Dr Charles Gordon - Chair 

I have been a Governor at Wimborne St Giles since 2022, and Chair of Governors since 2023. By day I am a consultant gastroenterologist at University Hospitals Dorset, where I have worked in for 16 years. It is from this that I have gained experience in management and oversight of small, medium and large projects and services. I work in several multidisciplinary teams and have a number of roles:

– I have always been involved in medical education, more recently around specialist endoscopy skills, and I teach on both local and national courses (and teach internationally as well)

– I provide clinical oversight and ensure quality of service in both local and community settings

– I provide educational and clinical oversight for clinicians of all grades in training

– I develop and deliver regional speciality treatments and services

– I am involved in service development at all levels, driving through changes for the benefit of all our patients in Dorset

As a doctor, issues around governance and safety are paramount in everything that we do, and it is this ethos that I bring to my role as a Governor at Wimborne St Giles

I am also the co-founder of 4 children, 2 of whom are/will be pupils at Wimborne St Giles. I think being a parent gives me some insight into the issues and challenges faced on all sides of education; as a parent of children at the school I clearly have a vested interest in it thriving!

With what little free time I get (and it seems to dwindle as the years go by) I am a keen countryman and love living in rural Dorset with my amazing wife Caroline and our 2 boys.

David Cabrini-Back - Parent Governor

My is David Cabrini-Back and I am a parent governor for the school. I am married to Sara and we have two children, one of which started at WSG in 2020.

We currently live in Verwood but I have been on the south coast all my life, coming from Southampton and living in Bournemouth before moving to Verwood in 2013.

Professionally, I am currently a Physiotherapist at University Hospitals Dorset, but I have had two career changes. I started as a Chiropractor in 2004. After a period of time, I finished this and I then completed my PGCE in secondary school science teaching before working at a school on the edge of Southampton. I then completed my Physiotherapy degree at Bournemouth University before starting work at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

These careers have enabled me to develop a wide variety of skills and knowledge which I hope to bring to my role as governor. Safe-guarding, data-protection, team-working, leadership and a strong awareness of the wellbeing of staff are amongst those, but the most important skill I feel I have picked up is a person-centred approach to decision making. It is this I hope to bring with a child-centred approach to my role as governor.

Sue Heal – Foundation Governor

Term of office: 15.11.24 – 13.11.28

The joys of a state funded education in which high performing teachers ensured that learning was engaging, motivational and full of new experiences ignited in me a passion for lifelong learning and inspired me to train as a teacher. Across a career of 36 years, I worked in schools as a teacher, headteacher and leadership consultant. Work in the latter posts allowed me to serve schools of different size, socioeconomic makeup and religious character, building a deep knowledge and understanding of factors that contribute to education that has high impact for all. My experience includes leadership of schools recognised by Ofsted as providing outstanding provision, as well as settings identified as having serious weaknesses which required empowering leadership to bring about rapid and sustainable improvement.

For 15 years I fulfilled the roles of SENDCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead for the schools in which I worked as a leader. Experience accrued in these positions enables me to make a tangible contribution to discussion and action that promotes diversity and inclusion and fosters a culture where no individual or group is disadvantaged or treated less favourably than others.

On retirement in August 2023, I moved to Dorset and am now happily settled in the town of Verwood where I live with my sister and our rescue dog called Wolfie, who come rain or shine, loves forest walks and romps along Dorset’s stunning beaches. I enjoy gardening and have recently acquired a sewing machine with the intention of nurturing my creative skills!

I visited Wimborne St Giles for the 2024 Scarecrow Trail, which I enjoyed greatly and was most impressed by the positive energy that ran through the community. Eighteen months into my retirement and missing contact with children, staff and the communities schools serve, I decided to seek a role in a school once again, but this time as a governor. On the back of the pleasure I gained from participating in the Scarecrow Trail, I was delighted to be offered a position as a Foundation Governor at Wimborne St Giles First School and Nursery where I join an active team of governors dedicated to securing next step developments for a school that is already serving pupils well. With time to give, I am committed to using my knowledge, skills and personal qualities to support the strategic development of the school and, along with my fellow governors, will work closely with the Headteacher in a continuous cycle of raising standards of achievement for all pupils and ensuring that limited resources are effectively used.

Jenni Lawford - Staff Governor

Before teaching, I spent 16 years working for an American investment bank in a variety of roles. I began as a New Business Analyst, developing a solid foundation in market research and financial analysis and quickly becoming known for a meticulous approach to data. Later, I moved into client onboarding, where I learned to balance technical knowledge with a warm communication style, consistently creating smooth and efficient transitions for new and existing clients. My final role was as Client Service Manager, where I combined an understanding of banking operations with a commitment to client success, addressing challenges and nurturing long-term relationships.

In 2012, I decided to change careers, leave banking, and pursue teaching—something I’d wanted to do since childhood. I attended Winchester University, where I earned a 2:1 BEd in Primary Education, specialising  in English with supplementary modules in maths teaching. It was the best decision I’ve ever made!

Teaching brings a unique joy in inspiring curiosity in young minds. I am an enthusiastic teacher, feel privileged to work with children, and often wish I had changed careers much sooner! I believe in creating calm, focused environments in the classroom and helping all students make progress.

There’s deep satisfaction in watching students grow, gain confidence, and overcome challenges, knowing you’ve contributed to their journey. Schools can create a positive impact that ripples through families and generations.

WSG is a wonderful school led by Mrs. Hill, the headteacher, the governors and wider team. It is dedicated to children enjoying their education and having rich learning experiences both within and beyond academics. I am delighted to be here and serve as an Assistant Head. I lead the subjects of maths, science, geography, D&T and art.

Outside work, I am a struggling yoga enthusiast and enjoy cooking and singing. Jon and I regularly spend time with family including my 2 nieces and love going on walks with our French bulldog, Roxy.

Milly Warner - Foundation Governor

My name is Milly Warner and I am an appointed Foundation Governor as well as a parent of a child at WSG. I live in Verwood with my husband Nick, our 5 year old son, a very bouncy Labrador and two old grumpy cats. 

For work, I am a director in a neuroscience and behavioural science research agency. This is a fascinating role which allows me to experience great depth of insight into how people behave, react and make decisions across a wide variety of situations and to uncover deep human understanding through the sciences we use. I currently spend my time between Winchester and London alongside working from home but work with large clients from across the world. This role really provides me with a wealth of skills that I can bring to the governor role including senior leadership, team collaboration, strategic decision making, data analysis and critical thinking.

As a Foundation Governor, I am especially interested in preserving and helping enhance the religious character of the school and working closely with Mrs Hill to ensure that the school's deep Christian character is well understood amongst the children of all faiths, and none. I became a Christian as an adult following an Alpha course at my local church around 10 years ago and volunteered with the Sleep Safe team over the winter for several years helping those who are experiencing homelessness. This was a very rewarding role allowing me to help guide people spiritually, and practically, in times of hardship and help people to navigate their own individual journeys through faith. 

I wanted to apply for the role as Foundation Governor because I am really passionate about the education of young people. I adore the ethos, culture, faith and nurturing support that Wimborne St Giles offers to all of its pupils which encourages them to flourish as individuals at such an important early age, and I wanted to offer my skills and commitment to help the school continue to evolve and thrive for the future.