The school governing body, of which I am privileged to be Chair, recognises the high performance of the school and are fully invested in the goal that students emerge from their education as academically enriched and confident young people, ready and equipped to face the opportunities and challenges of an ever-changing world. At the same time we understand the need to avoid complacency and to ensure that the school continues to meet its objectives (and beyond). An informative, active and agile website can of course help us all in maintaining this direction of travel.
Nicola Slaughter
Chair of Governors
Governors play an important role in deciding the strategic aims, direction and policies of the school. In addition to attending formal meetings each half term, Governors are also appointed to sit on at least one of four sub-committees with oversight of: personnel matters, school finance, premises / health & safety, or student matters and the curriculum.
If you are interested in becoming a Governor and would like to know more about the role then please either contact an existing Governor, or a member of the senior leadership team at the school.
To contact our Chair of Governors, please email office@shsg.org (FAO Chair of Governors).
At Southend High School for Girls Academy Trust all Governors are currently Trustees, and all non staff governors are also Members of the Charity Trust.
For a current list of the school Governors, trustees and members of the charity trust and their business interests please see below:
Mr J Carey1234
Declared business interests: Headteacher at Southend High School for Girls Academy Trust.
Mrs N Slaughter123
Declared business interests: HR Manager at Ford Motor Company.
I’m an experienced HR Manager at a global organisation and have been a governor at SHSG for 3 years now, having been a governor and chair at another local school prior to that. As an SHSG ‘Old Girl’ with a daughter at SHSG, I’ve had a long-standing relationship with our excellent school!
Ms H Fernando1
Chair of Finance, Risk and Facilities Committee.
Declared business interests:
- Head of Finance, The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (registered charity number 250397)
- Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (7540346)
- The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Rayleigh (registered charity no. 1129561)
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW), Hiranthi currently has a portfolio career which reflect her interests. After two decades in investment banking & financial services years at Deloitte and Merrill Lynch, she has since used her professional skills in the not-for-profit sector and is presently Head of Finance at The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD).
A governor and trustee of Southend High School for Girls since 2012, Hiranthi chairs the Finance, Risk & Facilities Committee. Other pro bono appointments include Treasurer of her local church.
An accomplished pianist who plays from memory, she is a regular at school concerts and performances as well as concert halls in London and keeps active walking her dog and cycling.
Mr A Bright 2
Declared business interests:
Alex Bright is a proud alumnus of Southend High School for Girls’ sixth form, where he developed his interest in government and politics, leading him to read BA Politics (Hons) at the University of Nottingham from 2012-2015.
After which, he worked as Parliamentary Assistant to The Rt Hon Dr Thérèse Coffey MP, the then Deputy Leader of the House of Commons and later Deputy Prime Minister.
He served as a Southend-on-Sea Borough Councillor between 2016-2022 and Shadow Portfolio Holder for Environment & Planning, proudly representing Southchurch Ward, where the school is situated and where he and his family live.
Alex has also worked in the private sector as a Senior Account Manager for a communications company, leading public consultations on property developments. Since 2022, Alex has worked in diplomacy as the Advisor to the Israeli Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s. He has also served as a School Governor since September 2022.
Out of work, Alex is a Royal Naval Reservist and enjoys walks with his dog along Thorpe Bay beach and along the River Roach by Paglesham.
Mrs A Leman2
Declared business interests: Assistant Headteacher at Southend High School for Girls Academy Trust.
Husband is a Deputy Headteacher at the school.
I am currently Assistant Head Teacher at SHSG where my role is focussed on Teaching and Learning. I am one of the Safeguarding Leads in the school and am experienced in developing highly effective pastoral teams to support the social, emotional and mental health needs of students.
My other experience includes having been Director of a Creative and Performing Arts Faculty and Head of an Art Department. I am a Specialist Leader in Education, delivering teacher training in Essex. I am committed to sharing my expertise and experience with other school leaders. SHSG is a vibrant school filled with wonderful young people – I am proud to be part of it.
Mrs L Lambert1
Declared business interests:
I am an ex-student of SHSG and thoroughly enjoyed my time at the school. When the opportunity arose to become a Governor I thought it would be a great way to give something back to the school.
In my professional life, I own and run an London based HR consultancy and have many transferable skills that I’m able to bring to the role of Governor.
It’s a joy being able to work with the school again
Mr T Myers 23
Declared business interests: none.
I am one of two parent governors on the board, I am the link for the lower and middle schools. I am fortunate to have two daughters at SHSG. Outside of school I am an operational watch manager for ECFRS.
Mr D Mylroie1
Declared business interests: wife is an independent learning supervisor at the school.
I’m a retired company director for a London firm of architects and town planners. I am a lapsed Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
I have a background in commercial property, including acting in an advisory capacity to a number of independent schools and private institutional bodies.
