Testimonials

Joanne Coombe
School Business Manager
LA maintained primary school

GDPR and Data Protection Officer Services

We are very satisfied with the level of service you provide. All the information included in the toolkit made the whole GDPR transition process at lot easier.

Although there was a lot of work to ensure the school was compliant, your advice was easy to understand and helped us, every step of the way. We were confident knowing that your level of knowledge in this area, was second to none. We feel we are now able to deal with requests for information, from different parties etc. with much more confidence than before. Our procedures for processing/transferring data are now more rigorous. Staff are very aware of the importance of how to deal with any data in the school and adhere to the protocols and/or take advice when required.

The documents were very concise and easy to use. The useful information sheets for staff and governors were a tremendous help and are used as part of our regular staff training and updates.

You have been very helpful, when we have needed advice and information, especially in the early stages of the process. We had many questions from worried staff and governors and you answered them quickly and efficiently.

The service is great value for money. I don’t think we would have been able to get through this process so smoothly, if we had not had the level of help and advice from your company.

I would definitely recommend you, for all of the reasons above!

Judi O’Leary
CEO Shine MAT
Primary School MAT

I have been privileged to receive John Walkers expertise, support and excellent legal service for over six years. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

I was the Headteacher of Whitemoor Academy in Nottingham in 2012 when the decision to convert to academy status was taken We chose to appoint John Walker as the solicitor to lead us through the process . We were initially impressed by John ‘s unique ‘personal’ approach alongside his obvious in depth knowledge and excellent track record.

Our instinct was born out. John takes time and effort to get to know everyone involved in the process and to ensure that everyone understands their role, what is expected of them and in what time scale.

In this way, any stress and misconceptions are minimised and all feel involved, supported and fully informed.

In 2016 when SHINE Multi Academy Trust was formed with Whitemoor as the founding school, it was an easy decision that we continue to use John’s services to manage the conversion process for all future schools joining the Trust.

John is presently supporting a fifth school who are joining in his usual sensitive and supportive fashion.

Apart from academisation, John’s knowledge of all aspects of education law is second to none
In the last six years we have sought his advice and received excellent training on a range of subjects : governance , SEND, exclusions, attendance to name but a few.

We know the advice we receive will be sound, pragmatic and above all compliant!
In short, having John as a valued advisor to SHINE is reassuring, inspiring and helps me, as CEO, sleep better at night!

Gaynor Hall
School Business Manager
Special School

As a Senior Leadership team in school we are very happy with your service and the turnaround of issues raised. You are always very quick to respond with common sense approach to queries. We have recommended your services to others on a number of occasions and will continue to do so.

Julie McBrearty
CEO of a Secondary SAT

John was very responsive in helping to prepare for a scheduled court case. This was unknown territory to us so John was patient, explicit and clear with the instructions. I was very pleased with the service.

John provided absolute clarity and I was very impressed with how accessible John was in terms of communications late in the evening and at the weekend to ensure deadlines were met.

John has an extensive knowledge base regarding school procedures. It is like talking to a fellow Headteacher.

Liam Powell
Secondary Headteacher

We received a prompt and clear service with guidance on all of the key issues involved. We were taken through a complex process that was made as simple as possible by John.

The advice was easy to understand albeit complex in nature. The legal technicalities were broken down into a straightforward format which enabled our school and leaders to remain focused on our core responsibilities

We were kept fully up to date throughout. John was easy to contact and prompt with replies to requests for advice and additional information. His service represents excellent value for money.

Rob Gooding
CEO – Rutland Learning Trust
Primary School MAT

John always provides an excellent level of service. Nothing is ever too much trouble. I cannot speak highly enough of the service he provides to our team. John’s approach is bespoke, professional and refreshingly positive!

John provides a step by step process which is very clear to understand and follow. John provides documentation that is always of a high standard.
If there is anything that does requires further explanation he is approachable and swift in his response.

In a climate where every penny counts, John provides exceptional value for money.

I would recommend John unreservedly and without hesitation. He is my go-to guy.
John inculcates a sense of calm with his professionalism and well-considered approach. He is an asset to our team and I don’t think we could do without him.