The Governing Body

I joined the Governing body in Nov 2019, having moved to Chinnor earlier in the year. Although I am a co-opted governor, I have 2 children that attend Mill Lane, providing an active interest on my part. Whilst I have no experience in children’s education, I have been trained in leadership and management during my 20+ years serving in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. I hope to learn about education in the round from the school whilst also bringing my recent experience of Programme Management to support the staff in achieving their aims and ensuring the best education for all pupils at the school.

Linked Subject Area: Maths

I feel very fortunate to have become a Parent Governor of Mill Lane school in recent months. I have two children currently attending Mill Lane and I am really looking forward to supporting the school in the future.

Whilst my experience in children’s education is limited, I have always worked within the public sector, mostly within Local Government, working with a number of different Councils helping them improve their processes and services that they provide to their residents. I have specialised in the area of Housing Benefits and Welfare services because this is something that I am passionate about helping to improve and see the positive impact it can have on people’s lives. My strengths lie in the area of project management and business analysis which, I believe, will help me to be creative in coming up with new ideas, help to support and implement school projects and be able to measure the impact that decisions and changes have on the school.

My hobbies include running and pilates and I love to go on walks with my children, husband and Bobby the dog.

Linked Subject Areas: Expressive Arts & Inclusion

I joined the Governing Board as a co-opted governor in 2022. I am delighted to have joined a dedicated and supportive board who have the best interests for all pupils and staff at the core of its purpose. Living locally with two children attending Mill Lane Community School, I look forward to using my experience to make a positive impact. I have worked in local government for 13 years and wish to use this public sector experience to contribute to the overall direction of the school.

I am very lucky to have been given the opportunity of becoming a Parent Governor at Mill Lane. Being an ex-pupil myself and having the eldest of my two children recently starting in Reception I see the value the school brings to not just the pupils and teachers but the surrounding area.

My career to date has led me to work for numerous businesses of all sizes, ranging from start-ups through to large multi-national corporations. My experience in Project and Programme Management has had me work with many different methodologies and compliance practices, but my passion is with helping businesses with Continuous Improvement and I hope to bring my knowledge and experience to the governing team and help the school build on its already tremendous reputation.

Away from work I am a keen cyclist and spend as much time as I can out on my mountain bike as well as spending time with my family, and if I can get away with it watch as much sport as I can.

I am currently employed as a Quality manager, with Health and Safety responsibilities, at an Aerospace company near Uxbridge. This I have done for nearly 20 years, after serving in the London Fire Service for 18 years prior to that.

I have always been happy to put my hand up and volunteer, currently as Vice Chair of the Trustees at the Village Centre, Secretary of Chinnor FC, and now, having been approached by the Parish council, as a new LA governor for the school. Until I retire from full time work in August 2020, I cannot give much time in this new role, but it is my intention to help out wherever I can after August.

Having worked at Mill Lane School for 13 years as the school bursar, I feel very privileged to be part of the supportive and dedicated Governing Body and I hope that this previous experience and knowledge of the school, combined with experience from my current role as a school business manager will enable me to make a positive impact by supporting the school in achieving its aims.

My interests outside of work include visiting theatre, cinema, museums, historic houses and gardens.

I have no experience in children’s education but I do believe that every child should be given the opportunity to reach their potential.
I have worked in the banking and finance sector for my entire working life. During that time I have developed leadership and management skills and have had responsibility for training uk and international banking students, running depts and managing staff to ensure good customer relations. I would like to think that I can bring some of these skills to the role of governor.
As well as this, the role allows me to discover new challenges in a completely different environment.

My interests are : Walking, Aerobics, Yoga, Table Tennis, Listening to Music and Visiting the theatre .

Linked subject: Literacy

I am very privileged to be part of Mill Lane's governing body as well as a member of staff. I joined the school three years ago after working as a teacher in Aylesbury for eleven years. I am now in my third year at Mill Lane and am loving the challenges and opportunities of being both a class teacher, deputy head and governor. It is fascinating to have an insight into the school from several different perspectives. I have a special affiliation with the school as I was also a pupil here many years ago, having spent my childhood growing up in Chinnor. I have a very varied and diverse job which means that no two days are ever the same! Outside of school I am a keen DIYer and enjoy travelling to new places with my wife, who is also a teacher.

I became a Governor when my three children attended the School and I wanted to support it in providing the best learning environment possible. My children have left now but still appreciate the great start it gave them. My experience as an Engineering Manager with special responsibilities for Health & Safety have enabled me to contribute to the School's ambition to always provide a safe environment in which the children can develop and learn.

Linked subject area: Health & Safety

I joined Mill Lane in September 2023.
I am a retired teacher and have lived in Chinnor for over 30 years. My last teaching post was at the secondary school in Waddesdon, where I worked for 22 years. As well as teaching, I have been an education adviser and consultant.
When I read on the village Facebook page that Mill Lane was looking to recruit new governors, I volunteered hoping that I might be able to make a positive contribution to the governance of the school. I am particularly interested in art, music, drama and physical education.
I am married to Cathy, who was also a teacher. Our adult children left home some time ago and both of them live and work in the West Country.
Since joining the Board, I have been made very welcome and I believe that your children are very well served by the staff of Mill Lane.