Firstly, I would like to bring my knowledge and experience from working in education and the charity sector, particularly working in disadvantaged areas with low income students. Through my current role with IntoUniversity, I manage a local learning centre in South Leeds where we deliver an education outreach programme to young people and schools in the local community. This programme includes providing academic and pastoral support and informing students of their future options – targeting those living in postcodes that are statistically less likely to progress onto higher education. As a Centre Leader, I have a good understanding of working with young people, the education system, safeguarding, health and safety and project management which I would like bring to the role of a governor. My strengths include organisation, project management and working within a team. I am the Designated Safeguarding Lead within our learning centre, manage the budget, finances, delivery scheduling, staffing and line manage a team of 6 staff. During remote working, I have established a programme of telephone and online pastoral and academic support for our young people to keep them engaged in their learning.

I am particularly motivated by ensuring that all young people have equal access to a high quality education and are aware of their future opportunities upon leaving compulsory education. I would be interested in a governance role in which I can share my professional experience of tackling educational inequality to ensure that schools are held accountable for the educational achievements and experiences of disadvantaged students. I believe this will be particularly important in upcoming academic years given the unequal impact of school closures due to COVID-19. As a young professional aged 25 from a ‘working class’ background, I hope to bring a different voice and range of experiences to a governing body.