I’m a new Parent Governor at Brookfield School and am looking forward to contributing to the development of the school.

Family Life:

I am a former Brookfield school Pupil and have spent most of my life living in the local area. My Daughter attends the school, and I have a 2 year old son with my partner.

Work:

I started my career in Hospitality and after a numbers of years decided to follow my passion for training and developing people. I currently work for a large Independent Training Provider delivering apprenticeships in the Financial, Management and Human Resources. I have 15 years’ experience in the education sector having worked previously in other companies that delivered Digital based apprenticeships and Hospitality apprenticeships.

Interests:

I enjoy exercise & fitness and regularly attend classes at Holly hill Leisure centre. I love running, especially around our beautiful surroundings. I also enjoy meeting up with friends for a coffee and a catch up.

I was initially elected as a parent governor, but have served from 2013 as a co-opted governor. Since 2012 I have chaired the Learning and Teaching Committee and am also a member of the Infrastructure Committee. I have been privileged to be part of the governing body that has seen Brookfield go from strength to strength over the last eight years.

Work:

Having completed my PhD in gastrointestinal pharmacology at the University of Aston, I worked briefly for Sandoz Pharmaceuticals as a Clinical Research Associate before continuing my research career at the University of Western Ontario, Canada. I returned to the UK in 1997 to take up an academic post at Portsmouth University and am currently Head of Pharmacology.

Family:

Two children, both of whom attended Brookfield and went on to Barton Peveril College. Our son is in his second year of training as a deck officer cadet at Fleetwood Maritime College and our daughter is completing her A-levels. My long-suffering wife of 25 years is a pharmacist, so it is fair to conclude we are a family of scientists!  We are also a family of animal lovers and it would be unfair not to mention our dog Nelson (a retired racing greyhound) and Dash, a “retired” tomcat.

Skills & Interests:

Having grown up in Cardiff, I am a rugby fanatic, but enjoy watching most sports. My academic interest is in gastrointestinal disease and therapeutics and I enjoy international travel immensely, both professionally and personally. With almost 20 years of experience teaching in higher education, I appreciate the challenges faced by those that wish to attend university. I am also proud to be part of a school and governing body that aspires to achieve success for all our young people.

Co-opted governor (appointed April 2019).

Work:

Real Estate Solicitor.

Home:

Mama to our little girl, Sennen and soon-to-be Mama to another little girl. Dog mama to our first baby, Lola the fox red lab. Wife to high school sweetheart, Rob.

Interests:

Commercial real estate solicitor by day. Beach loving, dog walking, barefoot wandering, backpack travel loving, DIY cracking, herb growing, woodwork making gal the rest of the time.

I am excited to be the new Parent Governor at Brookfield community School and have the opportunity to make contribution to the School's future successes. I look forward to working with the governor body and school team to provide the best school experience to our children and local community.

Family Life:

I am living in Locks Heath with my husband and daughter. Our daughter is a current student at Brookfield.

Work:

Before being a full-time mum, I was a product manager in a real estate advertising company. My main responsibility was to deliver the best user experience via website and App to connect the property seekers and real estate professionals. This experience provides me the opportunity to know how to identify user needs and provide solutions to address their needs and problems.

Skills:

Due to the company nature, I had the opportunities to work with different teams from different regions and countries that allow me to learn to work with different people with different cultures and backgrounds. I also supported the company in building a positive working environment to its employees in order to enhance their engagement with the company. I hope my experience can contribute to the School's future development.

Interests/Hobbies:

Cooking and baking with my daughter are my favourite activities.

I’m a newly elected Parent Governor and am looking forward to supporting Brookfield Community School.

Family Life:

Married to Sue, our son Max is a current student at Brookfield – we live within walking distance. I also have two Stepdaughters (in their twenties) that attended the school.

Work:

I’m currently serving as a Warrant Officer in the Royal Navy - Specialising as a Mine Clearance Diver/Bomb Disposal Officer. Following a role in Operational/Training assurance, I have now taken post at the Defence Diving School overseeing training of new recruits. 

