SWRAC Advisory Board Expertise in Governing & Support

The SWRAC Advisory Board has established stronger Governance with sharper and more purposeful Board arrangements.

The SWRAC Advisory Board is characterised by

  • A small committed Board appointed for their skills and experience
  • Clear Terms of Reference identifying the advisory nature of the Board and its responsibility for advising the company owners (the ultimate decision makers)
  • A schedule of meetings with pre-agreed agenda, written reports and timely minutes capturing key discussion and agreed actions
  • A supportive, open and, where necessary, challenging culture focussed on the achievement of aspirational aims and objectives
  • Conduct which stands up to scrutiny and sets a tone for the organisation as a whole

Board Objectives

  • Ensuring that there is a clear Organisational Vison
  • Scrutinising and Challenging Performance
  • Ensuring that the organisation is in good financial health
  • Ensuring high-quality teaching and learning
  • Considering and taking account of stakeholder views
  • Monitoring the effectiveness of key policies including:
    • Safeguarding & Prevent
    • Health & Safety
  • Ensuring effective staff performance management
  • Challenge, support and hold to account the Leadership & Senior Management Team
  • Provide Independent Scrutiny of SWRAC activities
  • Ensure Governing members are knowledgeable

Advisory Board Members

Rosie Knapper

I joined the SWRAC Advisory Board in July 2022 and am proud to be the link governor for SEND young people.  For the past 18 years I have worked in the education sector for the Learning & Skills Council and most recently for Dorset Council.  During this period, I was responsible for the quality and breadth of education for 16-18 year olds and adult education in schools, colleges and independent training providers.  I developed new post16 education provision, supported those not in education, employment or training and was strategic lead for ensuring independent careers education was available.  My most recent role was lead commissioner for the educational needs of SEND young people. I am passionate about supporting all young people to achieve their full potential and make good choices for their futures. I am also a parent governor at a local secondary school.

Stephen Young

I am proud and honoured to be a Governor at SWRAC. I believe my service in the Armed Forces and the experience I have gained working with vulnerable persons in the community is useful helping the organisation achieving its goals. I have run my own business for many years in the Engineering sector and I am a passionate supporter of good causes where I am a Patron and Ambassador for Charities in Dorset. In 2019 I became one of the founding Directors of Helping Homeless Veterans UK and was recently appointed as President of Tourism and Leisure in the Commonwealth Business Club promoting trade within the Commonwealth Countries.

Karen Dyke

I became a member of the SWRAC Advisory Board in October 2021 and am delighted to be able to support its Governance activities. After a career in finance, I moved into teaching and education management and continued my career within the education & training sector for nearly 30 years. During this time, I had the privilege of leading many high-adventure, survival trips around the world for students of all ages and abilities and have worked particularly closely with the areas of Construction and SEND. I feel passionate about supporting the opportunities offered to young people that allow them to develop and succeed in both life and work. As such, I am a Governor of a Dorset based FE College and hold similar roles for other Arts and Music related organisations, where I feel I can add value and support their vision. So, I am honored to now be part of the team at SWRAC and support the excellent provision they offer.

Martin Vowles

I joined the SWRAC Advisory Board in July 2017. I have worked in the education and training sector since 1984 and was Business Development Director of a Dorset based provider of independent careers guidance for young people and adults for 9 years until May 2017. I now work on a freelance basis to provide support to careers guidance companies and education and training providers in business development, funding applications and partnership working. I have also been Vice-Chair of Governors at a local school for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities since October 2007. I am a firm believer that all young people should be given the best chance to succeed in life and am committed to pursuing that goal in my role with SWRAC. I am a member of the Career Development Institute and the National Governance Association.