Governance

Liam McGivern - Chair of SSB

I joined Hillcroft SSB at the end of November 2019.  I am an accountant by profession (member of Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) with wide experience in various roles in finance, including budgeting, performance reporting, internal audit, risk management and governance.

After taking early retirement from full time work, I see this opportunity to use my skills to add value to the governing body and support the school leaders in providing the best possible educational environment for the children.

I live locally and have a daughter who teaches at a primary school in inner London.  At school, my strongest subject was maths which fed my enquiring mind.

I have always liked rugby union since my school time.  I coached youngsters when my daughter was playing (7-11-year olds).  I will often go to watch Harlequins.

Rachel Kyle - SSB Parent Member

As a parent with 4 children at the school I decided to join as an SSB board member in September 2021. I see this as a great opportunity to use my skills to add value, support the school and ensure the school values are upheld for the future. I am a qualified Management Accountant specialising in Management Information to increase profitability, strategic planning and accurate budgeting. Working across different business sectors but predominately in Financial Services. Up until I had the twins I also lectured in Accountancy. My favourite subject at school was always maths and science, when I was younger I wanted to be a mad scientist, maybe for the lab coat or the wild hair. I’m also the treasurer for the Friends of Hillcroft PTA, which is a great group of parents trying to put on fun events for the children and parents to raise money at the same time. Please feel free to approach me in the playground, I’m there most days.

Shelly Nash - SSB Parent Member

Having built a successful career in HR, I work at a senior level to support the business in achieving its long-term vision and objectives. I have built up skills in coaching, mentoring and strategic planning & delivery, working across levels to facilitate development, and to create a culture where the uniqueness of every individual is celebrated.

The children we educate today will lead the country tomorrow, and the education they receive will form the people they will become. If I can play any part in building the foundations of learning for any child, then I would like to do it.

Kayur Patel – SSB Community Member

I am a parent to two young children, aged 4 and 2, and fortunate to live within sight of Hillcroft. Since moving to Caterham in 2017, I have been eager to give back to the local community.

Education has played a significant role throughout my life, and even now, as an Anaesthetic Consultant in the NHS, I am constantly engaged in learning and teaching. Science was my favourite subject at school, and I benefited from a supportive and inspiring learning environment. As a governor, my priority is to ensure that every child at Hillcroft receives a well-rounded education that prepares them for the ever-evolving and diverse world.

In my professional life, I balance several responsibilities. In addition to training future doctors, I chair the Governance and Safety Group for Surgery and Theatres. From my first days as a governor, I noticed strong parallels between healthcare and education, particularly in governance and the shared responsibility of delivering the best outcomes. I aim to apply the skills I’ve gained from working in a high-stakes, collaborative environment to support Hillcroft in achieving its educational goals.