Governance

As a school we recognise that a diversity of thought, voices and perspectives is essential to good governance and the effective running of any organisation. We regularly collect diversity information from our governors and, depending on current data, can use this to:

target recruitment to address gaps in experience and diversity
develop and adapt board practices to ensure full participation
prioritise training and awareness-raising in identified areas
address potential ‘blind spots’ through seeking wider advice and perspectives on current and upcoming opportunities, challenges and risks

However, we are unable to publish this information as it would mean that individual members of our governing body are identifiable.

Governor’s Allowances

The School Governance (Roles, Procedures and Allowances) (England) Regulations 2013, part 6 enables Governing Bodies to decide whether they wish to pay travelling and subsistence allowances from the school budget to individual members of the Governing Body.

The Policy of the Governors in respect of payment of allowances must be openly available to parents and Governors. The Governing Body must consider the payment of allowances Annually, and the outcome must be recorded appropriately in the minutes.

Governors at St John the Baptist CEVA Primary School have agreed that travelling and subsistence allowances will not be paid to Governors.

More Information

If you are interested in finding out more about the work of the Governing Body, how to become a Governor or wish to contact the Chair of Governors then please speak to the school office

Chair of Governors-Jo Clayman PCC to 01.09.24 I have been a governor at St John the Baptist since 2018 and became Chair in March 2023. As a parent at the school, I am passionate about making sure it offers the best opportunities for our children through a rounded curriculum with strong extra-curricular activities. This includes making the most of our fantastic facilities and outdoor space. I am keen to encourage further close links with the community and our families and to live the Christian Values in all we do. As Chair it is my role to support the Leadership of the school and to ensure we challenge the school to be the best it can.
Vice Chair- Dave Holmes Foundation DBE to 08.03.2027 I’ve been a governor of the school since 2013 and I am proud to have helped lead the school through two Good Ofsted inspections. I have a background in Science and maths and use this to analyse school data and ensure the school continues to improve its outcomes for pupils. Retaining the family feel and very special environment here at Pebmarsh is a high priority for me. I am passionate about Forest School and will do all I can to promote and protect it at Pebmarsh
Reverend Beverly Vincent Foundation I am the vicar for the four parishes of Pebmarsh, Great and Little Maplestead and Gestingthorpe. Prior to ordination I had a long career as a nurse, and then worked for Chelmsford Diocese responsible for pastoral care training. I look forward to working with fellow governors, staff and pupils within the Christian ethos of the school. I am also excited about developing supportive relationships between school and church.
Peter Anderson Local Authority to 01.09.2025 Peter Anderson has spent forty years in primary education, over thirty as headteacher of five schools. Peter is passionate about primary education and is keen that every child has the best opportunities to thrive. Peter has led five successful Ofsted inspections. He has worked as a school improvement advisor for Edison Learning’s Aspire program. Fifteen years ago Peter came across a unique understanding of how we work as human beings. This has led him to train as a well-being coach. Peter has run course in this country and abroad. Nine years ago Peter set up Anderson Wellbeing in order to share this understanding more widely with schools, businesses, leadership teams, individuals and groups. . Peter was eager to become a governor as his children both attended the school many years ago and he is keen to support it in any way he can. In his spare time Peter enjoys walking, reading, swimming and going out with his wife, friends and family.
Jane Piper I am a member of the congregation of St John the Baptist church, Little Maplestead. I am an active member of the PCC and congregation and although now retired, my longest career was as a primary teacher, specialising in the area of SEN and leading an infant department. I have also worked in a brewery, a ladies gym and as an office administrator. Since moving to this part of Essex 17 years ago, I have enjoyed being a Parish Clerk, and voluntary roles as editor of the Parish News and now serving as a Foundation Governor at St John’s Pebmarsh. I hope my experience and skills will support the whole school community of parents, teachers, staff members and other governors to continue to achieve their ambitions to explore, achieve, learn and value the world around them in the context of a strong Christian faith.
Matt Creamer DBE Governor to 28.06.2025 I am a Global Salzburg Fellow and work as Senior Policy Officer at the Greater London Authority, advising the Mayor of London on health inequalities and wider issues of health and wellbeing. I have worked as a strategic policy leader in public health for over 12 years, providing strategic advice and high impact programme delivery for local, regional, and national organisations working closely with many communities, business leaders, governments and global cities. I live in Greenstead Green with my family – two of whom are at Pebmarsh with one yet to start school. I am passionate about the importance of a well-rounded high-quality education for children’s life chances – Pebmarsh provides that, which is why I am so proud of its children, staff, and community and I am delighted to play a part in the future development of the school.
Neil Peters Parent Governor Since settling in Pebmarsh is 2022, my family and I have grown to deeply value the local community and hold our school in high esteem. Currently, my youngest is in Year five at the school, while my eldest has embarked on his high school journey. Witnessing their educational growth during their time at the school has only reinforced my admiration for its dedication to student development. With my background as the Head of Marketing and Digital for an international pharmaceutical company, I bring a wealth of skills that can be effectively utilized in the role of a governor. I am passionate about actively participating in governance, advocating for the best interests of all students and contributing to the formulation of policies that champion excellence and equity in education.