click the arrow to view the trustee’s credentials.

Rowland Costin - Executive Chair of the Board of Trustees

ex-Governor, Powers Hall Academy
30 years’ experience in the computer industry

Jane Bass – CEO / Executive Headteacher

Claire Brazier – Chief Operations Officer

Simon Webb – Chief Learning Officer

Don Burton

Associate at Anglia Ruskin University and the Open University (in both a teaching and consulting capacity)
Ex-Staff Governor at Anglia Ruskin University
Governor, Doddinghurst Junior School

Nicholas Redfern

Taught in Norfolk after training as a teacher in 1982
Then worked in the City of London for 26 years as an investment banker
Has taught part time ‘financial awareness’ to Yrs5 and 6 at Powers Hall Academy
Recently completed a one year contract teaching Geography at Thurstable School, Tiptree

Susan Sings

Vice-Chair of Governors of Witham Joint Local Governing Body
Ex-Executive Chair of Connected Learning Board of Trustees
Previous senior manager at Anglia Ruskin University

Bruce Tuxford – Vice Executive Chair

Ex-Chair of Governors at Iceni Academy
Vice Chair, Connected Learning MAT
Member, Essex Schools Forum
Independent Panel Member for school appeals

JoAnn Williams

Former Mayor of Witham 2017-2018
Trustee, Citizens Advice Bureau
Member. Witham & District Lioness Club
Member of several committees on crime and local youths

2018/19 Trustee attendance at Board of Trustees’ meetings (including Board and Strategy meetings):-

Mrs Jane Bass (CEO) – 6 out 0f 6
Mr Simon Webb (CLO) – 6 out of 6
Mrs Claire Brazier (COO) – 6 out of 6
Mr Rowland Costin (Board Chair) – 6 out of 6
Mr Bruce Tuxford (Vice Board Chair) – 4 out of 6
Mrs Susan Sings – 6 out of 6
Mr Nick Redfern – 6 out of 6
Mr Don Burton – 5 out of 6

2018/19 Trustee attendance at Standards Committee meetings:-

Mrs Jane Bass (CEO) – 5 out of 6
Mr Simon Webb (CLO) – 6 out of 6
Mrs Susan Sings (Committee Chair) – 6 out of 6
Mr Don Burton – 6 out of 6
Mr Bruce Tuxford – 6 out of 6

2018/19 Trustee attendance at Audit, Finance & Premises Committee:-

Mr Don Burton (Committee Chair) – 3 out of 4
Mrs Susan Sings – 3 out of 4
Mr Bruce Tuxford – 2 out of 4
Mr Rowland Costin (Board Chair) – 2 out of 4
Mr Nick Redfern – 3 out of 4

Connected Learning