Governance

Trust Governance 

Dover Christ Church Academy is part of the Turner Schools Multi Academy Trust.

Our Governance Structure ensures there are clear reporting lines and explicit requirements to ensure probity, good governance and outstanding performance.

Members are responsible for determining the governance of the Trust. They approve our Articles of Association and appoint Trustees in accordance with the Articles. 

The Board of trustees has collective accountability and responsibility for the academy trust and assuring itself that there is compliance with regulatory, contractual, and statutory requirements. The academy trust board provides: 

• Strategic leadership of the academy trust: the board defines the trust vision for high quality and inclusive education in line with its charitable objects. It establishes and fosters the trust’s culture and sets and champions the trust strategy including determining what governance functions are delegated to the local tier. 

• Accountability and assurance: the board has robust effective oversight of the operations and performance of the academy trust, including the provision of education, pupil welfare, overseeing and ensuring appropriate use of funding and effective financial performance and keeping their estate safe and well maintained.

• Engagement: the board has strategic oversight of relationships with stakeholders. The board involves parents, schools and communities so that decision-making is supported by meaningful engagement.

All Members, Trustees and Governors complete an annual declaration of personal and pecuniary Interests and declare any updates or interests in meetings. Relevant interest are published.  

The Board delegates responsibilities to the school Challenge & Community Board as set out in the Scheme of Delegation. 

View our Articles and Memorandum of Association. 

Chair: Hilary Macdonald

To contact the Chair, please email governance@turnerschools.com 

Vice Chair: TBC

CCB Safeguarding Lead: Hilary Macdonald

CCB SEND Lead: Lucy Watson

Careers Lead: Gillian Rowland

Safeguarding Lead Trustee: Dr Toyin Okitikpi

SEND Lead Trustee: Tracy Luke

Challenge & Community Board

Samantha Dunning

Sam brings many years of leadership in health and wellbeing, and education to the Board. 

She has expertise in governance, strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and accountability from holding trustee roles in community organisations. 

Having relocated to Kent, Sam is keen to use these skills to support the academy, its leadership team, and pupils.

• Date of appointment: 01.09.2026

• Appointed by: Trustees

• Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None

• Governance roles in other educational institutions: None

• Relationships between other governors or school staff (including spouses, partners and close relatives): None

Melissa Hilderley

Mel is Head of School and ex-officio governor by virtue of this position.

• Date of appointment: 1 September 2026

• Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None

• Governance roles in other educational institutions: None

Relationships between other governors or school staff (including spouses, partners and close relatives): None 

Hilary Macdonald 

Hilary is an Education Consultant with years of experience as a Senior HMI and a specialism in safeguarding.  

Hilary is a qualified teacher with successful headship experience of schools facing challenge. She previously worked in local authority children’s services and as an education officer.

Hilary brings expertise in accurately evaluating leadership, quality of education and safeguarding and SEND provision.

• Date of appointment: 01.09.2026

• Appointed by: Trustees

• Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Provides independent advice to Kent Local Authority, relating to Area SEND inspection

• Governance roles in other educational institutions: None

• Relationships between other governors or school staff (including spouses, partners and close relatives): Grandparent (Sep 2025).

Peter Ould

Peter is a Manager in the Banking sector and brings extensive expertise in leadership and governance.  He was the Chair of the Local Governing Board of St Stephen's Infant School until 31.08.24.

• Date of appointment: 16.07.2024 (to 15.07.28)

• Appointed by: Trustees

• Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None

• Governance roles in other educational institutions: None

• Relationships between other governors or school staff (including spouses, partners and close relatives):  None

Gillian Rowland 

Gillian was Partnership Development Lead for Canterbury Christ Church University up to 2022.  She is a qualified teacher with experience as Secondary School Teacher and Senior Leader and ITE Senior Lecturer. 

Gillian is an experienced School Trustee and Member. 

• Date of appointment: 01.09.2026 - 31.08.2026

• Appointed by: Trustees

• Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None

• Governance roles in other educational institutions: N/A

• Relationships between other governors or school staff (including spouses, partners and close relatives): None

Lucy Watson-Russ 

Lucy is a qualified secondary school teacher and education leader with a PG Dip School Effectiveness and School Improvement. She currently supports pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and was accepted as Community Chair on the new Locality Model of SEN Inclusion in early 2025. 

Lucy brings over 20 years experience as a school governor. 

• Date of appointment: 25.03.2025 - 24.03.2028

• Appointed by: Trustees

• Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Parent (September 2025)

• Governance roles in other educational institutions: Local governor at Warden House Primary School (January 2024) 

• Relationships between other governors or school staff (including spouses, partners and close relatives): Parent (September 2025).

Minutes and further information can be requested via governance@turnerschools.com