Member Article

Expert awarded for helping governors navigate academy management

AN EXPERT has won national acclaim for helping governors navigate successfully through the complexities of managing an academy.

Avec senior partner in leadership and governance David Walker has been awarded the coveted Outstanding Clerk of the Year title by the National Governors’ Association.

The accolade was presented at a special ceremony in the House of Commons by shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt.

Judges recognised his efforts for his work with St George’s C of E Academy, Middleton St George.

These included organisational skills, his attention to the running of a governing board, understand of a board’s role, knowledge of the law, relationship building, being a critical friend to governors and going the extra mile.

Judges said: “David is very much at the heart of the governing board, ambitious for it and for the school. He has a direct impact on the professionalism and function of the governing board.”

St George’s Academy secured outstanding in its last Ofsted and Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools.

Its head teacher Janine Gleeson had high praise for David and said his reward was well deserved.

“David always goes that bit extra and is a mentor and friend,” she said.

Chair of governors Ann Williams added: “We are absolutely thrilled for him. He deserves the recognition.”

St George’s Academy was the first school David worked with after joining the Avec school services company three years ago.

The Darlington-based firm, launched five years ago, now has 39 governance clients across the North and a total of 120 clients.

David said: “This is a great honour and it is very rewarding to be acknowledged for the work you do. But the judges’ comments also apply to the governing body and reflect their hard work.

“It is humbling to stand there and be told you are the best at what you do.”

Avec director Sarah Monk added: “David richly deserves the award which reflects the dedication, commitment and attention to detail he exhibits every day and the quality of the governance we offer our clients.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah French .