Buildwas Academy Local Advisory Committee

Chair – Mr David Speakman

Appointed October 2023.

I have lived in Shropshire for over 30 years and have seen my son go through the school system within the county before attending university and settling in Manchester.

I have enjoyed an extensive career in operational management and process excellence, assurance and internal control, business resilience and project management.  I am currently the Governance, Risk and Compliance Director for the partnership between  Capita plc and the  British Army; where we manage the end-to-end recruiting process for soldiers, officers, and reservists from across the UK and Commonwealth.

Outside work I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling and exploring and experiencing different locations and cultures.

I look forward to working with my fellow members of the Local Advisory Committee, the Head of School and teaching and support staff to deliver the best outcomes for our pupils.

Mrs Rachel Metcalfe – Parent Governor

Appointed October 2023.

I have been a parent at Buildwas Academy since 2016, and still have a daughter at the school. I joined the PTA in 2017, for which I was Chair for 2 years. I’m really passionate about providing opportunities and experiences for all children; through raising the necessary funds and running events to make those all important memories, they retain long into adulthood.

After graduating with a degree in Business Studies, I spent 14 years in the private sector, predominantly in Account/Project Management roles. I’m currently a site lead within the Civil Service, and a proud public servant for the past 8 years. I lead a team of managers, run various projects and implement change in line with the policy and procedures of the government of the day. I feel my experience and expertise working for the government are transferable within this role in Education. I’m continuously committed to creating an environment where all can thrive.

Dr Naren Mudigonda – Co-Opted

Awaiting pen portrait – appointed May 2024

Mr Glen Robson – Staff Governor

Appointed November 2024.

Following a very rewarding thirty-two-year career as a police officer with West Midlands Police a change of career led me to a new challenge within the field of education. I am employed as Behaviour Support Learning Mentor at Buildwas Academy. That role gives me the latitude to work across the whole school and I really enjoy that part of my job. I am also fortunate that Buildwas Academy and the wider Mighty Oaks Academy Trust have offered me continuing professional development opportunities to develop my skill base. I am a Designated Safeguarding Lead, Early Help Assessment trained, and I have recently qualified as an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA). ELSAs are trained to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils in their school who are experiencing social and emotional needs. The majority of my ELSA work will be delivered on an individual basis, but sometimes small group work may be more appropriate, especially in the areas of developing social and friendship skills.

 

I am an alumnus of The University of Wolverhampton where I read sociology and social policy and The University of Birmingham where I studied public administration and finance for my master’s degree. I am a season ticket holder at Newcastle United, an active football referee and through the catholic church I work as a volunteer for the St Vincent de Paul Society.