About Us
Academy governance is not the same as maintained governance.
When we started in role, we were unable to get accurate advice and guidance for us as governance professionals – and so we created Trust Governance Professionals.
Our Team
The team at Trust Governance Professionals have wide ranging knowledge and expertise that instils a great deal of confidence when drawing advice and discussing practice.
Their work in shaping and moving academy sector governance forward nationally is very much appreciated
Carina Sawyer
Head of Governance, Magna Learning Partnership
“It's such a welcoming community and thoughtfully led, with a well planned programme of topics that provides a really invaluable service”.
“As I was new to Governance when I started in post I have found TGI invaluable; I read and file any of the posts and responses that I think would be of particular use. The live sessions and recordings are fabulous and the fact that the support is always there is very reassuring”.
“TGI is such a great help to me in so many ways. It allows me to feel more confident in my role and knowing that there is a community of people who are willing to be so professionally generous is such a reassurance”.
“So grateful for the resources - brilliantly applicable guidance for suspension panels. Saved me hours of work”.
Associate Pool
We have created an incredible pool of leading sector practitioners who provide bespoke consultancy and support for a range of our projects – from training and development, to mentoring and coaching. We will match your project with the best-suited associate based on factors included expertise, geography and availability.
Emma Perkin
Co-Founder
Everything we do stems from my first day as Head of Governance for Ark almost 10 years ago.
Working with 17 schools I sought help for my role and found none - the seed of Trust Governance Professionals was born.
Our community are amazing. No governance professional needs to feel isolated and overwhelmed ever again.
Anna Machin
Co-Founder
Our jobs as governance professionals in school trusts aren't easy - but they are so important.
I am so proud of our advice, sessions, resources and community, working to support each other and our trusts.
Chartered governance professional, with experience of delivering and supporting governance in school trusts and charities.
Rachael Bailey
Co-Founder
Robust governance is such an important part of the foundation for strong school trusts. I am so proud to be part of the support that we provide for governance professionals who help to build and maintain that essential foundation.
To contribute to this support, I draw on many years of experience working in governance in schools and charities as well as sitting on the 'other side of the table' as a governance stakeholder.
Lizzie Oliver
Director of Policy & Programmes
I was a member of TGI before joining the team and I wouldn’t have wanted to do my governance job without it. Graduate of the Chartered Governance Institute’s Chartered Qualifying Programme. Former Director of Governance and Compliance in a school trust. Published author, with over 15 years’ experience of education and skills research.
Lorraine Mitchell
Director of Community and Operations
Governance sits at the heart of what we do and becoming a member of TGI helped me to understand trust governance, grow in confidence and feel reassured.
Varied career in education and governance, encompassing the role of a teacher, a leader in a secondary school, a strategic lead for governance in a local authority, managing a clerking service and more recently Head of Governance in a school trust with a local governance team supporting 17 schools. Also Chair of a Local Governing Board.
Laura Sobala
Community Curator
TGI was my lifeline when I began my career in trust governance. The community helped me learn, develop and grow in confidence.
Most recently Senior Governance Professional at a growing academy trust, with a previous career encompassing both teaching and event production. Wide-ranging experience in communication and content development.
