Governance
The Governing Body of The Compass Federation provides strategic governance across St. Paul’s Church of England Primary School, Dunton Green Primary School and St. Edmund’s Church of England Primary School.
The Governing Body comprises 16 governors and operates a circle model of governance. Under this model, the Governing Body works collectively and does not operate through standing committees. The full Governing Body retains responsibility for its strategic and statutory functions and meets six times during each academic year.
In addition to formal Governing Body meetings, governors undertake monitoring visits and participate in Strategic Governor meetings with senior leaders. These meetings provide opportunities for governors to examine the School Development Plans for each school in greater depth, consider evidence of progress against agreed priorities and provide appropriate support and challenge. Strategic Governor meetings support the Governing Body's monitoring and assurance work but are not committees of the Governing Body and do not exercise delegated decision-making powers.
Composition of the Governing Body
The Governing Body comprises:
- 2 Parent Governors
- 1 Local Authority Governor
- 1 Staff Governor
- 1 Executive Headteacher Governor
- 7 Co-opted Governors
- 4 Foundation Governors
In addition, the Heads of School from each of the three schools serve as Associate Governors. Associate Governors contribute to the work and discussions of the Governing Body but do not have voting rights.
Parent Governors are elected by parents and carers across the Federation. As governors serve the Federation as a whole rather than representing an individual school, it is possible for both Parent Governors to be parents or carers of pupils attending the same school.
The role of the Governing Body
The Governing Body is responsible for the strategic leadership and oversight of the Federation. Governors work collectively to support and challenge leaders, ensuring that the three schools provide the best possible education for their pupils.
The Governing Body has three core strategic functions:
Establishing strategic direction
This includes:
- setting and safeguarding the vision, values and strategic direction of the Federation;
- agreeing priorities for school improvement;
- monitoring progress against agreed priorities and targets; and
- ensuring that the Federation and its schools meet their statutory responsibilities.
Ensuring accountability
This includes:
- appointing the Executive Headteacher;
- holding the Executive Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the schools and their pupils;
- monitoring progress against school improvement priorities;
- managing the performance of the Executive Headteacher;
- ensuring effective arrangements are in place for the performance management of staff;
- engaging with pupils, parents, staff and other stakeholders; and
- contributing to the evaluation and continuous improvement of the schools.
Ensuring financial probity
This includes:
- approving and monitoring the Federation budget;
- monitoring expenditure against agreed budgets;
- ensuring that resources are used effectively and provide value for money;
- overseeing financial controls; and
- ensuring that significant organisational and financial risks are appropriately managed.
Our Governors
Our governors are volunteers drawn from a range of professional and community backgrounds. Collectively, they bring a broad range of skills, knowledge and experience to the strategic leadership of the Federation.
Governors act in the interests of The Compass Federation as a whole, rather than representing an individual school or particular group of stakeholders.
Details of our current governors, their terms of office, appointing bodies, responsibilities, attendance and declared interests are published below.
If you would like to find out more about governance at The Compass Federation, or are interested in becoming a governor, please contact:
David Strachan
Chair of Governors
dstrachan@compassfederation.com
Chair of Governors: David Strachan
Vice Chair and Safeguarding Governor: Hilary Wilder
Governance Professional/Clerk: Carol Thomas
Executive Headteacher: Ben Hulme
Ben Hulme
Executive Headteacher
As Executive Headteacher of the Compass Federation, I am privileged to lead a dedicated team of professionals committed to delivering an exceptional and inclusive education across our schools. My role is to provide strategic leadership and oversight, ensuring that each school retains its unique identity while benefiting from the strength and support of our collaborative partnership.
With a deep belief in the transformative power of education, I work closely with heads of school, staff, governors, and families to drive continual improvement, raise aspirations, and keep children at the heart of every decision. I am passionate about developing a culture of high expectations, shared values, and professional growth, where staff are empowered and pupils thrive.
As a member of the governing body, I bring insight into operational and strategic priorities across the federation. I value the role of governance in challenging and supporting leadership to ensure excellence, equity, and ambition for every child we serve.
Ben Hulme, Executive Headteacher of Compass Federation, is a dedicated educational leader committed to fostering a positive learning environment. With a passion for pupil success and staff development, he brings extensive experience in school leadership, driving innovation, and ensuring high standards across the federation. His vision prioritises inclusivity and excellence.