Our Governors

A Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) is a legal entity accountable for the running of the organisation and all the academies within it. The MAT is a charitable company limited by guarantee, and has multiple layers of governance: the Members, the Board of Trustees and Board Committees, which include a Local Governing Committee for each academy within the MAT.

The Local Governing Committee serves as a sub-committee of the Hope Sentamu Learning Trust York Board of Trustees, and their responsibilities are set out within the Trust’s Scheme of Delegation. If required, the Board can either delegate more powers to the Local Governing Committee or withdraw powers in exceptional situations. Governors are not involved in the operational running of the academy; the daily management of the academy is the responsibility of the Principal. All decisions are made as a group; governors are there as a corporate body responsible for the governance of the academy and not to represent their own interests or the interest of others.

Local governors have three central duties:

i) setting the vision of the local academy
ii) holding the Headteacher/Principal to account
iii) and ensuring the academy’s financial management is to the highest possible standard.

Governors carry out their tasks in a number of different ways, through regular meetings and visits to the academy. Meetings are held at least once a term.

The Local Governing Committee provides the school with a wide range of skills and experience which supports the Senior Leadership team in vital decisions that enhance the academy’s environment, curriculum and delivery of the best educational experience possible.

If you are interested in becoming a governor for our school, please contact us by email: admin@thecompassacademy.co.uk 

Mrs Jacqui Thompson
PRINCIPAL GOVERNOR

Jacqui joined The Compass Academy (formerly Ashwell Academy) as Principal in December 2017.

Born in Hull, Jacqui moved to Hornsea at the age of 12 and has lived there ever since. As a youngster, she began to play the trombone, piano and enjoyed singing, which led her to Liverpool University where she studied Music. She then trained as a teacher and took up her first post as Head of Music at David Lister High School in Hull. Subsequently, Jacqui has held the posts of Head of Faculty, Educational Consultant and Assistant Headteacher across a number of schools in both Hull and the East Riding, before taking up her first Headship in 2015.

A keen sportswoman, Jacqui still plays competitive tennis and enjoys skiing, sailing & golf. Her other interests include music, reading, gardening & travelling.

Appointed: 11.03.19
Appointed by: Ex-Officio

Attendance

• 2020/21 meetings: 2/2
• 2021/22 meetings: 4/4

Business & Pecuniary Interests (Inc. Nature of Interest)

• Compass Academy | Governor
• Hope Sentamu Learning Trust | Employee

Training

• Dealing with allegations against people who work with children
• Safeguarding – Introduction
• Safeguarding – Level 1
• Safer Recruitment

________________________________

Mr Dan Wallis – TRUST BOARD GOVERNOR
Resigned: 27.01.2022

Appointed: 20.03.2020 (4 years)

Appointed by: Trust Board

Attendance

• 2020/21 meetings: 2/2
• 2021/22 meetings: 1/2

Business & Pecuniary Interests (Inc. Nature of Interest)

• Spire Healthcare – Employee
• St James’ Academy – Governor
• The Compass Academy – Governor

Training

• Effective Governance
• Keeping Children Safe in Education
• eSafety

Governors do not need specific skills, but many of the tasks they are required to undertake can benefit from general business knowledge such as understanding management systems, budget planning and HR functions.

Local authorities are required to ensure that training for governors is available and most governing bodies buy into their local authority training packages (which may include online learning) to ensure that governors are properly inducted to their role and trained for specific tasks such as appointing the Principal and then carrying out the Principal’s performance review.

Wednesday 5th October 2022, 4pm
Wednesday 7th December 2022, 4pm
Wednesday 1st February 2023, 4pm
Wednesday 19th April 2023, 4pm
Wednesday 5th July 2023, 4pm

Ashwell Academy transferred into the Sentamu Academy Learning Trust (SALT) as of 01.03.19 and has now been renamed The Compass Academy. SALT has now merged with Hope Learning Trust to form Hope Sentamu Learning Trust. For previous company and financial information please visit Companies House (Company Number 08418435).