Home » Key Information » Academy Council

Academy Council

Evergreen Primary Academy is part of the Cabot Learning Federation, a multi-academy trust that is responsible for a number of academies across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.  Governance for a multi-academy trust operates at two levels.  At trust level, there is a Board of Directors.  The directors are accountable to the Department for Education and external government agencies, including the Charity Commission, for the quality of the education the trust provides and the effective use of the associated academy funding. They are required to have systems in place through which they can assure themselves of quality, financial probity, safety and good practice. The Board is provided assurance on a number of these areas through various sub-committees, as shown in the diagram below. For further information about the Board, please click https://www.clf.uk/governance/

Governance within a multi-academy trust

Academy Council

At a local level, each academy has an Academy Council comprising of up to 13 Academy Councillors.  Academy Councils are responsible for holding Principals and their leadership teams to account for the quality and effectiveness of the academic experience of the students under their care with the aim of securing effective school improvement.  They do this through monitoring performance against an annual academy improvement plan, through monitoring risks and responses to risks, and by overseeing systems and processes for the safeguarding of children and the health, safety and wellbeing of academy staff.

Academy Council Members

Rachel Fleetwood- Chair of the Academy Council

I am currently Finance Director at UWE Bristol and have been working in the Higher Education sector over 28 years, much of that at a senior level.  I have also had considerable experience of governance roles through involvement in other educational establishments covering both secondary and further education.  I am keen to ensure that learners achieve the best possible outcome for them and so key to that is to ensure the schools are held to account, to deliver an outstanding teaching and learning experience to ever child as well as ensure that this is maintained over time.

Kate Richardson – Executive Director of Education

I am one of the Executive headteachers working for Cabot Learning Federation. I support school improvement by working closely with the Principal, Vice Principal and staff team of each school. I have worked in education in Bristol for 8 years, having moved from London.

Dr Janet Saunders – Academy Principal

Jan started her career in education in 2001 at Summerhill Academy following a career in electronic publishing. Following 10 years as a classroom teacher and curriculum leader, Jan moved into senior management together with a coaching and mentoring role before joining Frome Vale Academy in 2014, first as Associate Principal and then as the substantive Principal. Jan has a keen interest in professional development, completing an MA in Lifelong learning and an educational doctorate researching emotional labour and teaching.

Melissa Nash – Sponsor Councillor – Pupil Premium, SEND and LAC

I became an Academy Councillor in 2019 because I want to support my community and apply the skills I’ve built up through my career in a different context.

I work at the University of Bristol in Change Management – making sense of what big, strategic changes will mean for them, supporting them through the change and making sense of what they’ll need to do differently.    

Mike Small – Sponsor Councillor – Health and Safety

I have been involved in education for many years, previously working in alternative education provision.  I have a passion for ensuring young people get the opportunity to develop the skills they need to succeed.

Matt Johnson – Sponsor Councillor – Safeguarding

Julie Vincent – PSA and DSL

I am the Parent Support Advisor, Attendance Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at Evergreen Primary Academy and have worked at the school for nearly 10 years.  My role is to provide emotional and practical help and advice to families who are experiencing long or short-term difficulties.  My role is to also assist in tackling underachievement by working in partnership with families, parents, carers and pupils in school to enable pupils to have full access to educational opportunities and overcome barriers to learning and participation.  I have worked in primary schools in Bristol and South Gloucestershire for over 18 years.

Shirley McCogg – Parent Governor
I am involved with Evergreen Primary Academy as a Parent/Carer whose child currently attends the Academy.
My past and present work experiences include: Housing Coordinator – Supporting young mothers and their families,  providing project management with assistance of a voluntary management committee.   Transport Development Officer – a transport service supported by local volunteers.  Housing Officer – housing homeless women 16-30 with varying status i.e. leave to remain, refugees, young people leaving Local authority care.  Support/Rehabilitation/Carer – Supporting vulnerable adults who are disabled and or elderly.  WATCH Group member volunteer looking at health issues within the community.
I am involved in a netball team,  and I attend a Zumba dance group

Pecuniary Interests Register 2022-23

Pecuniary Interests Register 2021-22

Pecuniary Interests Register 2020-21

Pecuniary Interests Register 2019-2020

Minutes

T1 AC Minutes – 12.10.22

T5 AC Minutes – 25.05.22

T4 AC Minutes – 22.03.22

T2 AC Minutes – 08.12.21