Inspirational workshop facilitator
I took so much away from the conference. Linda Watkins, in particular, delivered a very inspiring workshop about governance in Multi Academy Trusts.
Delegate, Sixth Form College Association’s Governance Professionals’ Conference: January 2025
Professional and collaborative
Kay is one of the most professional, capable and personable people I have ever had the pleasure to work with. She engages teams with a collaborative approach drawing the best out of individuals. She embodies a rare blend of qualities and abilities and will be a credit to any organisations fortunate enough to work with her.
Operations Director, Community Interest Company
Approachable mentor
At a point in my career where I wished to make a real change, Linda supported me with expert advice and guidance, mentoring me during 10 sessions, which were online throughout a year. We identified what I wanted to achieve from mentoring. She provided me with the skills and confidence to develop to director level. I could not have achieved this without her regular and ongoing support.
Director of Governance, Further Education Sector
Supportive mentor
Kay has been my mentor for the last 2 years. Due to her expertise in mentoring and providing relevant and meaningful support, I have grown in confidence, and progressed in my career beyond my expectations. Kay is professional and knowledgeable, but easy to talk to. She has helped me realise my potential and achieve my goals in a short space of time. I would recommend Kay as a high quality mentor.
Mentee, Charity Project Manager
Insightful governance review
Linda carried out a review of our governance with the utmost professional integrity. Linda is focused, efficient and reliable and her broad skills and knowledge never failed to instil confidence in the Board and the executive leadership team. Linda provided valuable insight and guidance into where improvements in our governance could be achieved, and her report was constructive, pragmatic and relevant. Linda was able to articulate her recommendations positively and with clarity, resulting in a clear development plan which supported our governance to become more effective and impactful. Linda is committed to providing a quality service and working with her was a real privilege.
Director of Governance, Further Education College
Policy and procedures development
Kay supported our charity in the aftermath of the pandemic. There were many policies and procedures that needed to be put in place, modernised or professionalised, which Kay set about doing in a thoughtful and collaborative way. She had a knack of getting an understanding of any legacy issues and sensitively resolving them with a clarity very much appreciated by the team. Thoughtful, thorough, warm and ambitious – a devasting combination!
Director, Arts charity
Superb communicator
Linda provides reassurance of governance in the Trust in terms of quality, competence and collegiality. Her communication is superb – concise and clear.
Chair, Multi Academy Trust
Diverse Board recruitment
Kay has successfully led on recruitment to our Board, ensuring that all governor vacancies have been filled with a broad and diverse range of people, bringing a range of skills and backgrounds to tackle the work of the Corporation. She provides excellent professional advice, particularly on matters of compliance, leads on the induction of new governors, and manages the delivery of all mandatory training, such as safeguarding.
Chair, Governance and Search Committee
