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 DuncanCo-opted Governor, Chair of Governors
Alastair Duncan
Name: Alastair Duncan
Type of governor: Co-opted
Date appointed: January 2022
Term of office: 4 years
Areas of responsibility: Chair of Governors
Committee membership: All
Declaration of business and financial interests + governance roles at other schools: 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. In the private sector I worked with a number of household names including Marks and Spencer and Tesco. In the public sector, I worked on several large projects 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. 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. I have, therefore, seen the changing regulatory demands on schools at close quarters. In the 1980s 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, Safeguarding Governor
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
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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Riaan ConroyParent Governor, Chair of Resources Committee
Riaan Conroy
Date appointed: February 2020
Term of office: 4 years
Appointed by: Parent body
Areas of responsibility: Pupil Premium, Music, Premises & Health & Safety
Committee membership: Resources Committee Chair
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 and one son attending the school and another son 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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Will NattrassCo-opted Governor; Chair of Wellbing Committee
Will Nattrass
Date appointed: February 2024
Term of office: Four years
Appointed by: Governing Body
Areas of responsibility: tbc
Committee membership: Wellbeing
Declaration of business and financial interests + Governance roles at other schools: None
Professional experience and interests:
I have been an NHS General Practitioner for 12 years in Stroud. I am a Clinical Director for a network of local NHS practices of 40 000 patients. I enjoy mountain biking, DIY and spending time with my children. I am excited to be part of the Governing team of a school I have strong links with; my siblings and I having attended Croft in the 1980s and 1990s. I am strong believer in the benefits of a focus on positive well-being for staff and pupils.
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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: Parent body
Areas of responsibility: English
Committee membership: Performance & Standards Chair
Declaration of business and financial interests + Governance roles at other schools: None
Professional experience and interests:
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Date appointed: 21.10.24
Term of office: 0 years
Appointed by: Parent body
Areas of responsibility: PSHE
Committee membership: Wellbeing
Meeting Attendance: 100%
Declaration of business and financial interests + Governance roles at other schools: None
Professional experience and interests:
I have two children at The Croft and one child at the Painswick Playgroup. Since my children have been at the school, I have been at the school I have been involved with the Friends of The Croft and helping to raise money for the school. I am also on the committee for the playgroup. I feel really passionate about providing my children and all the children at The Croft the best start in life and I am keen to help where I can.
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Stephen CourtsCo-opted Governor
Stephen Courts
Date appointed: October 2024
Term of office: 4 years
Appointed by: Governing Body
Areas of responsibility: Geography, History and RE
Committee membership: Resources Committee
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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Victoria SherwoodCo-opted Governor
Victoria Sherwood
Date appointed: December 2023
Term of office: 4 years
Appointed by: Governing body
Areas of responsibility: tbc
Committee membership: Performance & Standards
Declaration of business and financial interests + Governance roles at other schools: None
Professional experience and interests:
I am Assistant Head of Sixth Form and Head of Professional Guidance (Careers and Higher Education) at Cheltenham Ladies’ College and also teach Religious Studies and Philosophy. I have a doctorate in Political Philosophy from the University of Cambridge. I live in Painswick with my husband, three children and golden retriever, Amber. I’m really excited about the role of governor and supporting The Croft as it goes from strength to strength.
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George HawkesworthParent Governor
George Hawkesworth
Date appointed: October 2024
Term of office: 4 years
Appointed by: Parent Body
Areas of responsibility:
Committee membership: Wellbeing Committee
Declaration of business and financial interests + Governance roles at other schools: None
Professional experience and interests:
Medicine