Trust Governance
Our Children 1st Multi Academy Trust
Effective governance is at the heart of everything we do. This page sets out the structure of our trust governance, the people who hold responsibility, and the role each plays in ensuring our schools are well led and accountable.
Our Children 1st MAT — Company Number: 10631500 — Registered Address: Pallister Park Primary School, Gribdale Road, Pallister Park, Middlesbrough, TS3 8PW
Members
The role of Members
Academy trusts are founded by Members, who agree the trust’s first articles of association — including its charitable purpose. The trust must have at least three Members, and employees of the trust cannot hold this role. Members are not involved in the day-to-day business of the trust, but they hold important powers in company law to ensure Trustees are exercising effective governance.
Members’ powers include appointing and removing Academy Trustees, appointing and removing Members, directing Trustees to take specific action by special resolution where Trustees are unable or unwilling to act in the best interests of the trust, amending the Trust’s Articles of Association, and appointing and removing Auditors.
The Members meet at least once per year at the Annual General Meeting.
| Name | Appointed by | Date appointed |
|---|---|---|
| Mrs Ros Jessop | Members | 29/05/2021 |
| Mr Richard Painter | Members | 01/03/2022 |
| Mr Christopher Walton | Members | 07/06/2021 |
| Mr Howard Leighton | Members | 03/10/2024 |
| Ms Alison Kerr Resigned 21/03/2022 | Members | 01/02/2017 |
Trustees
The role of Trustees
Trustees are both Charity Trustees and Company Directors, with ultimate accountability for the way in which the trust is managed. They focus on three core functions: ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction; holding executive leaders to account for educational performance and staff management; and overseeing effective financial performance.
There are currently 7 Trustees in Our Children 1st Multi Academy Trust. Trustees are appointed by Members, and the Headteacher/Accounting Officer serves as a Trustee. There are no other employed representatives and the trust will not exceed the 33% limitation on employed Trustees at any time. No more than 19.9% of Trustees will be associated with a Local Authority.
Trustees meet at least three times per year. Mrs Julie Davies is Chair and can be contacted c/o Pallister Park Primary School, Gribdale Road, Pallister Park, Middlesbrough, TS3 8PW.
| Name | Appointed by | Date appointed |
|---|---|---|
| Mrs Julie Davies (Chair) | Co-opted by Trustees | 01/04/2021 |
| Mrs Heather Adams (Head Teacher) | Ex officio | — |
| Mrs Jane Thackstone | Academy Members | 08/04/2021 |
| Mrs Lynne Chalk Resigned Jan 2026 | Academy Members | 18/12/2023 |
| Mr Stuart Bennett Resigned Feb 2026 | Parents | 11/02/2022 |
| Mr R Painter | Trustee | 18/12/2023 |
| Mr Stuart Williams Resigned 01/11/2023 | Academy Members | 05/12/2022 |
| Mrs Helen Bone Resigned 31/12/2023 | Academy Members | 12/04/2021 |
| Prof. Graham Henderson OBE Resigned 11/02/2022 | Academy Members | 27/11/2019 |
Committees
Committee membership
The Trust Board discharges its responsibilities by delegating functions to committees in accordance with the Trust’s Articles of Association, Funding Agreement and Academy Trust Handbook. Both committees meet at least three times per year.
Curriculum, Standards & Welfare
Mrs Lynne Chalk (Chair)
Mrs Jane Thackstone
Mrs Julie Davies
Mrs Heather Adams
Meets at least 3 times per year
Finance, Audit, Risk & Resources
Mr Richard Painter (Chair)
Mrs Jane Thackstone
Mrs Heather Adams
Mrs Lynne Chalk
Meets at least 3 times per year
Governance enquiries can be directed to the Chair of Trustees c/o Pallister Park Primary School, Gribdale Road, Middlesbrough, TS3 8PW — or email pkcontactus@oc1st.co.uk marked for the attention of the Chair of Governors
| Trustees | Relevant business and pecuniary interests (including governance roles in other educational institutions) |
| Mrs H Adams | Itchy Robot UK Ltd |
| Mrs J Thackstone | DHT – Green Lane Academy. Professional Lead in Schools Direct Programme |
| Mrs J Davies | Official at DfE |