The Ecclesia Federation - Roles and Responsibilities

Chair of Governors	Danny Gallup
Vice Chair of Governors	Graham Hamwijk
Safeguarding and H&S Governor	Danny Gallup
SEND/Inclusion Governor	Charlotte Warne
Christian Distinctiveness, Worship and RE	Revd Ann Lynes and Fr Robert Chapman
SIAMS	Working party when needed
Wellbeing Governor (Behaviour and Attitudes)	Susan Brennan
Curriculum Links	Tamsin Pignataro
English/Maths/Reading/Phonics	Donna Moody
Creative Curriculum	Susan Brennan
Resources Committee
Chair of Resources Committee	Graham Hamwijk
Vice Chair of Resources Committee	Alastair Fischbacher
Executive Headteacher	Rachel Blake
Head of School – Holy Trinity	Matt Szurgot
Head of School – BWI	Clare Rodenas
Governor	Susan Brennan
Governor	Simon Dunn
Governor	Danny Gallup
Governor	Revd Ann Lynes
School Business Manager	Pamela Hanly
Head of Governance	Angie Marchant

 

 

                                                            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alastair Fischbacher

I was a governor at BWI, which my children attended, for a number of years and am delighted to be able to continue to contribute as a Governor for the Ecclesia Federation.  

I have a practical and business background working in shipping and resources industries in the UK and overseas, latterly running a ship owning/operating division of a large multi-national.

Following retirement, I was Chief Executive of an industry sustainability organisation and chair of a Christian maritime charity.  

I have chaired or served on the boards of a number of industry companies and organisations and remain a member or trustee of several industry organisations. 

Daniel Gallup

My name is Daniel Gallup, and I am the Chair of Governors for the Ecclesia Federation. I am a self-employed carpenter and run my own carpentry business.

Over the past six years, I have served as a parent governor at BWI, including four years as Chair of Governors. I am now an LDBS-appointed governor to the schools. It is both an honour and a privilege to serve on this board, and I am fully committed to ensuring our schools continue to flourish while upholding our shared vision and ethos.

Donna Moody

I was a pupil of BWI in the 1980s. Both my daughters now attend BWI and I have been a parent governor for 2 years.  I feel privileged to be part of The Ecclesia Federation.

As part of my role of parent governor I enjoy school visits, talking to the staff and pupils, attending collective worship and being involved in strategic developments to further strengthen the federation.

I have worked in education for over 20 years as a primary school teacher and also as an Individual Needs coordinator.

I am passionate about the education of young children, their mental wellbeing and ensuring that all children reach their full potential and are happy in school.

Graham Hamwijk

I have been a resident of Northwood for 29 years and a governor of the Ecclesia Federation, and formerly of Holy Trinity School, since 2021.

I have an interest in the school, formerly as a parent, and now as a grandparent of children in the school.

I am a qualified chartered accountant and an IT project specialist. I chair the governors’ resources committee.

I am motivated by supporting the expansion of the Ecclesia Partnership for the benefit of both the pupils and the staff.

Kirsty McDonnell

My name is Kirsty McDonnell and I am the Staff Governor for The Ecclesia Federation. I started my teaching journey at BWI and now work at Holy Trinity as Assistant Headteacher where I teach in Reception and Year 5 and also lead RE and worship.

I bring a broad, whole-school perspective through working across early years and upper primary, supporting continuity, high expectations, and inclusive practice. My role combines strategic leadership with hands-on classroom experience, enabling me to contribute effectively to school improvement, staff development, and pupil outcomes. I am passionate about nurturing strong foundations for learning, promoting wellbeing, and ensuring every child feels valued and challenged.

As a Staff Governor, I act as a bridge between staff and governors, supporting clear communication while maintaining confidentiality and a strategic focus. My aim is always to contribute thoughtfully and constructively to the continued success and development of our schools.

Susan Brennan

My professional life has centred around education in a variety of roles, as a: teacher, trainer, examiner, curriculum co-ordinator, and external quality assurer for awarding organisations. 

Establishing my company in education consultancy has given me practical experience of managing budgets, sourcing funding streams, inspections and employment regulations.

It is a privilege to be a St Martin's Church PCC Appointed Governor and I look forward to working with the governing body of The Ecclesia Federation to ensure its ethos is upheld.

Tamsin Pignataro

I have been part of the wonderful family of Holy Trinity for almost seven years, with a son currently enjoying year 6, and a daughter now at secondary school.

As a parent governor I am committed to helping every child in the Ecclesia Federation flourish; upholding each school’s vision and values.

With experience in leadership, operations and service improvement in the Broadcast industry, I offer strong communication, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills, specialising in performance monitoring, policy review and change implementation.

I am passionate about representing parents at Holy Trinity and BWI, working together to achieve the best outcomes for our children.

I am honoured to be able to serve our school community, striving for high standards for all.