Governing Body Welcome Page
Governing Body Membership
The Governing Body supports the Head Teacher’s leadership of the school and helps to ensure that every child and staff member is safe. We work in partnership with the school to influence and support the school's progression, monitoring performance management procedures to ensure that they are effective. For more information please see the 'Governance Handbook' below.
A Competency Framework for Governance
The Full Governing Body (Business and Academic) meet each term along with the finance sub-committee.
All LA & co-opted governors are appointed by the Full Governing Body, Parent Governors are appointed by ballot of the parents and Staff Governors are appointed by ballot of the school staff.
Governing Body Membership
Joan Bowes - Chair of Governors - Co-opted Governor
Background: I was born and raised in Wellington, Shropshire and educated at Wellington Girls High School. After leaving Shrewsbury Technical College, having obtained a BTEC National Diploma in Business Studies with Secretarial Options, I worked as an Accounts Assistant/Secretary to the Director of a Rubber & Plastics Research Association. I then became a PA to the Managing Director and then the Chairperson of GKN Sankey Ltd, a multi-national company. At the age of 30 I completed a full-time Certificate in Education at Wolverhampton University, moving to teach at an FE College in Nottingham. I completed a BA (Hons) in Education and an MA in Educational Management at Nottingham Trent University and was a lecturer and then a curriculum manager, with responsibility for several teaching teams, including Business, Management, Accountancy, Computing, Business Administration and Law. I retired from FE in 2013 to become a Quality Manager for a training provider delivering apprenticeships on a part-time basis until 2019. I am now semi-retired and work as an Exams Invigilator for West Nottinghamshire College and Brunt’s Academy in Mansfield and I am also an Exam Auditor for City & Guilds Awarding Body. I live in the local community and have two adult sons and daughters-in-law and an adorable grandson – living in Marlborough and Leeds.
Governor Roles: I became a School Governor at Berry Hill Primary School in June 2017 until January 2019. I then became Chair of Governors at Newlands Junior School in September 2019 until May 2021, re-joining the Governing Body at Berry Hill Primary School in October 2021. In September 2023 I became Chair of Governors at Berry Hill Primary School.
Hobbies: My hobbies are interior design, decorating and reading factual and historical books. My sons and I have modernised several buy-to-let properties in Nottinghamshire which I manage.
Ian Pearce - Co-opted Governor
Background: I was born and raised in Shirebrook and was educated at Shirebrook Grammar School. I worked for the NCB at Edwinstowe Area Offices then I joined the Royal Army Pay Corps as a military accountant and stayed there for 10 years. On leaving the Regular Army I joined British Coal where I moved around until I was made redundant. For my final 9 years I worked as a contract IT Project Manager until I decided to finish work and give retirement a try. Interesting fact: At 35 I was the youngest ever colliery Admin Officer when I was appointed in 1982.
Governor Roles: I became a school governor on 4th August 2011 and became chair in June 2013, a position I held until September 2023.
Hobbies: I enjoy walking, reading, exploring the world on cruise ships and taking holidays.
Gordon Taylor - Local Authority Governor
Background: I was born and raised in Shirebrook and attended Chesterfield Grammar school in the 1950s I started work as a Postal & Telegraph Officer at The Head Post Office in Mansfield and over the next forty years worked for Post Office Telephones; British Telecom and eventually before retirement for British Telecom International. For most of that time I managed the opening of new technology Operator Service Telephone Exchanges. The last two were the two new International Exchanges in Mansfield from where I retired in 1995.
Governor Roles: I became a school governor shortly after retirement and for 20 years was a governor at The Manor school in Mansfield Woodhouse. I am a member and treasurer of The Nottinghamshire Association of Governors and represent that Association at The National Governor’s Association.
Family: I have been widowed for 16 years. I have a son and a daughter son in law and two grandchildren of school age. The grandchildren keep me emotionally occupied.
Hobbies: I play golf regularly but not to a high standard. I enjoy a game of snooker and was some time ago a qualified referee. I enjoy solving crosswords.
Laura Poxon - Co-opted Governor
I’ve been a governor at Berry Hill Primary School and Nursery since March 2017. I first joined as a parent governor but moved to a co-opted governor in 2018. My governor links include safeguarding, SEND and behaviour. I enjoy being part of team who support a dedicated staff group who are passionate about providing the best education for every pupil that attends Berry Hill. I work full time in social care and bring a wealth of experience to my role as governor. I live in the local community with my husband and two daughter's, whom both attend Berry Hill Primary School. As a family we enjoy holidays in our caravan. I’m also a Beaver Scout Leader and enjoy baking and decorating cakes.
Pete Holland - Co-opted Governor
Background: I completed an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship in Emergency and Security Systems and spent 7 years as a Fire and Security Installation Engineer in a national blue chip business. I progressed my career into Installation Management roles and completed an Open University degree with focus on business, management and information technology subjects. The last 12 years I have spent in senior leadership positions including 7 years in Board Level positions focused on operational and financial turnaround in distressed businesses. I have significant experience in Health and Safety, Quality and Environmental management systems as well as process improvement, human resources and general business management.
Governor Roles: This is my first appointment as a Governor, however, I feel my skillset and experience in private sector, board level and leadership roles will provide a broad view to support the Headteacher and Board of Governors.
Family: I relocated to Mansfield in 2018 with my wife and have two boys aged 5 and 2. The 5 year old attends Berry Hill Primary School. We have a Cavalier King Charles dog who is 13 and is very patient with the boys (particularly the 2 year old who loves to “hug” him). We love doing crafts, playing in the garden, DIY and making a mess!
Hobbies: Family time is my biggest hobby outside of work! I am a member of the Mansfield Rotary Club and enjoy attending meetings and carrying out volunteer roles at the various events run by the Rotary, my favourite being the Christmas Sleigh! Other keen interests are computer programming, data analytics, gardening and DIY.
Peter Frost - Co-opted Governor
I have been a governor at Berry Hill Primary School and Nursery since September 2022 when I was invited to join as a co-opted governor. My governor links include music, art and design and Spanish. Whilst now retired, I have extensive experience in finance and HR having worked for a major plc and latterly for a higher education institution. I hope to bring these skills to my role as school governor. I live in the local community with my wife and have two grown up sons.
Elina Strautmane - Co-opted Governor