
Emma Balchin, Director of Professional Development and Sam Henson, Director of Policy and Communications will explore those tricky times when governing boards need to establish panels to exercise its functions relating to the pay, grievance, conduct and discipline, capability, suspension or dismissal of individual members of school staff.

Emma Balchin
Chief Executive
Emma has over 25 years of experience in education, leadership and school improvement and in leading professional development services. Emma has also governed and chaired across maintained schools, academy trusts and local academy committees.

Sam Henson
Deputy Chief Executive
Sam has been NGA's Deputy Chief Executive since January 2024 and previously worked as NGA's Director of Policy and Communications. Sam oversees NGA's policy, research, advocacy, external affairs and advice and guidance work. Sam works closely with and deputises for NGA's Chief Executive, leading the organisation to achieve positive change and drive influence at a national level through our policy and influencing work.
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