Board of Trustees

Responsible for Chair, Safeguarding & Legal Support

My name is Rachel and I am new to governance having started with CWA in early 2023. I have a child who is currently in Y1 at the school. I am a government solicitor with transferable skills appropriate to school governance, to be able to analyze and critique potential attainment gaps and pinpoint opportunities for both school and pupil improvement for example. I have a strong interest in all aspects of safeguarding and that our children should always come first.

I have been given the responsibilities of behaviour, some attendance and safeguarding. I am keen to ensure that all children are safeguarded and all staff are properly supported. My professional skills, combined with my passion for making a difference to the lives of children means I am committed to supporting our school. With this in mind, I am always happy to hear your comments- good or bad, so please do come and talk to me if there is anything you would like to discuss.

Outside of this, I have a husband, two children and horses.

Responsible for Finance & Sustainability

Responsible for : Vice Chair, Curriculum & Standards

I became Executive Headteacher/CEO and accounting Officer of the Trust in January 2017. My previous roles have included Literacy Consultant in Barking and Dagenham, where I began my teaching career, and Teaching and Learning Consultant in Lincolnshire. In addition, I was Senior School Improvement Consultant for CfBT (Lincolnshire School Improvement Service) leading the Primary Strategy Improving Schools Programme (ISP) working in schools causing concern and in Ofsted categories.

In 2012 I was STA National Operational Moderator, looking at local authorities Year 6 writing teacher assessment moderation processes and a Local Consultant for Improvement for ISP and Stronger Management Systems. I then took on the role of Head of School in a school in special measures moving it to good in 13 months and to outstanding 2 years later.

I have a wealth of experience in developing CPD to impact on teaching and learning, leadership and stronger management systems. I also have extensive experience of writing and developing materials to support teaching and learning and middle leadership. (Developing Teacher Programme, Middle Leadership programme). I have been an Ofsted inspector and have carried out numerous section 5 inspections in the East Midlands region.

Responsible for Finance & Contracts

Born in Sheffield, David was educated through the local comprehensive school system going on to further education and graduating from Wadham College, Oxford in Politics Philosophy and Economics in 1983. After graduation he started work for Lloyds Bank in and around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, initially in leadership roles, but subsequently as a Relationship Director supporting SME businesses. He left the Bank in 2016, after 33 years of service, to start a second career as a Non Exec Director / Business Consultant, working on his own account, for a portfolio of local owner managed businesses.

David has a passion to encourage and support both businesses and people to be as good as they can be, and in addition to his paid work commitments, he has held roles both as a Parent Governor in a School and also currently acts as a Director of a not for dividend charity.

Responsible for SEND & Inclusion

My name is Janette Kennedy, and I am currently the Headteacher of a wonderful Special School in Lincoln. I am in my 12th year of Headship, and 20th year in Education.
Prior to working within SEND, I taught across a range of mainstream primary schools. I still believe teaching is the best job in the world and absolutely love my job!
On a personal level, I am a proud Mum to 2 (adult) children and a proud Step-mum to 2 more. Family time is very important to me, and I love holidays…and Christmas!
I am very excited to be a part of Castlewood’s Governing Body and look forward to working closely with both the SEND team and the whole school community.

Responsible for: Health & Safety

I am the Managing Director and owner of Prohas Health & Safety Consultancy supporting clients across the UK with comprehensive risk management services. With over 25 years of experience in the field of health and safety, I have developed a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and operational leadership across a wide range of sectors.

My consultancy works extensively with educational institutions, including universities and schools, delivering health and safety support, audits, and strategic risk guidance. This has provided me with a solid insight into the specific challenges and compliance responsibilities that schools face, particularly in relation to safeguarding students, staff wellbeing, and the safe operation of educational facilities.

In addition to my consultancy, I also run a national event management business, organising dance competitions and community events for children and adults throughout the UK. This has given me a strong foundation in project management, stakeholder coordination, and safeguarding responsibilities within youth-focused environments.

As a trustee, I bring a wealth of skills and experience, including:
• Governance and Risk Management: A strategic approach to managing legal and safety obligations, ensuring compliance while enabling innovation and growth.
• Leadership and Operational Oversight: Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, develop policies, and implement procedures that drive continuous improvement.
• Educational Sector Insight: Direct experience supporting schools and universities with health, safety, and compliance – aligning with Ofsted expectations and DfE requirements.
• Community Engagement: Experience working with children, parents, and communities through both consultancy and event roles, offering a balanced, empathetic perspective.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: A pragmatic and solutions-focused mindset, capable of analysing risk and making sound decisions in the best interests of the organisation.

I am passionate about creating safe, inclusive, and inspiring environments for children and young people to thrive. Becoming a trustee will allow me to contribute meaningfully to the strategic direction of the trust, ensuring it not only meets its obligations but also nurtures excellence in education and wellbeing.

Responsible for HR & Workforce

I am Georgia Burrows and I am Head of Strategic Operations for the Lincoln Saints Federation. This is a federation of 2 special schools, along with an adult day care provision. I am responsible for all things finance, HR, premises, IT and catering related. Prior to this I worked in mainstream education for 14 years in various roles, including in the kitchen!
I have a degree in Chemistry and prior to moving into education I worked in research and product development for a major pharmaceutical company. Outside of work, I am a proud mum to 4 beautiful girls who keep me very busy even though 3 of them have now moved out! I live on the East coast on the other side of Louth and when time allows, I enjoy park run, reading and crochet.
I am hoping my current role along with my 20 years’ experience as a clerk to governors and more recently as a chair to governors will stand me in good stead for supporting the Tall Oaks Trust.