AcademyTrustee Profiles
In addition to the volunteer trustees profiled below, the Headteacher, David McKeown-Webster is an ex officio trustee. The Deputy Head, Sally Nixey, may also attend the main trustee board and committees by invitation.
A document which details the role/functions of trustees may be found here:
Staff
Staff
-
Charlotte Blake
Parent Trustee -
Dave Brooks
Trustee -
Jennie Doyle
Trustee -
Frank Gainsbury
Trustee -
Russell Goodrum
Trustee -
Debra Hollingum
Trustee -
Beth Larkman
Trustee -
Kim Lower
Trustee -
David Nisbet
Trustee -
Mark Pawson
Trustee -
Laura Pollard
Parent Trustee -
Toni Watson
Trustee -
Alex Buckley
Co-opted Trustee -
Carl Phillips
Co-opted Trustee
Charlotte Blake
I have worked in education for over a decade, as a secondary school teacher and now as department lead. I bring expertise in adaptive teaching, behaviour management and analysing student data to the governing board, where I hold the position of equalities link trustee. I became a trustee because I am committed to diversity and inclusion, supporting the school in making sure every child feels a sense of belonging at Harlands.
Dave Brooks
I work in a strategic operational role for a facilities management company that supports the UK Defence Organisation. I have spent 25 years working as a safety professional, with the first 15 of those years working in local government as an Environmental Health Officer. I bring experience in risk and harm prevention with a focus on preventative planning. I am a trustee because I am committed to supporting the school to achieve its goals, providing a safe environment for staff and pupils. I have also volunteered with the Scouting Organisation for 10 years and very much enjoy supporting our local community.
Jennie Doyle
I have worked in education for over 26 years, across secondary and university teaching and school leadership. I bring expertise in curriculum design, SEND, safeguarding and strategic planning to the Trustees, and currently chair one of its committees. I became a Trustee to support strong, inclusive practice and ensure all pupils receive ambitious, high-quality provision. I value being part of the school community.
Frank Gainsbury
I am a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and worked in the construction industry in my own practice since 1987. I assist the School with the delivery of their construction and refurbishment projects and have been a trustee / governor for more than 20 years. I joined as a school Trustee when my children were at Harlands and have been pleased to assist the School in providing specialist construction knowledge and project management services dealing with both the Local Authority (West Sussex County Council) and building contractors alike. I have lived in Haywards Heath since 1983 (previously in Penland Road) and I have great interest in sport having previously been involved in numerous clubs.
Russell Goodrum
I have worked in Finance for over 20 years, primarily within Risk Management. I provide experience in managing finances, risk and audit as well as general strategic planning and management/board oversight. I became a trustee to help make a difference to what I believe is already an excellent school, helping ensure safe navigation of the wide range of challenges that schools face nationally.
Debra Hollingum
My background is in operations, helping growing businesses work more efficiently. I bring together people, processes, data and technology to solve problems and make it easier for teams to do their best work. I also have experience in and a passion for learning and development. I contribute to strategic discussions, supporting Harlands’ leadership team to continue to drive positive outcomes for pupils, the school and the community and became a Trustee when my son joined Harlands in 2023.
Beth Larkman
I am a practising solicitor, specialising in maritime law, for the past 17 years. I am very pleased to be appointed as a trustee, bringing with me analytical and critical reasoning skills. I am particularly interested in supporting the Senior Leadership Team in relation to Audit and Risk Management. I applied to become a trustee to contribute to Harland’s ongoing success and support the School and its pupils. I live close to Harlands and have children attending there.
Kim Lower
I have been a business consultant for over 15 years; specialising in rebuilding companies and developing extensive relationship within the industry, but the last 8 years I have also been a full-time career for my autistic son. I was approached by the board to become a trustee; I believe it was because of my passion to give a voice to the SEND children which started with my son and the SEND department within the school.
I became a trustee to support inclusive and safe practice for all SEND, and to ensure that the SEND department as a strong voice. I do live locally and value being a apart of the school and wider a community.
I became a trustee to support inclusive and safe practice for all SEND, and to ensure that the SEND department as a strong voice. I do live locally and value being a apart of the school and wider a community.
David Nisbet
I have worked in commercial banking for more than 25 years, a career that has brought me skills in risk management, dealing with people, leading complex projects and latterly having responsibility for leading a key business unit. I focus on the oversight of risk management and the financial management and effective governance of the Trust. I became a trustee in 2019 due to an abiding interest and belief in education and also a desire to use my professional skills to help benefit the local community.
Laura Pollard
I am an experienced primary teacher and manager of early career programmes. Alongside hands-on teaching experience, I bring particular knowledge of safeguarding, which supports the Board’s work in this area. I became a Trustee because I am passionate about inclusive education and deeply committed to supporting our local community. My two children are very fortunate to attend Harlands.
Alex Buckley
Co-opted Trustee from April 2026
Specific interest in School Improvement
Specific interest in School Improvement
Carl Phillips
Co-opted Trustee from November 2025
Specific interest in finance; appointed to Audit & Risk and Resources Committees
Specific interest in finance; appointed to Audit & Risk and Resources Committees
Respectful