Every child deserves to be the best they can be
Our #EMATter Academies
Prince William School
Governance
Local Advisory Board
What is a Local Advisory Board (LAB)?
The Prince William School Local Advisory Board is the local tier of governance of East Midlands Academy Trust, and it acts as a sub-committee to the Trust Board. Members of the Local Advisory Board as known as Governors.
The key roles of the LAB are:
- To offer proactive support and constructive challenge to the Headteacher
- To advise the board of trustees about local issues they need to consider that affect the academy.
- To ensure that EMAT vision, mission and values are evident throughout the Academy
- Represent the local community.
- Represent the Academy in its community.
These roles translate specifically into the following tasks:
- ensure that all children receive the best possible education
- ensure safeguarding is effective
- support the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team in the development and implementation of the School Development Plan and other relevant plans,
- ensure the implementation of Academy policies.
- regularly review the Academy’s performance.
- oversee and monitor the effectiveness of local strategies
- act as a key link between the Academy, parents, and local community.
- support the work of the Academy in the community.
The LAB’s role is not to manage the Academy as such. This is done through the Board of Trustees. Therefore, the LAB is not required to take decisions on staff or financial matters affecting the Academy.
Governors at the LAB will gain an understanding of strategic issues that impact on the Academy and will be updated on them regularly by the Headteacher, but they are not required to have direct responsibility for them. Instead the LAB should be in a position to assess the impact of the Academy locally; how it is contributing to the local community, how it is relating to local families and how it understands local issues. This in turn, will enable the LAB to contribute effectively to decisions which may require LAB involvement.
The LAB is drawn from the staff of the school, parents and the wider community that the school serves. The usual term of office for a governor is four years but many members of the LAB stand for re-election and serve more than one term. Members of a LAB need to take a full and active role in fulfilling the role assigned to them by the Board. This will include regular visits to the Academy and attending up to six meetings per year.
To contact any of our governors, please email governance@emat.uk
For details about EMAT'S trustees and members, click here.
Here is a list of our current governors
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
|
Anna Hewes |
Headteacher |
|
Justin Mumford |
Parent Governor |
|
Melanie Spinks-Wilson |
Parent Governor |
|
Emma Tansley |
Co-opted governor |
|
Alan Measures |
Co-opted governor |
|
Nafsika Ganidi |
Co-opted governor |
|
Adam Baragwanath |
Flexible governor |
|
Kealey Burbidge |
Flexible governor |
| Craig Wheeler | Staff governor |
Meet Our Governors
Emma Tansley
Emma is an qualified architect with nearly 20 years’ experience who has worked all over the UK and also in Australia. She initially specialised in school buildings, including the procurement of 8 school buildings through the Building School for the Future initiative. More recently she set up her own practice locally and now concentrates her work more on domestic and heritage buildings.
As a pupil at PWS herself in the 1980’s, Emma was keen to give something back to the school, becoming a governor in 2012. She has chaired various committees and focus groups and with a very personal connection to the school, Emma is our longest serving governor.
Alan Measures
Alan is retired from a career in agriculture including 20 years in farm management consultancy and 30 years as a farmer near Oundle – though he still takes a keen interest in farming and environmental issues.
As well as being a governor at Prince William School, Alan is also a governor at the College of West Anglia (FE) and Ormiston Bushfield Academy.
Prince William is his local secondary school and he has employed ex-pupils. Many members of his extended family have also attended the school in the past.
Kealey Burbidge
Kealey is a HR professional with over 12 years’ experience in Food Manufacturing, Retail, Transport, Logistics and Supply Chain. Having a real strength for setting and delivering people strategies that supports Company’s overall growth, managing business risk and governance.
Kealey’s passions involve business transformation and turnaround projects, and she is passionate about creating positive, inclusive, and high performing cultures.
Kealey holds a CIPD qualification as well as various professional qualifications within Fashion and Textiles, Health and Safety and currently studying towards a Life Coaching and Corporate and Executive Business Coaching qualification. In 2022, Kealey was shortlisted as a finalist for the Woman in Meat Industry awards.
Kealey is excited to be part of the governor board build up her learning and knowledge and contribute to school improvements and the future of others, whilst working collaboratively with other professionals.
Outside of work, Kealey loves to travel, socialise with friends and family and being a huge food lover, try different cuisines.
Justin Mumford
Justin Mumford has practiced in forestry and woodland management for over 30 years, with the last 25 years being spent in Northamptonshire managing the ancient woodlands of Rockingham Forest and the surrounding area. Justin is a Director at Nicholsons, which is a forestry, environmental consultancy and contracting company based in Corby and Oxfordshire.
Justin has been a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Foresters since 2010 and is Chartered Environmentalist.
Justin has only recently taken on the role of Parent Governor at Prince William School, he has been involved in forestry industry groups and organisations including Chairman of the Northamptonshire branch of the Country Landowners and Business Association and Regional Chairman of the forestry trade body The Confederation of Forest Industries.
Justin has two children currently attending Prince William School.
Adam Baragwanath
Adam is a teacher and senior leader with over 12 years’ experience in the independent sector. Alongside teaching physics, Adam has previously held the roles of Head of Physics, Director of Science and Assistant Headmaster (Co-curriculum and IT Strategy).
Adam is currently the Deputy Head Academic at Oundle School. Adam holds a first-class degree and PhD from the University of Durham, and a PGCE from the University of Oxford. He has previously served on the Board of Governors at a Prep School in the South East. Adam lives in Oundle with his wife and two young children.
Melanie Spinks-Wilson
Melanie began her career in the Royal Air Force as a Data Analyst, where she developed a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making and operational discipline. She has built a diverse career spanning Contract Research and the Water Utility sector, where she currently leads a Programme and Change Delivery team.
Melanie holds a BSc (Hons) in Information Technology and is a certified Scrum Master, Change Management Practitioner, and qualified Coach, combining technical expertise with agile leadership and strategic change capabilities. With over 14 years of governance experience, Melanie has served as both a Governor and Trustee for the Nene Education Trust, demonstrating her long-standing commitment to education and community development.
Melanie has a daughter who joined Prince William Sixth Form in September 2025.
Nafsika Ganidi
Nafsika brings over 20 years of experience in the water industry, specialising in capital delivery and innovation. Throughout her career, she has also mentored graduates, delivered field lectures for MSc programmes, and actively participated in educational outreach events for secondary school pupils. She holds a Master’s and PhD in Water Engineering and is a Chartered Scientist with a passion for science and engineering.
Throughout her career, Nafsika has led major investment programmes, delivered transformational projects and led efficiency projects whilst maintaining high internal standards. Her governance experience includes managing programmes and portfolios within strict client governance frameworks in highly regulated environments and bringing stakeholder groups together to co-create innovative solutions.
Outside of work, Nafsika enjoys family time and supporting her children’s busy schedules with the occasional opportunity to catch up with friends. Nafsika is passionate about education and dedicated to inspiring young minds, creating an environment where every child can thrive and discover their passion.