Parent Governor Vacancy

Subject: Parent Governor Elections
Dear Parent/Carer,
As you will be aware, we currently have a vacancy for a Parent Governor to serve on the Governing Board of Cardinal Langley RC High School.
The deadline for nominations has now passed and we have received six nominations, which means that we will now need to hold an election. We are aiming to conduct as much as we can of the election electronically, via Synergy and Microsoft forms. This will reduce the number of printed paper voting slips that need to be sent home with children via form tutors.
Every parent (as per the parent definition under Section 576 of the Education Act 1996) of a pupil who is a registered pupil at Cardinal Langley RC High School is eligible to vote for ONE candidate to serve on the Governing Board of the School.

If you have not received a link via Synergy, you can access the voting form here:
Parent Governor Elections – Fill in form
If you do not have access to vote online, please email us at admin@clrchs.co.uk to let us know and we will issue a printed copy of the voting paper instead.

Voting will close at 12:00 Noon on Monday 23rd March 2026.

CANDIDATES’ PEN PORTRAITS:

Immanuel Odeyemi
(Parent of a child in Year 7 and a child in Year 9)
I am Immanuel Odeyemi.
I am a career Journalist and Public Relations Practitioner. In the past few years, I have worked in the private security industry with qualifications in Crowd/Spectator Safety, Counter-Terrorism and Surveillance (CCTV) .
I am also a certified Performance and Life Coach.
I am an alumnus of the prestigious International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP) of the United States Government.
I am dedicated to causes focused on women and children’s rights, and my hobbies include reading, writing, movies and music.
I am a Foundation School Governor appointed by the Diocese of Salford to St. Peters RC Primary School, Middleton.
I believe my professional experience in leadership roles, and dealing with people of all ages and strata of the society, and my experience as a School Governor, equips me with skills to effectively contribute my quota to the school’s governance.

Kelly Davis
(Parent of a child in Year 8)
As both a current parent and a former pupil of the school, I feel a strong and genuine connection to this community. Having experienced the school from two important perspectives, I am passionate about supporting its continued success and ensuring every student is given the very best opportunities to thrive.
I am a Personal Travel Expert with over 20 years’ experience in a highly customer-focused industry. My role requires clear communication, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving in fluid and often challenging situations. I regularly manage complex arrangements and work to tight deadlines, ensuring positive outcomes. These skills are directly transferable to governance, where strategic thinking, sound judgement, and accountability are essential.
Previously, as an Account Director for local and national newspapers, I developed strong organisational skills, commercial awareness, and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
I take pride in supporting others and have always been willing to contribute my time to school communities, including offering help during my daughter’s time at primary school. As a former student, I see this role as a meaningful opportunity to give back to a school that helped shape my own journey.
I firmly believe that children deserve the highest standards of education alongside strong support for their wellbeing and safeguarding. When young people feel safe, valued, and encouraged, they are best placed to achieve both in school and beyond.
As a parent governor, I would be committed, approachable, and focused on contributing positively to the strategic direction of the school — always with the best interests of every child at heart.

Osagie Omonjahio
(Parent of a child in Year 9)
I am an experienced audit and governance professional with over 15 years’ expertise in internal audit, risk management, and organisational controls. I currently serve as a Senior Auditor at National Highways, where I lead audit teams, support good governance practices, and work closely with senior leaders to strengthen internal controls, transparency, and decision-making.
I have a strong background in education governance. I currently serve as Chair of Governors at Boarshaw Primary School, having previously served as a Co-Opted Governor. In addition to this, I am the SEND Link Governor and the Cared-for Children Link Governor, where I work closely with school leaders to support inclusion, safeguarding, and improved outcomes for vulnerable pupils. These roles have strengthened my understanding of the needs of children with special educational needs and those who require additional support and have further deepened my commitment to equity and high standards.
Beyond school governance, I am actively involved in the Middleton community, where I serve as the Head of Department for the Children and Youth Church within a local church. In this role, I provide leadership, guidance, and pastoral support for children and young people, helping to create a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment for their growth.
Across my career and community work, I have helped organisations build effective governance structures, improve accountability, and strengthen risk and compliance processes. I bring strong communication skills, analytical thinking, and a commitment to inclusive, child-centred decision-making.
As a parent governor, I aim to contribute these skills and experiences to support the school’s vision, ensure sound governance, and help create the best possible environment for all children to thrive. I am passionate about education, community involvement, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed. I would welcome the opportunity to represent parents and contribute positively to the governing board.

