Local Governing Body
Each Academy in the Priory Federation has its own Local Governing Body (LGB) and the individuals on this committee are known as Governors. The LGBs are advisory committees to the Priory Federation of Academies Trust – as established in the Trust’s Scheme of Delegated Authority.
The Governors of the LGB are responsible to the Trust for supporting the day-to-day running of the Academy. The LGB is not independent of the Trust. The Chair of the LGB is a Trust nominee and the Head of the Academy is an ex-officio member of the Governing Committee.
Each LGB has a small number of governing sub committees, including a Disciplinary and Appeals Committee (constituted as required).
Furthermore, each governor is linked to a member of the SLT both as ‘critical friend’ and as a Link Governor. Each Link (Governor/SLT) is responsible for one or more elements of the self-evaluation framework (SEF). The governors challenge the SLT members to provide secure evidence for the SEF and support the SLT member in reaching the judgements for the SEF.
A list of our current Governing Body members, together with accompanying documents, can be found below.
Local Governing Body Documents:
- LGB Membership 26 - 27 and Attendance 25 - 26
- LGB Declaration of Interests Register 26 - 27
- LGB Meeting Dates 26 - 27
The Local Governing Body is supported in its work by the Clerk to the Governors, Kate Michelson. If you would like to contact the LGB, please do so via email through the clerk: kmichelson@prioryacademies.co.uk
Who Are Our Governors?
Vicki Billyard
I have been working in education since 1994 after completing my degree at Warwick University. I spent the first 23 years working in a range of Mainstream primary schools enjoying a wide variety of roles and responsibilities from SENCO to Deputy head.
I joined Willoughby in January 2018 as Assistant Head and was appointed as Headteacher in January 2023. The growth and development of the academy is important to us all. I am dedicated to working with others in order to develop a school where the learning journey is aspirational, appropriate and relevant to all of our young people. Ensuring that everyone can flourish and be the best they can be in a safe learning environment.
Steve Bills
Steve is a CIMA qualified accountant and Global Finance Analyst at Cummins Generator Technologies Ltd. He has worked with the business for 38 years, including 32 years in Finance and 6 years in HR.
Steve is married and has two sons. Outside of work his main interests are football and running. He serves as a committee member at Bourne Town FC, having retired this year after 20 years of coaching. Steve looks forward to continuing to support the excellent work of everyone connected with Willoughby.
Katherine Paskin
Katherine is an HLTA at Willoughby Academy. She joined Willoughby in September 2009. She has spent her career in the field of learning disabilities; both in adult services and specialising in autism and assisted technology. She loves being part of the Willoughby community and enabling all students to reach their full potential. There is never a dull day at Willoughby! Katherine is married with two children and a slightly mad cockapoo!
lauren prodrick
Lauren's background has always been in Education as a former Primary School Teacher, Tutor, Phonics lead and Early Years Curriculum Leader. Lauren now works as a Partnerships Manager in education and research. She is passionate about improving outcomes and life chance of children and hopes to support Willoughby through her journey as a school governor.
Aside from her work she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and with her miniature golden doodle called Rodney.
BILL BAIRD-PARKER
Bill has over 30 years commercial experience, mainly with food suppliers. He began volunteering in a local SEND school in 2017 before becoming a teaching assistant in 2022. This ignited a passion for supporting work experience and enhancing opportunities for pupils to secure paid employment.
Bill works for Lincolnshire County Council, Connect to Work, as an Employment Engagement Officer, helping to support adults into paid work. He is married with two grown up sons. He enjoys being outdoors, especially walking, cycling and fishing.