Our Governors
Governors are always willing to hear from anyone with an issue or concern, though formal complaints should follow the Complaints Procedure. If you want to contact the Chair on any issue, then use the e-mail chair@croft.gloucs.sch.uk.
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Alastair DuncanChair, responsible for Computing
Alastair Duncan
Name: Â Alastair Duncan
Type of governor: Chair and responsible for Computing Â
Date appointed: Â 8th January 2018
Term of office: Â 7th January 2022
Areas of responsibility: Â TBA
Committee membership: Â TBA
Record of meeting attendance: Â 1 out of 1 meetings (100%)
Declaration of business and financial interests + governance roles at other schools: Â Nil
Professional experience and interests:
After graduating from London University with a degree in English literature, my career was spent in management consultancy, with a particular focus on organisational change and performance improvement. Â In the private sector I worked with a number of household names including Marks and Spencer and Tesco. Â In the public sector, I worked on several large programmes including the set-up of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, establishing Natural England and the Marine Management Organisation, and reshaping the Insolvency Service to deliver improved value for money. Â Establishing governance arrangements and working closely with governing bodies was an important part of this work, giving an insight into the crucial work that governing bodies do in helping organisations define and achieve their goals.
Although never involved professionally with education, I have had close connections with the world of education as my wife was a teacher and latterly the Head of a London preparatory school. Â I have, therefore, seen the changing regulatory demands on schools at close quarters. Â In the 1980's I spent eight years as a Councillor in a London local authority, during which time I was a governor of a primary school and a secondary school.
My interests include cricket, travel and photography. When I finished playing cricket, I spent over ten years coaching and managing colts teams, seeing several young players progress to county and national representative level. I have travelled extensively, with recent trips including Botswana, India and Chile providing fantastic opportunities for wildlife photography.  I also have four young grandchildren with whom I enjoy spending much of my  free time.
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Sharon HaggLA Governor, Vice Chair
Sharon Hagg
Date appointed: October 2022
Term of office: Four years
Appointed by: Local Authority
Areas of responsibility: SEND, Safeguarding
Committee membership: Wellbeing and Performance & Standards
Meeting Attendance: 100%
Declaration of business and financial interests + Governance roles at other schools: None
Professional experience and interests:
Sharon was formerly a SENCO and deputy safeguarding officer at a local Primary School. She was a governor at the school for over 10 Years serving on the Curriculum and Standards Committee. She has over 30 Years' experience in teaching, having worked in large inner city and rural schools. Whilst her children were young, she was involved for a number of years in Adult Literacy and supporting vulnerable adults in the community.
She hopes her experience can help to support the staff, children and parents in making the Croft Primary School a happy environment where all children can become well-rounded individuals who are motivated to reach their full potential.
Sharon is married with three grown-up children and two granddaughters. Her interests include reading, crosswords and knitting.
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Stephen CourtsCo-opted Governor
Stephen Courts
Date appointed: Oct 2020
Term of office: 4 years
Appointed by: Board of Governors
Areas of responsibility: Link governor for Geography, History and RE
Committee membership: Resources Committee
Meeting Attendance: FGB 100%
Declaration of business and financial interests + Governance roles at other schools: None
Professional experience and interests:
Finance and Accounting. All sports especially rugby and swimming.
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Simon DobleCo-opted Governor, Chair of Wellbeing Committee
Simon Doble
Date appointed: October 2020
Term of office: 4 years
Appointed by: Governing Body
Areas of responsibility: Lead governor for Maths and PHCSE
Committee membership: Wellbeing Committee chair
Meeting Attendance: 100% of Governing Body meetings
Declaration of business
and financial interests
+ Governance roles at other schools: None
Professional experience and interests:
I began my career as an agricultural engineer after a degree from Reading University. I was a technical adviser working for a government department and I have since worked in the private sector, becoming a director of a large scientific research and consultancy company. I then worked for a business psychology firm for several years.
I am now semi-retired and provide development and mentoring services for people moving to more senior roles.
I have been a parent governor at two other schools.
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Joanna NicolasCo-opted Governor, responsible for Safeguarding
Joanna Nicolas
Date appointed: October 2022
Term of office: 4 years
Appointed by: Governing Body
Areas of responsibility: Lead governor for Safeguarding
Committee membership: Wellbeing
Meeting Attendance: 100% of Governing Body meetings
Declaration of business
and financial interests
+ Governance roles at other schools: None
Professional experience and interests:
A social worker by profession,16 years as a safeguarding consultant. Interests include children’s wellbeing and happiness, walking and being with the people I love.
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Riaan ConroyParent Governor, Chair of Resources, responsible for Pupil Premium
Riaan Conroy
Date appointed: February 2020
Term of office: 4 years
Appointed by: Elected by parents
Areas of responsibility: Pupil Premium, Music
Committee Membership: Resources committee chair, performance and standards committee
Meeting Attendance: 100% Governing Body meetings
Declaration of business and financial interests + Governance roles at other schools: None
Professional experience and interests:
My family and I moved to Painswick in December 2019 and have found the local community to be welcoming, inclusive and incredibly supportive, with the school at its heart. I have two daughters attending the school and two sons that will be starting in the coming years. Both the above are why I wanted to be involved with the governing board, I have a personal interest in the school being of a high standard but also to ensure the community has the school it deserves.
I work in project management in a highly regulated sector and I'm responsible for a multi-disciplined team. I hope to be able to help share my experience with the school, to support its development of both the educational and business performance.
We are currently undertaking a house renovation so my spare time is either occupied with entertaining the four children or DIY, however I have really enjoyed the recent tidying / decorating work parties at the school, and I look forward to being involved in future improvement initiatives to unlock its full potential.
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David HarrisParent Governor
David Harris
Date appointed: October 2020
Term of office: 4 years
Appointed by: Elected by parents
Areas of responsibility: Resources and link Governor for Art & Design
Committee membership: Resources and FGB
Meeting Attendance: Resources and FGB
Declaration of business and financial interests + Governance roles at other schools: None
Professional experience and interests:
I have spent most of my working time in Asia and Europe for corporate apparel brands. For the past 10 years I have been running my own water sports and accessories brand and moved to Painswick in 2017 with my wife and two children. My passions are competitive sailing, design, being outdoors and gardening.
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Tim JarvisParent Governor, Chair of Performance & Standards Committee
Tim Jarvis
Date appointed: March 2022
Term of office: 4 years
Appointed by: Elected by parents
Areas of responsibility: English
Committee membership: Performance & Standards (Chair), Resources
Meeting Attendance: 100% of Governing Body meetings
Declaration of business
and financial interests
+ Governance roles at other schools: None
Professional experience and interests:
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Andy LeaverParent Governor
Andy Leaver
Date appointed: October 2020
Term of office: 4 years
Appointed by: Elected by parents
Areas of responsibility: Physical Education
French
Committee membership: Performance & Standards
Meeting Attendance: All FGB meetings
Declaration of business and financial interests + Governance roles at other schools:
- Nil applicable
Professional experience and interests:
- I am a Chartered Physiotherapist with 20+ years experience across the NHS, private practice, professional sport and education sectors.
- I am currently involved in organising global sports events, whilst still maintaining my clinical practice and teaching Masters students.
- I have post graduate qualifications in Physiotherapy, Academic Practice and Business Administration.
- I have 2 children at the Croft, one in Year 3 and one in Reception.
- My interests include watching more than playing sports these days and spending time enjoying outdoor activities with my wife and children.
- I'm very keen to help the school develop its curriculum and challenge it to progress and achieve forward thinking goals.