Governors

The Governing Body and the school’s strategic leadership

The Governing Body works with the Senior Leadership Team to provide strategic leadership and scrutiny of our effectiveness. The Governing Body comprises people from the local community, parents, local authority and staff, including the head teacher. Some governors are voted for by parents and staff but the majority are selected for their skill, knowledge and expertise to meet the needs of the school.

The core responsibilities of a Governing Body are:

Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of the staff; and
Overseeing the financial management of the organisation and making sure money is well spent.

The Governing Body plays a crucial role in holding the school to account for securing the best possible outcomes for its pupils. By challenging key decisions and asking probing questions about the school’s performance data, governors can help to guarantee high standards of education provision.

Governors are linked to a specific area of the school’s work or a statutory responsibility e.g. early years, special educational needs. Details of the Governing Body membership and their specific responsibilities can be found below.

The full Governing Body meets at least twice a term to review progress against the school development plan. Governors also visit the school during the working day to see for themselves how the school runs on a day-to-day basis and to monitor progress against the school’s priorities with their linked member of staff.

The chair of governors can be contacted at governors@chasebridge.richmond.sch.uk

Chase Bridge is is currently looking to fill some Governor posts in the new academic year, starting in September. Please head to our vacancies section for more information.

GOVERNING BODY STRUCTURE

ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS

INSTRUMENT OF GOVERNMENT

GOVERNORS' ALLOWANCES POLICY

Governor profiles

Dr. Tony Meehan - Chair of Governors

I retired in 2017 after 29 years as a teacher in mainstream secondary and special schools. My specialism is modern foreign languages. I spent over eight of those years as head of a Pupil Referral Unit, working with vulnerable pupils excluded from mainstream school and their families in inner London, before retiring in 2017. I now coach and train school leadership teams. I also support schools and families in my role as a nonviolence resistance (NVR) practitioner. I continue to explore approaches to education that minimise the likelihood and risks of exclusion.

I live locally and look forward to making a positive contribution to Chase Bridge school and continuing to learn in the process.

Governing Body role: Chair of Governing Body

Appointed 2nd April 2025. Term ends 1st April 2029

The chair of governors can be contacted via email at governors@chasebridge.richmond.sch.uk

Eleanor Wright

I have been a governor since my children were at Chase Bridge in the 1990s. I became a governor because of my interest in the school and in education, and in the hope that I could be helpful. I am a solicitor specialising in education law and a member of Richmond Dyslexia Association, and I also sit on local admission and exclusion appeal panels.

Governing Body role: Associate Member

Appointed 10th June 1995. Term ends 1st November 2026.

James Lovatt

Employment: Head of Compliance Europe - TD Securities

I have worked for a number of financial services firms and lived in the local area for approximately fifteen years. Over that time I have realised how important it is to have a variety of views contributing to decision making. I want to be able to use my skills and expertise from the financial sector to hopefully contribute to the continued success of Chase Bridge. In addition I am excited to learn how such an important sector functions and will enjoy developing new skills along the way. I look forward to working with all members of the Chase Bridge community in the future. I am married with two young daughters and enjoy playing golf.

Governing Body role: Local Authority Governor and Vice Chair of Governors

Pay and Performance Management, Admin and Premises, Health & Safety Link Governor

Appointed 9th February 2021. Term ends 1st November 2026.

Sue Stanley

I am Sue Stanley and I am a co-opted governor at Chase Bridge Primary School. I have 38 years of experience in primary education as a teacher, advisor and leader. I was recently Headteacher of a school in Ealing for 12 years. I now work as an independent educational consultant. I look forward to using my experience and energies to support the school and community at Chase Bridge Primary School.

Governing Body role: Co-opted Governor and Chair of the Quality of Education Committee

Appointed 7th December 2022. Term ends 6th December 2026.

Nida Rehman

As a property development professional, with over 15 years of industry experience, I bring a strong background in time/cost/quality management & property knowledge to the table.

By serving as a Governor, I aim to bring my skills, knowledge and dedication to support the school in achieving its goals and creating an enriching environment for students.

As a parent with a son attending the school and a resident of Twickenham, I have a personal investment in the success of Chase Bridge.

I'm excited to offer my professional expertise, coupled with my genuine interest in the well-being of the school community, to contribute to the ongoing success of Chase Bridge.

Governing Body role: Co-opted Governor

Appointed 27th September 2023. Term ends 26th September 2027

Henal Parmar

As a school governor and parent, I am delighted to be part of the Chase Bridge community. I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where every child can thrive, excel in their learning, and be well-prepared for the future.

My experience includes serving as a board trustee for West London Mind, where I actively promoted mental health and well-being within the community, and continue to do so. Professionally, I have a background in business intelligence, change, and transformation within local government, equipping me with the strategic and analytical skills essential for effective school governance.

I look forward to contributing my expertise to the continued success and strategic direction of Chase Bridge Primary School while also embracing the opportunity to learn and develop new skills along the way.

Governing Body role: Co-opted Governor

Appointed 24th September 2025. Term ends 23rd September 2029