I am currently Vice Chair of Governors, I have lived in Healey for over 37 years.

I am retired, having worked in a range of roles in secondary and further education.
I worked in secondary schools in Rochdale for nineteen years as a teacher, Head of Department, Head of Year and senior manager.   I then moved into Further Education, working in three colleges in a range of roles which enabled me to develop experience in teaching and learning, curriculum, staff development, quality assurance, marketing, student services, work- based learning, finance and human resource management at senior management level.    I have also worked part time for a large international Awarding Body as a Quality Assessor a role which enabled me conduct monitoring visits in a range of secondary schools and tertiary colleges.

I do not have any financial or business interests.

Headteacher profile to follow shortly

I have enjoyed being a Governor at FPHS for over 20 years, initially joining as a Parent Governor in 2003 when my daughter was in year 8.  My original thoughts at that time regarding my giving something back to society have not changed since I took on the role.  Having seen both my daughter and son pass successfully through the school, I have decided to continue with the commitment, when I was invited, to be co-opted once my children had left.

Being asked to chair the Resources Sub Committee was and continues to be an honour for me, being able to help guide and support the school through major changes in the past few years including the new school building and two subsequent classroom extensions has been a real success story for the school and one of which I am proud to have played my part.   I am very passionate about the students having a safe and creative environment where they can learn the necessary life skills and express themselves well.

In my professional career outside of school I am the Managing Director of my own management consultancy business working with SME’s helping them thrive and grow their businesses.  My career experience previous to this recent new venture was as a director of major international food manufacturing businesses dealing on a day to day basis with the high street retail chains in commercial roles.   My work experience equips me with the skills to understand the business of running a school, issues relating to Human Resources and people management.   It also gives me a good understanding of, and the confidence to, support and monitor the activities of the schools finance team in delivering a good performance in setting and delivering budgeted targets.

Outside of work and school, one of my other passions is music, as a semi-professional music producer with my own studio in Halifax and as a keyboard player with a progressive rock band, it makes me a strong supporter of the arts and music in school.

I have taught in Rochdale schools for 38 years, 22 of them at Falinge Park, the last 16 of these prior to retirement as Deputy Headteacher. During this time I taught Geography, RE, Health & Social Care and PSHE; as well as being responsible within the school for finance, personnel, KS 4 (Years 9/10/11) examination work and liaison with colleges, training providers and employers. I have also worked previously for Rochdale Council as an educational advisor.

I live locally within one mile of the school. I was appointed as a Local Authority Governor in 2012 and as a co-opted Governor in 2015 and have been involved with many appointments to the school, meetings with pupils and parents as well as the monitoring and support for resources and curriculum development. I am the link governor for Science and the CEPA Faculty.

I am delighted  to still be involved and supporting Falinge Park as a Governor, ensuring all of our students have opportunity realise their potential academically, emotionally, creatively, physically and socially, and to promote Falinge Park as an asset the local community can feel proud of.

(To follow)