Introduction by the Chair of the Governing Body
Welcome, if you reached this page, then you have either clicked the wrong link or you’re curious about the governors.
We are the part of the Leehurst Swan family responsible for ensuring we comply with all the regulations that control the delivery of independent education. We also help set the vision and direction of the school, but probably the best part of our role is being encouragers and cheerleaders for the amazing staff who educate and care for your children. We get very excited when we see not only pupils, but also staff discovering and developing new skills and talents, achieving personal bests, and finding their voice.
We are all volunteers and bring our life skills and professional and educational qualifications to the task of governance. Some of us are parents of current or former pupils and some of us had no previous link with Leehurst Swan before becoming governors.
We are always looking for new governors to maintain and increase our skill set and expertise and would love to tell you more about what being a Leehurst Swan governor involves. So, if you’ve read this far and are still curious, just send an email to bursar@leehurstswan.org.uk with ‘Governors’ in the subject line and leave your contact details and we’ll be in touch.
Ms Tess Butler - Chair of the Governing Board
Chair of Governors
Tess Butler
Tess Butler joined as a Governor to Leehurst Swan in January 2025 and is the founder and CEO of Ruddy Nice, a UK-based company specializing in marketing, events, media, business consultancy, and public relations within the defense and aerospace sectors. With nearly 3 decades of experience in military simulation, training, and education, her passion for new technology and innovation is undiminished. She also serves as a director of Fight Club International, reflecting her dedication to advancing training methodologies in all professions.
A graduate in Russian and Soviet Studies (and a long stint as a teacher in Russia in the 1990s), Tess began her career working with the Royal Navy and British Army training schools through Vosper Thornycroft. She then served as head of Joint Capability Business Development at CAE UK, where she contributed to the central strategy board. Her career further expanded through collaborations with over 25 different militaries, leading to a period in the Middle East as an independent military training and technology consultant.
Demonstrating her commitment to training, education, innovation and collaboration, Tess launched the Defence Simulation Education and Training (DSET) conference in 2016. DSET has grown annually, providing a platform for military, industry, and academia to engage in meaningful collaboration and address sector challenges and has opened The Studio in Salisbury to support these endeavours for both professionals and young learners in Game Design and Coding. Tess is currently delivering her PhD in Strategic Thinking and Serious Games, and consults to NATO under this umbrella.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Tess grew up on a dairy farm in rural Gloucestershire and consequently is a huge fan of both rugby and wildlife! She is a parent to a child at Leehurst Swan. Her home also includes 2 ambivalent cats, a lively labrador, and a sleepy Royal Python.
*The Chair can be contacted via the Clerk to the Governors; bursar@leehurstswan.org.uk or c/o Leehurst Swan School, Campbell Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3BQ.
The Governing Body is responsible for determining the aims and overall conduct of the school. It sets and reviews the policies, plans and procedures to ensure the best possible education for both present and future pupils, including the finances. Details of individual governors can be found below. In addition, the Head and Bursar attend full governing body meetings. Each governor is a member of one or more committees and has selected an area of the curriculum, as an area of special interest.
The full Board of Governors meets three times a year (once a term) and has overall responsibility for ensuring compliance and monitoring progress against agreed targets. Members of the Board are: Governors of the School; Directors of the Company; and Trustees of the Charity.
Governor biographical details
Sarah Erven BSc (Hons)
Sarah is a seasoned leader with over 14 years of front-line experience in leadership development and organisational capability building, driving measurable improvements in workforce performance and business outcomes. As Global Head of Capability Management at Partners in Performance, she has a proven track record of designing and executing innovative learning and development strategies that enhance employee engagement, drive organisational growth, and align with business objectives.
Outside of work, Sarah lives in Stockbridge with her husband, Charlie, and their two children, Freya and Huwie. They love spending time outdoors, whether exploring the countryside on family walks with their energetic vizsla or relaxing in the garden. Sarah also served as a governor at Salisbury Cathedral School from August 2020 to August 2023.
Her expertise includes creating high-performing team cultures, developing strategic training programs, and driving diversity and inclusion initiatives. She’s passionate about fostering a culture of continuous learning and improving workforce performance through data-driven insights and tailored training methodologies.
Previously at JPMorgan Chase Bank & Co., Sarah led training initiatives for a workforce of 25,000 employees across EMEA, focusing on leadership development and process optimisation. Balancing professional drive with a love for the outdoors keeps her grounded and energised, helping her bring a thoughtful and innovative approach to work life balance.
Dr Candi Soames
Dr Candi Soames is a Patent Attorney by profession, having a first degree in Biochemistry and a D.phil in molecular immunology from St Anne's College and Green College, Oxford respectively.
After several years as a research fellow she entered the patent profession in 1998 and now runs her own firm Maschio & Soames IP Ltd, along with her business partner.
In her personal life she has twin boys, one at Leehurst Swan and one at the local grammar school. She enjoys horses and dressage and is also passionate about quality education. She has been a governor in a primary school in Hampshire for the last four years and now is keen to make a positive contribution to the wonderful nurturing environment of Leehurst Swan.
Mr William Howard
Committee Structure
Each committee has its own terms of reference and delegated responsibilities. In addition to the established committees, ad hoc working groups are sometimes formed to deal with specific issues delegated by the Board.
Education, Welfare & Personnel
The Education, Welfare & Personnel Committee oversees the quality of education provided both in terms of the makeup of the curriculum and the standards of teaching. It monitors teaching strategies employed, resources used, learning environment and standards of teaching provided, and extracurricular activities. Additionally it monitors Learning Support, Child Protection, Sex Education, Worship and Equal Opportunities. It further oversees the appointment and performance of staff, the performance management system, and the monitoring and review of Disciplinary, Capability and Grievance Procedures and Equal Opportunity Policy.
Finance and Estates
The Finance and Estates Committee is responsible for overseeing and advising upon all aspects of financial operation, financial management and prudent financial development in the school. The aim of the committee is to support the Governing Body in achieving their strategic and academic vision.
Health and Safety
This committee is responsible for the welfare, health and safety of pupils and staff and includes Governor representation.
Marketing
This committee includes Governor representation and co-ordinates all marketing activities of the school, including advertising, local and school events, market research and membership of ISC and other national organisations.
Risk and Compliance
The Risk and Compliance Committee has particular responsibility to assist and advise the Governing Body and school Senior Leadership Team in fulfilling corporate governance and independent oversight responsibilities in relation to the School’s management of risk, compliance with applicable legislation and standards, and its external regulatory reporting responsibilities.
