Governors

The Role of the Governing Body

The governing body is responsible for the conduct of its school, and must promote high standards of educational achievement at the school. Its key roles include ensuring:

• that the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school are clearly defined
• that the headteacher performs their responsibilities for the educational performance of the school
• the sound, proper and effective use of the school’s financial resources 

A governing body and its governors must:

• act with integrity, objectivity and honesty and in the best interests of the school
• be open about the decisions they make and the actions they take and shall be prepared to explain their decisions and actions to interested parties 

The governing body also has legislative responsibility and strategic oversight for the school’s safeguarding arrangements.

In order to do this, governors need to gain knowledge of how the school operates through training, attending meetings, and by getting to know their school community , for example through a small number of visits to the school during the school day.

The Role of School Governors - a short film about the key role of the governing body

Governor Information - Including Register of Business Interests

Governor Committee Structure

Procedure for managing complaints against governors

An introduction to the Governing Body

Governing Board Diversity Information

Governor Profiles

Mrs Gillian Bryant

Chair of Governors

Gill's professional background is university administration, having worked at Cambridge University and City University, London. Gill started volunteering at Warley Primary in 2008, became a parent governor in 2011 and was appointed Vice Chair of the Full Governing Body in 2013. Gill has particular responsibility for Safeguarding. She is a former parent of Warley Primary School, with two children who have now left school. She holds a Certificate in School Governance Studies and has completed the National Governors Association Leading Governance course.

Mrs Caroline Webb

Co-opted Governor

Caroline grew up in Berkshire and moved to Essex 6 years ago. She is married to Andrew and has an 11 year old stepson, George. In her professional life, Caroline works as a Senior Risk Manager in Financial Services, where she specialises in risk governance and reporting. Caroline joined the governing board in July 2021 and has responsibility for EYFS and Sports Premium.

Mr Tom Fulk

Tom grew up in Hertfordshire before moving to Essex in 2010. He has been married since 2015 and has two sons, Robert and Ryan. Tom has been a teacher at Warley Primary School since 2020 and is the Staff Governor. He loves sport and is a keen runner and cricket player. Tom also supports Southend United and Buffalo Bills NFL team. 

Mrs Lucy Coupland

Lucy grew up in Brentwood and currently has two boys at Warley Primary, with her youngest son to hopefully join in 2023. Lucy has spent many years working in the public sector, primarily as a civil servant at the Ministry of Defence. She has also undertaken several other roles and projects within other government departments. Lucy was elected as a parent governor in 2022. Her specific governor responsibilities are EYFS, attendance and health, safety and wellbeing.

Ms Sylvie Akesse

Sylvie’s professional background is in education, with over 14 years’ experience in leadership. She is Head of Languages at Ilford County High School, a secondary school in Barkingside. Sylvie is a qualified Teacher who graduated from Exeter University. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and International Development form the University College London. Originally from Côte d’Ivoire, she has lived in Essex for the past 15 years.

She is a volunteer at the NHS Royal voluntary Service. She was also a Board member of a spiritual and charitable organisation for 3 years, as Secretary, then Treasurer. She enjoys walking in parks to stay closer to nature and meeting up with friends and family. Sylvie joined the governing board in March 2022 as a co-opted Governor.

Mr Hinesh Desai

Hinesh, originally from Southend, moved to Hutton in 2014 with his wife and has two young children. Hinesh studied Economics at the University of Manchester obtaining a First Class Hons degree and has worked at a global accountancy firm in London since 2010 where he is a Director. Outside of work, Hinesh enjoys outdoor activities with his wife and children as well as a passion for football, cricket & golf. Hinesh joined the governing board in January 2023 as a LA Governor. He became vice-chair of governors in January 2025.

Mrs Edwina Andere

Edwina is an experienced HR professional with a passion for education. Following a degree in Psychology, she began her career working with children with learning disabilities, after which she embarked on a career in HR. She began as an HR Administrator moving onto a consultancy capacity working with a diverse range of charities and businesses across the gamut of human resource needs. Edwina brings previous governor experience to Warley Primary School, when appointed as a parent-elected governor on 6th February 2023.

Mrs Uma Ravindran

Uma while originally from Essex, recently moved back from a decade in Australia with her husband and two sons who are both at WPS. Her professional background is in health, having completed a dental degree from King's College London and a Master's in Public Health from Melbourne. She is currently working as a director in a community dental service for patients with additional needs and enjoys reading and cooking in her free time. Uma was appointed as a parent-elected governor on 22nd January 2024 and has specific responsibility for SEND.   

How to Get in Touch

If you would like more information about the role of the governing body or have any specific questions please send an email to gb@warley.essex.sch.uk.