Governance and Leadership
The De Curci Trust is the legal entity with the Board of Trustees having collective accountability for the Trust and assuring itself that there is compliance with regulatory, contractual and statutory requirements. The Board of Trustees defines our Trust’s vision, provides strategic leadership, oversees accountability and assurance, and networks with stakeholders.
As a charitable Trust, we value collaboration, integrity, and dedication. Our Board of Trustees works closely with leaders and local governors to ensure that every decision we make is rooted in the best interests of our students. We are not interested in ‘growth for growth’s sake’; rather, we focus on making meaningful, strategic investments in education and maintaining strong ties with our local community.
We operate a delegated model of governance with roles, responsibilities and decision-making authorities defined within an approved scheme of delegation; our ‘Short Guide to Governance Arrangements’ below provides an overview of how this operates. When vacancies arise, we warmly welcome applications from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds to volunteer as trustees and local governors, as we believe that a variety of perspectives can significantly enhance our governance. We are particularly keen to work with individuals who are committed to holistic and inclusive education, and who uphold the Nolan Principles of Public Life.
Short Guide to Governance Arrangements
Trustees collaborate closely with the Executive and School Leadership Teams in order to achieve the Trust’s charitable objectives and impact upon the educational landscape for children in Portsmouth (and beyond). Our collective expertise and passion are instrumental in promoting high aspirations, enhancing teaching and learning, and supporting our overarching mission to create effective learning environments.
Our Executive Team strategically manages and runs the organisation, working across all three schools. Each member of the team is an experienced leader, committed to securing improvements for all.
Our dedicated School Leadership Teams lead high-quality school development within their schools, as well contributing to trust-wide projects. Each member of the team is committed to bringing out the best in every student and member of staff.
Our Trustees are Chris Batstone, Huw Bement, Robert Clewley, Alan Cufley, Andy Gannon, Susan Hamilton, Alison Kent and Sara Spivey.
Our Members, who have a role above the Trustees and hold the Board accountable for meeting its charitable objectives, are Steve Cook, Derek Good, Cheryl Lincoln and David Percival.