Testimonials

Working with Sue has been invaluable for me as a new headteacher and for our entire governing board. She understands that effective governance is a team effort and she takes time to get to know the school and the people within it. Sue builds strong relationships with governors as individuals and as a group, and she supports both new and experienced governors with the same care, clarity and professionalism.
Her depth of experience shines through in the way she guides and coaches the board, helping them carry out their roles with confidence and purpose. For me personally, her advice and steady support have made a real difference during my first year of headship. She brings a calm and thoughtful presence and always seems to know exactly what is needed.
I would confidently recommend Sue to any school looking for a clerk who strengthens governance, builds strong relationships and becomes a valued part of the team.

We are so pleased that we have employed the services of Sue as our clerk. She is extremely knowledgeable and professional. The minutes are accurate and a true reflection of the meetings. Her help with Ofsted was invaluable.

I first began working with Suzanne in January 2024 when I joined the governing body where she held the role of Clerk to the Governors. I have always found Suzanne to be a consummate professional, with total dedication to her role and the schools she works with. She is highly knowledgeable, bringing her expertise in both governance, and business management to her role, offering advice and support at every turn, without ever seeming pushy. She is approachable and friendly and has been a great support to me personally since I took on the role of Chair of Governors. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Suzanne for any governance role.

'Having worked with Sue over the past 12 months on a protracted, complex and vexatious complaints issue, I have appreciated her efficient and effective manner in ensuring that due process was followed and always going the extra mile to keep the involved parties informed and engaged in all aspects of the situation. Always professional, calm and an invaluable guide and adviser through due process, statutory guidance with an extensive knowledge, skills and contact base.'

Our school has worked with Sue Hawkshaw for the last 4 years. We decided to go with Governance for Growth because the vision that Sue shared with us of how she wants to work with schools was something that we were looking for. We nave never regretted our decision.
Sue is always thoroughly prepared for meetings. She captures what is said with accuracy and offers up to date advice and support.
Sue’s positive ‘can do’ attitude enables us to get on with the business of improving our school. She is indeed a valued member of our governance team and provides an invaluable service for us at Holy Trinity.

Firstly, I want to thank you for your work, we rely on you, and you are engaged as a trusted advisor to the school and you have never let us down. One of the things we most benefit from is that you are part of other governing bodies, and that you can bring that experience to our meetings and structures. I like it that you feel empowered to contribute to meetings.

I have been a governor at many schools over the last 40 years, and can honestly say that Sue Hawkshaw
delivers an outstanding service at my present school with a professionalism of the highest standards linked,
to a friendly and genuinely caring approach towards pupils,staff,visitors and governors, and can highly recommend
Sue if your considering a valuable addition to your team.

We have used Leeds Governance for Growth for Clerking at our Academy Education Advisory Body meetings since February 2017.
We have been delighted with the service provided and would highly recommend the company. Meeting notes are taken with accuracy and delivered on time to a high standard with an appropriate level of Governor challenge accurately captured.

The level of support provided is customisable to the individual requirements, from minute taking only, to offering advice on matters of Governance if required.

Sue’s organisational skills and knowledge of governance allows the Governing body to fulfill their role and function effectively. As chair, I never have to remember dates or agendas as Sue is constantly working in the background to ensure all these details are shared. At meetings, I can always rely on Sue to offer advice as required and with her vast experience and knowledge of governance across the city, this is always appreciated. The way that she has transformed the minutes of our meetings and the advice she has given us regarding effective governance has had a significant impact.

As a Headteacher attending meetings with Sue as the clerk it was clear she had a wealth of knowledge to support Headteachers and other professionals. When I recently became Co-Chair of EAIP it was clear that what I’d seen was only the tip of the iceberg in terms of how knowledgeable and professional Sue actually was. She has been able to offer support and challenge to ensure that I was able to be the best that I could be. Sue is confident and competent and a huge asset. It’s a pleasure to work in partnership with her.

Sue has a breadth of experience and expertise. She is not only a really good listener and can capture the essence of meetings but also knows the statutory needs of a meeting. Sue has also contributed to the strategic vision for the East Area Inclusion Partnership.
She is efficient, effective and reliable. I cannot endorse her services enough.

When I recently became Co-Chair of EAIP I was very impressed by the knowledge and expertise that Sue so generously and professionally provided. Sue covers a wide range of areas and as such is a real asset to all meetings she is part of, including the secondary FAP and Sub Inclusion panel.
I wholeheartedly recommend her to you.