Favourite Quote:

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. — Colin Powell

Being a governor requires commitment to the role and being ready - through training and involvement with the life of the school - to make a difference. It also requires a heart for our young people and their welfare, a passion for education and learning, plus a real desire for each student to be their very best, whatever their circumstances or ability.

My background and skills

I live local to the school.  I grew up in the area going to school in Portsmouth until my ‘O-Levels’ and then I was among the first intake of girls at Prices Sixth Form College in Fareham, where I took ‘A Levels’ (French, German and Chemistry).  I then studied languages and European history at Southampton before taking a secretarial course in London.  In the 1980s I was a secretary in HR at the European Space Agency in Germany for six years before moving back to London where I worked for Austrian and German banks, before joining the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) until taking early retirement. All my jobs have allowed me to travel extensively and meet many interesting people from very different cultures.  During my time at the EBRD, I also attended evening university and studied for my German degree, achieving a First.  I continue to work as a consultant for the EBRD assisting in the work of their Administrative Tribunal.  I have also worked in France as a ski rep.

After moving back to Hampshire in 2017 and until retirement age, I was Clerk to the Governing Body at Brookfield for over six years, when I made the switch to becoming a governor. I hope to bring to the role of governor the experience gained being a clerk having attended well over 120 governors’ meetings (!) in that time, as well as the skills acquired in my professional career before Brookfield.  

Interests

I still love to travel although this is slightly restricted by our three cats!  I am a keen long distance swimmer both in open water (all year round) and in the pool.  I regularly take part in swim events around the country and also in Spain and New Zealand!  We have a retro VW campervan and can often be seen out and about enjoying our lovely south coast. I am learning Spanish and my love of languages makes me a great advocate for the opportunities studying a language can bring.

I ‘got the bug’ for voluntary work following my first experience volunteering at the London 2012 Olympics and Para-Olympics which was a truly amazing experience.  A governor since summer 2017, I am particularly looking forward to my role on a Mental Wellbeing working group for Brookfield and its partner primaries.

Work:

Self-employed for some 37 years so now totally unemployable!  My wife and I built up and operated several companies ranging from security & CCTV systems to a development company building large individual homes.

Family Life:

Married for 38 years to my wife Jenny. We have two children, who both attended Brookfield; two young grandchildren living in the catchment area, and an Irish Red Setter, Lottie.

Skills:

No degrees or formal qualifications - just 40 years of making and standing by those decisions, thinking outside the box to get results, and the constant juggling of making a small business work.

Hobbies and Interests:

Musical theatre - particularly new works from the smaller production companies.  A bit of a ‘train nerd’. And a fan of USA road trips with minimal planning - just go and enjoy.

I volunteered to represent the School as a staff governor over 8 years ago and I am now in my third term of office. I sit on the Infrastructure Committee.

Family Life:

Married with two children.

Work:

One of my proudest achievements was completing my Masters in Education Inclusion, including an 18,000 word dissertation.

Hobbies/Passions:

I am a very keen sportsman and before getting old played football and rugby at a good standard. I have a season ticket for Fratton Park and in the summer month enjoy a lot of sailing and fishing.

As a newly co-opted governor, I'm enjoying learning about the role, completing training and finding out how I can best support the school.

Family Life:

I live locally with my husband and multiple pets. Our five adult children are now out in the world, doing all sorts of great things, and our two granddaughters will be coming to Brookfield.

Work:

Having working in the NHS for over 35 years, I am used to change and being under pressure, but have been very lucky to have had the opportunity for a great career. I've worked in so many different areas with great people, who are passionate and do their best- day in and day out, and am currently an Assistant Director of Nursing in NHS England.

Hobbies:

I am an animal foster carer for the Blue Cross charity, and have welcomed many adorable pet rabbits into our home, while they find their forever families. And needless to say, some of them have ended up staying with us.....!

