School Strategic Board

As part of the GLF Schools multi academy trust, Hillcroft School is able to benefit from the support and opportunities that are offered by the Trust. Being part of the Trust allows us to work within a governance structure which is different from a traditional Governing Body model and from September 2017, our local governance body is now a School Strategy Board (SSB). Our SSB meets once per half term and provides the local governance function for Hillcroft which fits within the overall governance structure of GLF Schools. Further information about governance at GLF Schools can be found here.

Our School Standards Board (SSB) has the following core responsibilities:

1. Strategic oversight of the education provision of the school

2. Strategic oversight of compliance of the school with Trust policies

3. Supporting the Trust Board to ensure good governance across the Trust

The SSB continues to have parent representatives and representatives from the local community, together with our Head Teacher, Miss Summers, and representatives from the Trust’s central team. It remains important that our SSB comprises the right people with the right skills to make appropriate and informed decisions for the school, taking into account the views of students, staff, parents and the local community.

Below are details of our current SSB. SSB members can be contacted via their email addresses below or via the school office.

Liam McGivern - Chair of SSB I joined Hillcroft SSB at the end of November 2019. I am an accountant by profession (member of Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) with wide experience in various roles in finance, including budgeting, performance reporting, internal audit, risk management and governance. After taking early retirement from full time work, I see this opportunity to use my skills to add value to the governing body and support the school leaders in providing the best possible educational environment for the children. I live locally and have a daughter who teaches at a primary school in inner London. At school, my strongest subject was maths which fed my enquiring mind. I have always liked rugby union since my school time. I coached youngsters when my daughter was playing (7-11-year olds). I will often go to watch Harlequins. I can be contacted by email l.mcgivern@hillcroftschool.org or by letter via the school office.
Lucy Payton - SSB Community Member I am a full time working mum of 2 (one attending Hillcroft) and local Caterham on the Hill resident. I am really excited about what I can offer Hillcroft as an SSB member - from living locally, from working with vulnerable families in my day job, being a mum and from my love of all things creative! I want to support Hillcroft to be the best it can be and I look forward to meeting and working with all of the HIllcroft community. I am also on the Friends of Hillcroft (PTA), which is a fun and friendly environment if anyone would like to join in! Please do not hesitate to catch me in the playground or email me on lpayton1.SSB@glfschools.org if you would like to chat or discuss any concerns.
Rachel Kyle - SSB Parent Member As a parent with 4 children at the school I decided to join as an SSB board member in September 2021. I see this as a great opportunity to use my skills to add value, support the school and ensure the school values are upheld for the future. I am a qualified Management Accountant specialising in Management Information to increase profitability, strategic planning and accurate budgeting. Working across different business sectors but predominately in Financial Services. Up until I had the twins I also lectured in Accountancy. My favourite subject at school was always maths and science, when I was younger I wanted to be a mad scientist, maybe for the lab coat or the wild hair. I’m also the treasurer for the Friends of Hillcroft PTA, which is a great group of parents trying to put on fun events for the children and parents to raise money at the same time. Please feel free to approach me in the playground, I’m there most days.
Shelly Nash - SSB Parent Member Having built a successful career in HR, I work at a senior level to support the business in achieving its long-term vision and objectives. I have built up skills in coaching, mentoring and strategic planning & delivery, working across levels to facilitate development, and to create a culture where the uniqueness of every individual is celebrated. The children we educate today will lead the country tomorrow, and the education they receive will form the people they will become. If I can play any part in building the foundations of learning for any child, then I would like to do it.
Kayur Patel – SSB Community Member I am a parent to two young children, aged 4 and 2, and fortunate to live within sight of Hillcroft. Since moving to Caterham in 2017, I have been eager to give back to the local community. Education has played a significant role throughout my life, and even now, as an Anaesthetic Consultant in the NHS, I am constantly engaged in learning and teaching. Science was my favourite subject at school, and I benefited from a supportive and inspiring learning environment. As a governor, my priority is to ensure that every child at Hillcroft receives a well-rounded education that prepares them for the ever-evolving and diverse world. In my professional life, I balance several responsibilities. In addition to training future doctors, I chair the Governance and Safety Group for Surgery and Theatres. From my first days as a governor, I noticed strong parallels between healthcare and education, particularly in governance and the shared responsibility of delivering the best outcomes. I aim to apply the skills I’ve gained from working in a high-stakes, collaborative environment to support Hillcroft in achieving its educational goals. I look forward to contributing to the school’s ongoing success and encourage anyone with questions or ideas to contact me at kpatel2@glfschools.org.

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