From the day job to school governor
Article posted on: 15 October 2024
In the week which hosts Education Estates 2024, we talk to Jeremy Silvester about how his professional role overlaps his ambition to create the very best learning environment within his community.
Head to our Birmingham office and you’ll find Divisional Director, Jeremy busy at work leading project teams and providing building services engineering solutions for clients on high-profile schemes across the Midlands region, and nationally. A complementary mix of engineering knowledge with a particular ‘low carbon’ focus, contractor design/delivery experience and client-side management bring a strong holistic offering to the team since he joined Clancy in 2023. But his professional skills don’t just stop at the day job.
40-miles down the road from the office and Stratford-upon-Avon beckons, Jeremy’s hometown.
“I’ve always been passionate about integrating into the community where I live and wanted to combine my professional knowledge with supporting local initiatives. Three years ago, I applied for the role of Parent Governor at my local primary school, and subsequently joined the Board with a particular focus on building facilities.”
Jeremy commented that the very essence of a successful Board of Governors is bringing together a variety of skillsets and perspectives to ensure strategic oversight. “A diverse range of professionals across the Board makes my school tick – from accountants and HR advisors to construction professionals and business strategists. Our role is to act as a ‘critical friend’ to advise, challenge, provide direction and guarantee accountability.”
With sleeves rolled up, Jeremy led the charge on ensuring the school was equipped to offer the very best learning environment for pupils and teaching staff alike. At the time, various areas of improvement were in need due to rotten window frames in the 1950s ‘temporary’ extension, poor ventilation, condensation throughout, and an aged roof in need of replacement.
A building survey identified items in need of repair and maintenance and, with a detailed report drafted, Jeremy started to lobby his local authority to gain investment. “With pupil numbers at a premium and the local authority designating Section 106 funds to other projects, I was keen that the school should be given our fair share of local authority funding to allow essential refurbishment and maintenance works to be carried out.
“I can’t say it was a speedy process, however I worked with the Council to eventually unlock a variety of funding streams for the supply and installation of new windows, doors and curtain walling, which were integral to creating a comfortable, and healthy environment. Negotiations with local building merchants also resulted in donations of paint, wood resin and other materials. It became a real community initiative with all hands on deck during the summer holidays to ensure the school building could enjoy its next chapter.”
Since the works have been completed, feedback from the teaching staff and pupils has been superb. Simply being sat in warm, comfortable, well-ventilated classrooms has made a significant improvement to pupil performance, concentration levels, and creativity.
“I would encourage anyone to use their spare time to offer their unique skills to support community initiatives and local facilities; whether it’s effectively using professional knowledge or simply helping local schools or charities with painting or gardening via work volunteer days. This additional support can really make a difference, where stretched resources are often the case, and should be championed to ensure community buildings and spaces are safeguarded for the future.
“Oh, and we have a new roof on the agenda for next year!”