Sylwia Okonska
(Parent of a child in Year 8)
I am a single mum who moved to UK in 2006. I was born in Poland. My main role is to be the best mum I can be to my child. Being the parent of a child with special needs has taught me how to adapt to changing needs and behaviours on a daily basis. I strongly believe in INCLUSION – not exclusion. I have learnt how to focus on the unique needs and hopes rather than just the diagnosis.
In my professional life I work part time as Quality Technician and HSE Coordinator. Last year I passed the Nebosh General Certificate – health and safety is something I am passionate about.
I think that my background and experience (both personal and professional) could be of great benefit to the school.

Lucy Hague
(Parent of a child in Year 7)
My name is Lucy Hague and have lived locally in Middleton all my life. I am deeply committed to the community and to ensuring that our local schools continue to provide the very best environment for children to learn and thrive. I am a parent of three children, one currently in Year 7 at Cardinal Langley, one attending St John Fisher, and one in nursery, which gives me a broad perspective on the educational journey across different stages.
I have been a qualified nurse for over 15 years and currently work as the Lead Nurse for A&E at Salford, where I am responsible for overseeing quality, safety, operational performance, and service improvement. My role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of professionals, all skills that transfer directly to effective school governance.
In addition to my clinical background, I have well-established managerial and leadership experience, including:
• Human Resources: staff development, performance management, recruitment and supporting wellbeing.
• Finance: managing budgets, resource allocation, and ensuring value for money within service areas.
• Education and Training: mentoring staff, supporting continuous learning, delivering training, and ensuring professional standards are met.
These skills position me well to contribute constructively to governance responsibilities, such as holding the school leadership team to account, supporting strategic decision making and ensuring the best outcome for all pupils.
As a long-standing local resident and an engaged parent, I am passionate about helping schools maintain high standards, championing pupil welfare, and ensuring that every child regardless of background has the opportunity to succeed. I believe I can bring a balanced, thoughtful, and committed voice to the governing body.
I would welcome the opportunity to serve as a Parent Governor and contribute positively to the future of the school and its wider community.

Jennifer Pointon
(Parent of a child in Year 8 and a child in Year 10)
As a parent of two children at Cardinal Langley and a primary school teacher, with many years of experience, I have a strong interest in supporting education and the wider school community. My professional experience in teaching has given me insight into how schools operate, the many challenges educators face, the ever changing demands of teaching and the importance of creating environments where all children can feel safe, are able to thrive and reach their full potential.
I am also the parent of two children with very different needs. One who is neurodivergent and the other who is neurotypical so have seen school from two very different perspectives. This has given me a much broader perspective on education, allowing me to see school life from both a professional and a parental point of view. Having a neurodivergent child has also given me a greater understanding and empathy for parents who are in the same situation and the difficulties navigating the SEND system. I understand the importance of inclusive practices, effective communication between schools and families, and ensuring that every student and parent feels supported and able to succeed.
I would like to become a parent governor because I want to give back to the school community and support the continued development of a positive, inclusive, and high-achieving environment for all students. I would bring a thoughtful, collaborative approach, listen to the views of other parents, and work with school leaders to help ensure the best possible outcomes for every pupil.

CONDUCT OF ELECTION FOR PARENT GOVERNORS

  1. We will send a voting form to each parent member, i.e. one per parent and not one per family, (electronically via Synergy, where possible).
  2. There will be a period of no less than seven full days between the receipt of the voting paper by the elector and the closing date for the return of the voting paper to the school.
  3. If an elector spoils a voting paper another in exchange for the spoiled voting paper will be given if requested.
  4. If a parent reports to the Headteacher that a voting paper has not been received a second copy may be given.
  5. The number of voting papers issued and the number returned at each election will be noted in order to monitor participation.
  6. Candidates for election will be informed of the date, time and place for the counting of votes. In addition to the presence of candidates there will be not less than one other adult witness.
  7. The electoral method will be “first past the post”.
  8. Headteachers will be responsible for the conduct of the count and will decide upon the validity of dubious or spoilt voting papers. In difficult cases Headteachers may seek advice from an officer of the Governor Support Team.
  9. In the event of a tie, the votes will be recounted. If the votes are then still equal the person to be elected will be decided by either the toss of a coin or the drawing of lots.
  10. When the count has been completed, successful and unsuccessful candidates will be notified of the results. The result of the election will be recorded and posted in places where voters may easily ascertain the outcome of the election.  Parents will be notified of the results.
  11. The Headteacher will notify the Governor Support Team regarding who has been elected. Headteachers will supply the name, address, post code, telephone numbers and email address of the Governors elected.  Formal letters of appointment will then be sent to the new Governors.
  12. Voting papers will be retained securely for six months in case an election result is challenged.