Governance and Leadership

Donovan Spencer, who was the first black person to be born in Chesterfield, qualified as a teacher with a Leeds University B.Ed. Hons Degree in 1980. He has an extensive and varied teaching experience in seven schools across six local authorities – including Inner City London and Inner-City Nottingham.  He worked in two schools, totaling ten years as Head of PE, three years as an Assistant Headteacher, four years as a Deputy Headteacher, and fourteen years as a Headteacher.  His qualifications include an MA in Educational Management and Development, the NPQH and the LPSH. He is a strong advocate for comprehensive education and strongly believes that every child has the capacity to achieve well given the right circumstances and support – regardless of their background.  Having worked as a Governor in four schools,  Donovan is committed to helping young people succeed be creating the right conditions for every learner to achieve beyond expectations.

Ceri Graham has spent 25 years working in secondary education in Mansfield, serving as a Science Teacher, Head of Year for 18 years, and SENCO for three years. She is deeply passionate about inclusion and dedicated to supporting students with SEND.

Ike joined Portland Charity in 2017. He is an experienced manager and social care professional with extensive operational knowledge of social work principles, CQC regulatory standards, partnership working, techniques and best practices and their application to different social care settings with a variety of individual needs. He oversees delivery of care support within Portland Freedom. 

Mark joined Portland Charity in 2006 and is the CEO of the Charity. He was previously Associate Professor of Education and Deputy Head of the School of Education at the University of Nottingham. Mark has held a number of Board positions including Vice Chair of Natspec.

Daniel joined Portland Charity in 2024 after working as a Director of Finance within the Special Educational Needs sector. He has clear dedication for fostering a culture of financial integrity and regulatory excellence. Working within the charity sector since 2012, he now leads the Finance and Compliance domains across the Portland Charity Group.

Ellie is an experienced English teacher with a PGCE and QTS. She has worked in a variety of settings specialising in SEND, including Alternative Provision, Secondary Education, Behaviour Support Units, and School-Centred Initial Teacher Training at both school and trust levels.

Ellie began her teaching career in secondary English education and soon went on to coordinate an Alternative Provision Unit within a large trust. Alongside her professional experience, she has completed an MA in Education Leadership and Management, as well as an NPQ in Leading Teacher Development.
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Before becoming Headteacher, Ellie led the Quality of Education and Curriculum at Pollyteach.

Debbie holds a Level 5 Certificate in Education and QTLS. She began her career in education as a Teaching Assistant and was part of the original Pollyteach cohort to upskill and complete the QTLS process. 
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With extensive management experience, Debbie has successfully overseen and coordinated a main school site through Pollyteach’s most recent Ofsted inspection. She has also played a key role in training several Pollyteach staff members, many of whom are now qualified professionals.

Most recently, Debbie completed her NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture and has begun applying this knowledge to support Pollyteach’s transition to a Trauma-Informed provision.

​​Becky joined Pollyteach in 2018 , having previously worked in Further Education providing specialist student support for those with a range of special educational needs and disabilities.

She has a passion for inclusive education and raising expectations among disadvantaged children and young people.

Becky is working towards NASENCO qualification.