Governance
Swakeleys School for Girls is a charitable trust which was set up in 2011. The members appoint trustees and the trustees delegate the running of the school to the executive leaders – the headteacher and her leadership group. There are 3 committees:
The Education Committee which meets three times per year to discuss all elements of the academic and pastoral provision for our students.
The Finance, Audit, Risk, HR & Health and Safety Committee which meets four times per year (including an audit feedback meeting) to focus on all non-educational responsibilities of the trust.
The Remuneration Committee which meets annually to determine pay arrangements for the trust.
The Full Trust Board meetings three times per year. The members and trustees have a broad skillset and range of diverse experiences that they bring to support and challenge the executive leaders of Swakeleys School for Girls.
Swakeleys School for Girls has a Governance Professional who supports the school. There is a clerk to the trustees who is an employee of the school. You can contact the trustees via the following email address: governance@swakeleys.org.uk. Any matters that are relevant to the school operations should be addressed to the school email address: office@swakeleys.org.uk
BANDHANA JAKHU
Role: Chair of Trustees
Professional Background: Senior Director – Operational Excellence and Global Process Owner (GPO) for tax, Willis Towers Watson
Bandhana brings extensive expertise in corporate finance and governance, ensuring strong financial oversight and strategic planning within the Trust. With a decade of experience as a trustee, she plays a key role in maintaining financial sustainability and best practices in governance at Swakeleys School for Girls.
BALVINDER PUAR
Role: Trustee
Professional Background: Director of IT / Group IT Director / Head of IT
With over 20 years of senior IT leadership experience, Balvinder specializes in technology-driven transformation across the academic and charity sectors. His expertise includes aligning technology with strategic goals, optimizing service delivery, and driving digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency. Newly appointed as a trustee, Balvinder is committed to fostering a forward-thinking and inclusive IT environment that enhances educational experiences and institutional success.
PAUL MCLAUCHLAN
Role: Member / Trustee
Professional Background: Transport Industry Professional
Paul has dedicated over 20 years to Swakeleys School for Girls, serving in various governance roles, including Chair and Vice-Chair of Trustees. His contributions span multiple school projects, including workforce remodelling, academy conversion, and the Priority School Building Programme, which led to the construction of the new school building.
STEPHEN WELLER
Role: Trustee
Professional Background: Retired CFO and Part-time Accountant
With extensive experience as a Chief Financial Officer in the airline sector, Stephen brings expertise in financial management, policy documentation, project management, and IT systems implementation. Passionate about learning, he holds an Open University degree in English Literature and actively contributes to financial oversight as a member of St. Margaret’s Church Uxbridge Finance Committee. As a new trustee, Stephen is eager to apply his skills to support the school’s financial sustainability.
KIRAN DAURKA
Role: Trustee
Professional Background: Solicitor – Employment & Equality Law
An alumna of Swakeleys and a current parent, Kiran has served as a trustee since 2022. With over 20 years of experience in employment and equality law, she ensures that fairness, inclusion, and governance remain at the heart of the school’s strategic priorities. Passionate about education and equity, Kiran is committed to holding leadership to account and ensuring the best outcomes for students.
JANE GOLDEN
Role: Trustee
Professional Background: Children’s Social Care Professional
With 25 years of experience in children’s social care, Jane brings a deep understanding of safeguarding, welfare, and student well-being. As a new trustee, she is dedicated to supporting Swakeleys in providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students.
DAMARIS DANIELS
Role: Trustee
Professional Background: Compliance, Risk, and Software Specialist
Damaris specializes in compliance, risk management, and care planning software for the health and social care sector. As a senior leadership business leader she has expertise in running growth, organisational excellence, HR, marketing, and software and she brings a well-rounded perspective to the board. She is also actively involved in community initiatives, serving as a Girl Guiding leader and a Parkrun Run Director.
ADAM JACKSON
Role: Trustee
Professional Background: Adam is a Senior Civil Servant and currently Director of International Research and Innovation at the UK Department for Science and Technology. He has extensive experience of the public sector in the UK and overseas. As a new Trustee, he is keen to bring this experience to bear on the range of opportunities and challenges ahead of Swakeleys.
ANITA HAMILTON
Role: Trustee
Professional Background: Anita is a communications and organisational change consultant. Much of her work focuses on advising leaders in a broad range of educational settings. She works as a freelance lecturer in higher education, specialising in communications and leadership. In addition, she serves as an alumni advisor for the London School of Economics careers service where she was postgraduate student. Anita is the incoming Chair of Advance, a leading charity dedicated to supporting women and girls affected by domestic abuse and those involved in the criminal justice system. She is also a published author; her book, How to Be a Happy Woman in Mid-life, draws on research and insight and was published in 2022.
SMITA TAANK
Role: Trustee
Professional Background: With over 40 years of experience in Corporate Finance, Smita brings extensive expertise in financial and change management. She has led process and system changes to increase productivity and efficiency within organizations. As a new trustee, Smita is eager to apply her skills to support the school’s financial strategy while balancing the school’s ethos and ensuring the best outcomes for students and staff. She is committed to leveraging her knowledge to drive positive financial outcomes and contribute to the school’s ongoing success.
AMI PHULL
Role: Trustee
Professional Background: Ami is a project manager, specialising in IT and cyber security projects. She has over 15 years’ experience within IT and public sector (Council and Charity). In her personal time, Ami has volunteered with a local animal charity working, enjoying the challenges and successes that come with it. She is also a qualified acupuncturist and has seen first-hand the positive benefits of Acupuncture on a individual’s wellbeing, on a mental, physical and spiritual plane. As a new trustee, Ami is keen to bring her experience to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in her role.
Governance Structure 2025 – 2026
Trustee Attendance Record 2025 - 2026
Trustee Attendance Record 2024.25
Tustees and Members Register of Interests and Related Parties