We are thrilled to welcome our new Governance Lead, Julie Taylor, to the Vine Schools Trust.
Julie brings a wealth of experience to her role and will play an important part in enabling our Governors to provide effective Governance across the Trust.
My journey towards governance started over 25 years ago when I first became an NQT. I trained as a primary school teacher and held several different positions over the years, including senior leadership and acting headteacher roles, so I’ve got experience on all sides of the fence! I’ve always had an interest in governance and from my roles as Staff Governor through to Chair I have seen the positive impact that decisions made at board level can have on the provision of the pupils and this ultimately led me to fully commit to the path of Governance.
Becoming an NLG (National Leader of Governance) was a personal highlight for me, as this enabled me to support the development of many more boards (of varying shapes and sizes!). it is incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact that good governance can have on the performance of their schools.
I absolutely love working with children. They are at the centre of all the work I do with school governors and knowing that the work I carry out with each school is having a direct impact on their learning experience is an incredible feeling. Although I’m now responsible for 23 schools across the Trust rather than 23 children in a primary classroom, the excitement I get from supporting young children as they progress through the education system is still very much present.
Joining a Multi-Academy Trust that is on an upwards trajectory, where local governors across the Board are valued and there is a commitment to support their continuing development was an easy decision to make. With governance being a voluntary role, it can be all too easy to take on the job and fail to give it the time and energy needed to make school governance a success, yet I find governors are passionate and committed to their role, they willingly give up their time and want to make a difference to their schools. I look forward to working with them all.
It’s important to recognise that every school and every board is unique, yet we can all benefit from a shared approach, understanding and commitment to governance across our family of schools. My job is to find the best ways to do this so we can all make a difference. This will include reviewing current practise, listening to feedback and making sure that our governors have access to all the support, training and resources they need to help them be the best they can be.
I’m proud to say that I’m a life-long member of Girl Guiding UK! I started as a Young Leader and alongside a team of wonderful volunteers, run a successful Brownie Pack in Epping. I really enjoy my time with the pack and recently took the girls on a fun-filled ‘Pack Holiday’ to Letchworth, the first one we’ve been able to run since the start of the pandemic.
When I have a spare moment I like to take my two dogs, a chocolate Labrador and a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, on long walks around Epping Forest with my husband. I also love spending time with my two daughters, the eldest of which has just completed her first year at Manchester University.
THANK YOU JULIE
Welcome to the Vine Schools Trust – we are happy to have you as part of our Central Team.
JOHN 15:5
© The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust 2020 a company limited by guarantee and registered in England. No 8709542.
Registered address: The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust, Diocesan Offices, 53, New Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1AT.
A Prayer for Her Majesty The Queen