As an academy the Governing Body, rather than Thurrock Council, are the controlling body of the school and responsible for the employment of staff. Governors (trustees) meet six times a year, when they consider reports presented by the school and make key decisions on school issues. Information on finance can be found on the finance page of this website and online at Companies House. An Annual General Meeting is held in the autumn term when our accounts are presented. Our Trust Members whose role is to hold the governing body to account attend the AGM.
Our Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meet three times a year and consist of three trustees, whose role is to assist the decision making of the Board of Trustees, to consider matters relating to internal control and auditors, and to report on financial, non-financial controls and management of risks.
Woodside Academy has 3 members and 12 trustees (including a Chair who is both a trust member and a trustee):
The trustees consist of:
1 Chair of Governors (both member & trustee)
1 Ex Officio Governor (Principal)
4 Parent Governors
2 Staff Governors
2 Community Governors
2 Co-Opted Trustees
Current post holders are as follows:
Members
Mr Justin Conroy (chair)
Mr Russell Robinson
Dr Claudine Duberry
Trustees Term of office ends
Chair
Mr Justin Conroy (chair) 29.09.24
Principal
Mr Edward Caines (ex officio)
Parent Governors
Mrs Lorraine Clark (vice chair) 29.10.24
Mrs Nicola Cranch 07.12.24
Mrs Leah Cottis 26.06.28
Mr Russ Sopp 26.06.28
Staff Governors
Mrs Aimee Joiner 15.12.24
Mr Carl Radford 12.02.25
Community Governors
Cllr John Kent 25.05.28
Cllr Sara Muldowney 29.11.25
Co-Opted Trustees
Rev. Matt Ralph 17.04.28
Mrs Jane Thomas 17.04.28
Finance, Audit & Risk Committee
Chair
Mrs Nicola Cranch 07.12.24
Committee Members
Mrs Lorraine Clark 29.10.24
Cllr Sara Muldowney 29.11.25
Governors serve for four years after which they can be reappointed or re-elected, as per the Articles of Association. If the number of nominations is not more than the number of vacancies nominees will be returned without election. The holder of the post of principal is automatically a governor. The trustees are the core group of governors who are responsible for certain financial issues and for appointing non-elected governors.
Meetings are clerked by our Juniper Education Governance Professional.
Woodside Academy is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. The governors are also directors of the company and the academy CFO is the company secretary. The company number is 8272256 and the address of the registered office is: Woodside Academy, Grangewood Avenue, Grays RM16 2GJ.