I’m a passionate yachtsman and manage one of the few surviving Thames Sailing Barges.
I’m a lifelong resident in Southend and have three nieces, all of whom have benefitted from a strong education at SHSG.
Mrs. L. Traynor23
Chair of Pay & Personnel Committee
Declared business interests: Nil. Daughter studies at the school.
“I have been a Governor at SHSG since January 2016 and I am the current Chair of the Pay and Personnel Committee. I have a background in Financial Services and Education. I am an ex pupil and currently have two daughters attending the school.”
Mrs. J. Turner2
Declared business interests: Daughter studies at the school.
My name is Johanne Turner (Hoad) and my daughter, Katie, has just joined Southend High School for Girls in Year 7. She is having a wonderful time so far!
I am a Solicitor and Director working for BTMK Solicitors where I am Head of their Personal Injury and Medical Negligence team there. I qualified as a Solicitor in 2001 and have been a Director for over ten years. In January, I will have worked for the firm for twenty-five years. I am based locally, in their central Southend office.
As part of my role, I do a lot of work with a local charity, Headway Essex, who assist those affected by brain injury. This includes running a regular law clinic helping service users and their families with all variety of legal problems. Around the clinic times, I like to catch up with some of the people who attend the day centre there.
I have two other children; a son who is eight years old and a daughter who is four, who both attend a local school. I have been a member of their school’s PTA for many, many, years now.
Outside of work and with three children I spend most of my time being ‘mums taxi’!”
Ms V Casson 2
I have had a long association with SHSG. I came here as a student and returned in 2000 as a teacher of English and Media Studies. I am currently Head of Media Studies and Careers Coordinator for KS3 and 4. My daughter also went through the school and left in 2021 after a very happy and successful experience.
Mr J Morgan 1
Declared interest:
Wife is a teacher at SHSG.
Prior to being a teacher I worked as a clinical pathologist for the NHS. I then decided to join the vibrant world of teaching. I have been a teacher at SHSG for eight years. In that time, I have taught a few subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. I have also been a Head of Year for five of the eight years. More recently I had the desire to contribute more to the school community, which has been very supportive to my family and I during my time here. Therefore, I decided to apply to become a trustee at SHSG and I was fortunate enough to obtain the position.
Ms N Basak
Declared business interests:
- Currently employed by Shoeburyness High School.
- Trustee of SOUTHEND ESSEX STEM CLUB
- Secretary of NASUWT
I am a passionate Educator with M.Sc. (Statistics) and PGCE, teaching Mathematics at a local secondary school with strong commitment to education and professional advocacy. Currently, I am the Negotiating Secretary for Southend NASUWT (Teacher’s Union), to take care of the members of Southend Association and working together with management, staff and Southend City Council.Previously, I worked as the most able lead, dedicated time and expertise to engage, extend as well as create explorative opportunities beyond the curriculum for the bright young minds.I am trustee of Southend STEM Club (registered charity), I organize sessions and community events to celebrate learning and diversity. This voluntary work is to ensure all young people have equal opportunities to access different STEM projects outside classroom. Through teaching and outreach, I aim to foster a passion for learning and innovation.During school holidays, I enjoy travelling around the world, meet new people and experience diverse cultures.I am proud to be part of SHSG team and look forward to be part of making difference with my knowledge and experience.
Dr T Palmer
Declared interests:
- Senior Health and Wellbeing Manager – UK Health Security Agency
- Member of the British Psychological Society
- Fellow of Royal Society of Public Health
I am a Chartered Health Psychologist currently working for the UK Health Security Agency. With a strong background in behavioural science, I take a holistic approach to students success, development and welfare. I am committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive school culture, working closely with fellow governors and school leadership to ensure high standards of education and student care.
I am a mum to 3 teenagers, enjoy the outdoors and can always find time to stop and take a photo.
Mrs D Tapp
Declared business interests: None
Dr J A Ladner
Declared business interests:
Daughter is a teacher at the school.
Mr A Bacon
Declared business interests:
Director of: The Southend Bid Ltd. Just Mediators Ltd. Headway Essex and Marcus Baum Solicitors Ltd.
Mrs V Allen
Vice Chair of Finance, Audit & Risk Committee.
Declared business interests: Accountant at Deloittes Chartered Accountants.
Miss D Brown
Vice Chair of Pay & Personnel Committee
Declared business interests: Financial Manager at Transport Salaried Staffs Association.
Mr J Perry
Declared business interests: IT consultant for Royal Bank of Scotland
Mrs K Withers
Declared business interests:
N/A
1 member of the Finance, Risk and Facilities Committee
2 member of the Students and Curriculum Committee
3 member of the Pay & Personnel Committee