Passions:

As a family, we have experienced first hand the blessing and challenges that come with school life and neurodiversity, which hasn't always been plain sailing. I have a real passion that we do the absolute best to ensure that all children and young people enjoy, and succeed in their experiences of learning and education to set them up as happy, confident and fulfilled people.

I have recently been appointed as a co-opted Governor at Brookfield School, and I am very much looking forward to learning more about the activities of the school and contributing in any way I can to all those involved at Brookfield. This is breaking new ground for me and I am certainly looking forward to the challenge.

Family Life:

I have lived with my wife, Sally, in Warsash for the past 26 years; we have two grown up children, one is now a Project Manager working locally, and the other is a teacher of Modern Languages in a similar school in Nottingham. I spent a full career in the Royal Navy and then BAE Systems with a Supply Chain Background before retiring a few years ago.

Hobbies and Interests:

I am now very happily involved in a number of organisations on a voluntary basis and am delighted to add this new role to my already busy diary. I work with a couple of charities, I am a serving Magistrate and I spend a considerable amount of my time on my allotment or playing tennis in Warsash. I am a long time Portsmouth FC supporter.

I'm a new Parent Governor at Brookfield Community School. I'm looking forward to serving and contributing to the continuous development of the school. 

Family Life:

Originally from America, I've been settled in the UK for 13 years. I have 2 wonderful daughters, one who attends Brookfield and one who attends Sarisbury Junior School. I live with my partner of 7 years and have a blended family with 5 step daughters as well. We are big animal lovers in our house having rescued many bunnies over the years! We have one bunny, one guinea pig, and 2 very funny cats! 

Work:

I have always landed myself naturally into leadership positions. Serving people is my true passion in life and I get genuine fulfilment in helping others grow, develop and thrive. My current role is with SSE as the South Coast Delivery Project Manager tackling the governments net zero promise as I deliver this for the south coast. I'm responsible for the portfolio of Connections Projects and associated Capex reinforcement works ensuring they're delivered safely, on time, on budget and exceed the satisfaction of the customer. 

Skills & Interests:

I am an environmentalist and as such, I love being outdoors hiking and connecting with the sounds of nature. We love our trips to the Lakes every summer getting lost among the peaks and woodlands and canoeing down the lakes. As a musical family, we are also at various music events, festivals and shows. 

I was appointed as a co-opted governor in the summer of 2023. Prior to that I spent 5 years as a co-opted governor at Sarisbury Infants School where I chaired the Pay Committee, and was lead governor for Equality and Pupil Premium children.

Family Life:

I have lived in Sarisbury Green with my husband since 2012 and feel privileged that our two children have been able to grow up and go to school in this lovely part of the world.

Work:

I have worked in the NHS for over 20 years as a Human Resources professional and currently work for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, the body that works across the health and social care system with primary care, hospitals, community and mental health providers and social care.

Hobbies/Interests:

Having moved to the south coast to follow my hobby of sailing, these days life is lived through our children’s hobbies which include sailing, cricket, rugby and scouting. When there is a gap in my busy home and work schedule, I like to get out onto the river with my paddle board.

Chair of Governors

Home Life:

I live in Locksheath with my husband.  I am a volunteer for the Home Library Service, which fits in my love of reading and talking to people.Being an ex-Wren I joined the local Association in Portsmouth and am the Secretary of this.  I also belong to the local Trefoil Guild.  I was persuaded to take up bowling by my husband and have recently joined Fareham Bowls Club where I am the Secretary.  I also enjoy Pilates, going to the theatre and cinema, walking and Aquacise, and - more importantly - I enjoy spending time with my husband and going on holiday.

Work:

Before I retired in May 2016 I was the Human Resources Director for an aviation company based in Portsmouth.  Before this I had two other HR jobs – one for a packaging company and the other for a company making seat belts and airbags for a number of automotive manufacturers.  Prior to these jobs I was in the WRNS for 22 years.

