What is an independent review panel member for schools?

An independent review panel member is an external person appointed to sit on a formal school panel, such as an IRP following a permanent exclusion, who has no connection to the school or the individuals involved.

Can London Governance supply panel members for disciplinary hearings?

Yes. In addition to IRPs, our panel members are available for disciplinary hearings, grievance panels, capability hearings, and staff appeals.

How do I book an independent panel member?

Use our contact form on this page or email hello@ldngov.co.uk. Include the panel type, date, and location and we will confirm availability and the right panel member for your needs.

London Governance > Services > Independent Panel Members

Independent Panel Members for Schools

Q: What roles are needed on an IRP panel?

Under the School Discipline Regulations 2012, an IRP must include a lay member, a serving or former headteacher, and a serving or former governor. London Governance can supply any or all of these.

When a panel needs to be properly constituted, London Governance supplies experienced, independent panel members to schools and trusts across London and the wider UK. We match the right person to your needs and manage the coordination on your behalf.

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Independent Panel Members for Schools Across the UK

Independent panel members are external individuals appointed to sit on formal school panels. Their independence - from the school, the staff involved, and the circumstances of the case - is what gives the process its integrity.

For Independent Review Panels (IRPs), the School Discipline (Pupil Exclusions and Reviews) (England) Regulations 2012 requires a specific composition: a lay member, a serving or former headteacher, and a serving or former governor. London Governance can supply any or all of these roles.

Independent panel members are also used in disciplinary and grievance hearings, capability panels, and staff appeals, wherever external oversight or a demonstrably impartial process is required.

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Why Use London Governance?

Our panel members are experienced in their respective roles and familiar with the expectations, processes, and pressures of school governance. They understand how to ask the right questions, assess evidence fairly, and reach balanced, well-reasoned decisions.

We handle coordination, matching the right panel member to your needs
We confirm availability and brief all parties ahead of the hearing
Our members are fully independent of your school and the case
We ensure your IRP or panel is correctly constituted from the outset
Trusted by schools, trusts, and Local Authority HR partners across London and the wider UK

Find Out How We Can Help

London Governance works with schools and trusts across London and the wider UK. Whether you need a panel member at short notice or want to plan ahead for an upcoming hearing, get in touch and we will confirm availability and next steps.

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Our Panel Members

Browse our panel members below, or contact us and we'll recommend the right person for your needs.

Tracy Simmons

Governance Professional

With a rich background in the professional services sector, Tracy excels in building, motivating, and uniting teams for enhanced collaboration and results. Known for her common-sense approach, transparent leadership style, and strong focus on governance, Tracy is a skilled networker, adept at building key relationships.

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Liz Rousou

Governance Professional

Liz is an expert at dealing with high profile and sensitive workplace issues; such as HR transformation, large-scale restructures or individual complex cases.

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Wendy Kravetz

Governance Professional

Wendy is a Chair of Governors, charity leader, Non-Executive Director, and governance professional, with over 20 years of corporate HR experience.

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