Governance
Our Trustees
The Board of Trustees is the Governing Body for the organisation and remains accountable in law and to OFSTED for the exercise of it’s functions. It is the accountable body for all the Academies within the Trust and has four key functions:
- Ensures clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holds the CEO to account for the educational performance and the performance management of staff
- Oversees the financial performance of the Trust, ensuring financial probity and value for money
- Holds the Local Governing Boards to account
The Trust board meets at least termly and has a number of committees which also meet at least termly. Trustees have decision making powers described fully in the Scheme of Delegation and are both company directors and charity trustees as academy trusts have the status of both company and charitable trust.
Information about our Trustees, their committees and terms of reference can be found at: Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust - Governance
Jessica Hardie – Chair of Trust
Emma Neath – Vice Chair of Trust
Philip Sanders – Safeguarding Trustee
Beth Carter – SEND Trustee
Graham Hill – Whistleblowing Trustee
Mark Harris
Edd Jones
Daniel Jenkins
If you would like to make contact with the Trust Board please email the Governance team: governance@dmatschools.org.uk
Our Governors
To support the work of schools and the Trustees, Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust ensures the local stakeholder voice is represented and heard through our Local Governing Boards. They are committees of the Trust Board and provide a local level of access and accountability for our parents and carers, provide a monitoring and challenge role and have some delegated decision-making as described in the Scheme of Delegation. This is the place where individual pupil and parent voice is heard and understood; where the lived experience of our provision and offer is felt and tested.
Local Governing Boards meet at least termly, and report directly to the Trust Board via Primary and Secondary Communications Boards.
To find out more about our local governance and Terms of Reference, click Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust - Key Governance Information
Find out more about our Governing Body below...
Dr Helen Orbidans
Helen has worked in education for over 15 years across secondary schools, higher education and the non-profit sector. She is currently a Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for Quality of Education in a secondary school. Throughout her career, she has been committed to improving outcomes for young people and ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their background or starting point.
Having relocated to the South West several years ago, Helen has developed a strong connection to the local community and is passionate about supporting the education and life chances of young people in the region. As a governor, she brings educational experience, strategic leadership expertise and a commitment to helping every child access the opportunities they need to thrive both academically and personally.
Rev Alison Hardy
Alison is the Parish Priest for Bridgerule and four neighbouring rural parishes. She has been connected with Bridgerule Primary School since her appointment in November 2023 and regularly visits the school for Collective Worship.
Alison has experience of rural life through her background as a farmer and longtime connection with village churches. Her experience with young people has been gained through running children’s and youth clubs within the church. Married with five children, she is based in Holsworthy and part of the Holsworthy Livestock Market Chaplaincy team.
Gemma Furse
I have worked in education since 2018, when I qualified as an Early Educator. I began my career at Bridgerule Pre-School prior to its transition into the DMAT trust and later worked in a local nursery setting.
Since becoming a parent, I discovered a passion for supporting children’s learning and development. Following my time in nursery education, I joined Bude Junior School, where I supported children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). During this role, I completed my Level 4 Diploma in SEND.
In 2022, I joined Bridgerule Primary School as a Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant. Following a staffing restructure, my role expanded to provide support across all four classes within the school. I now work with children throughout the school, supporting a wide range of individual learning and wellbeing needs. I am currently training to become a Thrive Practitioner and am also working towards my Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant qualification through Best Practice Network.
Outside of school, I am actively involved in the local community through my church, where I support a village mother-and-toddler group. I also serve as Chair of the school’s PTFA, helping to strengthen links between families, the school, and the wider community.
Elizabeth York
I'm a busy mum of 4 children from 18 - 8years old. I work as the Benefice Administrator for Holsworthy Benefice which consist of 5 churches within the Holsworthy area. I'm kept busy with creating the monthly newsletter,raising invoices for weddings and funeral, and answering all the incoming queries and liaising with diocese. Part of my role is also the Safeguarding Lead across 3 of the churches. This consist of ensuring everones safeguarding courses and DBS checks are upto date and in line with Exeter Diocese Safeguarding Policy's, being a point of contact for all to report any safeguarding issues and to pass on any information from diocese to the rest of the PCC.
I am also a Church Warden for Pancrasweek Church and the Treasurer for our sister church in Pyworthy.I volunteer with Open the Book, a local drama group. We act out bible stories for a local primary school as part of thier weekly worship assembly .
When I'm not working I'm looking after our many animals on our small holding, and any spare time is spent at the beach relaxing.
Lucy McCarthy
We are currently on the lookout for fantastic governors to work with our school community. Should you be interested in this role. Please email gbridge@dmatschools.org.uk if you are interested in taking on this invaluable role.