Favourite Quote:

Never a truer word in “I don’t know how I found the time to go to work”

I have been a co-opted Governor at Brookfield for over 4 years. I sit on the Resources Committee and am Vice Chair of the Welfare Committee.

Previously I was Chair of FOBS (Friends of Brookfield School).

Work:

I am a Principal Designer for a local construction consultancy company which enables me to escape the office and travel to construction sites to undertake their H&S audits and meet a variety of people.

I have worked in various sectors during my career but enjoy being close to home and getting the Work-Life Balance right!

Family:

I originate from Northamptonshire but moved to Southampton in 2000 and then Dorset and settled in Park Gate in 2004.

I have 2 children (23 and 21) who both went through Brookfield School.  My son is a Senior Automotive Technician for Hendy in Cosham, training through CEMAST and then an apprenticeship and my daughter is a Bed Flo Co-Ordinator at Southampton General Hospital.  I also have 3 step-daughters who live fairly local with their own children.

We have a black cat Ace and a very active and affectionate Belgian Malinois Cross, Kari.

Skills:

I obtained a Diploma in HR Management at Solent University in 2014 and am currently working towards professional accreditation as a Principal Designer.  I enjoy training and broadening my knowledge and skill sets.

I am a STEM Ambassador and attend student career fairs in order to raise the profile of STEM careers, particularly construction, at these events.

I am highly organised and working as a Team to one mutual benefit.

I'm a newly elected parent governor. I am looking forward to working with the established governing body and the school team.

Work:

A nurse manager at a large local NHS Trust. It is a challenging role with a strong governance ethos.

Home:

I live with my husband, daughter and two house rabbits. I enjoy our camping holidays which give us a great opportunity to wind down and enjoy nature.

I have been a parent governor since November 2021.  I look forward to supporting the school and its team in ensuring they provide the best environment they can for the students attending Brookfield.

Family Life:

My wife and I live in Whiteley with our three school age children, all at different schools!  They keep us busy and provide us with great enjoyment and pride. 

Work:

I have been working in the IT software and services sector for the past 25 years having moved away from training to be an actuary.  My current role sees me overseeing around 50 portfolio leads and project managers delivering IT projects to a major customer.

Skills:

I hope that my financial and IT experience together with me always working with people to support and get the best from them can provide a perspective that will further enhance our governing body capability,

This is a new role for me as a Parent Governor. A job, I’ve always wanted to do.
I’m interested in learning more about the different Sectors. Supporting the Children, and Staff at Brookfield Community School.

Family Life:

Our home is in Warsash and I’m a proud mum to two teenagers. Our daughter is in year 10 at (Brookfield) and our son at Cemast aged 16. Nigel and I have been married for 18 years.

Work:

My experience over the last 10 years is within the Event Management/ Film Industry,
I’ve been a landlord for over 10 years, and enjoy all aspects, from the necessary safety/maintenance to the décor and interior design.
Tropic is my recent passion and love of 100 % natural Vegan Skincare.
Also the carbon neutral aspect which is so relative now, which is why I became an Independent Tropic Ambassador.

Skills:

Fund raising for PICU in Southampton. Trained Actor, Feng Shui Coach.

Hobbies:

I love going to the beach and forest walks all over Hampshire with our beautiful dog Charley, and enjoy Kundalini Yoga and Zumba.

Newly started as a parent governor this term with a completely open mind and desire to learn about the school, and hopefully contribute to its further successes in the future. I sit on the Finance and Personnel Committee and recently attended my first Pay Committee.

Family Life:

Married to Maria for 12 years. Father of two daughters (Locks Heath Junior School Yr6) and (Brookfield Yr7), as well as two adult sons from an earlier marriage.

Work:

I have run Media Mergers Limited for the past 25 years - an international brokerage of media businesses.

Skills:

Whatever I have learned in life…and now a reformed accountant after a past as a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA).

Hobbies/Passions:

Follower of Wasps and England Rugby, Hampshire and England Cricket. Jazz nut and lover of a wide range of music. I collect wine.