Andy Gibson- Head of Early Career Framework with Initial Teacher Training

What attracted you to this role?

I live locally and am keen to contribute to the successful strategy and management of the school, using my skills, knowledge and experience..

What is your current role?

I am Associate Director of Research & Innovation at Leeds Beckett University. My role is to increase our research and innovation income through partnership with the private, public and third sectors and the University.

What are you looking forward to the most?

Joining a great team of people on an exciting journey as the school transitions to its new home on Hyde Road; understanding how we as governors can be of most help along the way.

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I have been a volunteer youth worker for 28 years. I am passionate about supporting young people to know their value and reach their potential in every area of life.

It’s just a few weeks now until our new home at the Connell Campus will be complete!

So we wanted to show you what the journey has looked like 

As our school community grows we are going to be introducing you to some of our new faces!

What attracted you to this role?

The opportunity to be a governor in a new school!

What are you looking forward to the most about being a Governor?

Meeting all the students and staff.

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I have been recognised by the Prime Minister David Cameron for my community work in Moss Side, establishing projects that bring together and inspire young people in the local community, After seeing the devastating effect that gang violence have in the local area, I was inspired to bring about positive change in the community. I was so pleased to be named as a Point of Light.

For 15 years, I have done Youth Work in the community, running a popular youth club for young people, setting up activities to keep young people off the streets. I also founded a Performing arts group called KYSO, which is made up of around 89 young people from Moss Side. The group provides a purpose and an inspiration to troubled young people, and my role provides pastoral support, advice, and lessons in entrepreneurship. I am a Moss Side Ambassador, I was also the driving force behind the foundation of the Manchester Youth Council, prompting young people to engage in their community.

As our school community grows we are going to be introducing you to some of our new faces!

What attracted you to this role for the new school?

It’s a great opportunity to support the local community and promote the Co-op values to a wider audience. I strongly believe that a good education should be available to everyone and to be able to help support that offering in a brand new school is a major incentive.

What is your current role in Co-op/professionally and what does that entail?

I’m a solicitor in the in-house Co-op Group Legal Department. We act on behalf of all the Co-op Group businesses and work with our colleagues to deliver the commercial aims of the businesses by providing strategic legal advice. We often advise on risk and we deliver this in a way which is in keeping with our Co-op values.

What are you looking forward to the most about being a Governor?

Successfully completing the first academic year so we can take stock of the achievements of the school and assess how to maintain that momentum moving forward.

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I managed to complete the 3 peaks challenge in under 23 hours (although the muscle pain the following day is a permanent reminder to never do it again!).

We are so excited to welcome Helen Carroll to the Belle Vue team! Helen is Head of Community Strategy and Engagement at our sponsor, Co-op and was previously Vice-Chair at Co-op Academy North Manchester.

We asked a few questions so that you can get to know her better!

What do school governors do? 

School governors make sure there are high aspirations for the all the pupils and that they are achieving the best possible outcomes. Governors work with the school to both challenge and champion and need to be naturally inquisitive and have the ability to question and analyse, and a willingness to learn. A Governing body is at its best when it brings many different perspectives, experience and expertise together to all focusing on making the school the best it can be.

What attracted you to this role for the new school? 

I was previously the Vice-Chair of Co-op Academy North Manchester and immensely enjoyed my time as I was part of the journey that saw the academy move to a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating. I also have 12 year old twins who both attend the Co-op Academy of Walkden so I have got to see the positive impact of the Co-op Academies Trust both through the role of a governor and as a parent. The Co-op Academy Belle Vue is such a fantastic opportunity for us to build a Co-op school from the ground up and embed our Co-op values, the views and needs of the wider community and our experience from the wider trust. That is a journey I really wanted to be part of.

What is your current role in Co-op and what does that entail?

My current role at the Co-op is Head of Community Strategy and Engagement and that involves setting the plan for how the business can make a meaningful difference in communities through the issues that we tackle and the engagement of our colleagues, members and community causes. We are committed to making things fairer for people within and across communities and to do this we focus on 3 key missions to provide fair access to food, mental wellbeing support and education and employment for young people. It’s a hugely rewarding role and it’s great to be able to work together with our communities to make things fairer for all.

What are you looking forward to the most? 

I am most looking forward to working with the community to make sure that the school becomes a true community hub, providing an inspiring and enjoyable education, alongside providing vital community resources and facilities. I believe that a school is at the heart of a community and it’s not often that we get to come together to build one that can truly meet all its needs.

What is an interesting fact about yourself? 

I once starred in a Weetabix advert where myself and my hubby had to taste different toppings on our Weetabix every day for a week. We didn’t tell anyone that we had done the ad and when we appeared in the middle of X-Factor our phones went wild. Top tip: Nuts and yoghurt are awful on Weetabix!