Life Guardians

Before I got involved with the Life Guardians (LG) I didn’t fully understand their role or appreciate where they fitted into the Foundation’s hierarchy. Now that I know, I will attempt to share my understanding in the hope that it might encourage other OMs to get involved.

The Life Guardian’s committee comprises a group of Old Millhillians who have a shared motivation to give something back to the school. We are officially ‘stakeholders’ in the Foundation which translates as taking active interest in supporting the Court of Governors* and the Heads of the Foundation Schools. Our aim is to contribute to its continued success and progress.

Life Governors, as they were originally known, date back to 1869. The role was open to those who made a significant financial contribution to the Foundation or who gained a university degree, a rare attainment in the 1860s. The role was formalised in 1997 when the Foundation was incorporated as a limited company by guarantee. There are approximately 130 Life Guardians – so called since 2011 - and the committee currently consists of 8 members.

Our responsibilities are to:

• Provide up to five members of the Court of Governors

• Elect the members of the Life Guardians Committee

• Elect new Governors to the Court of Governors

• Re-elect current Governors to the Court of Governors

• Receive an Annual Report of the Foundation’s Academic and Financial Performance from the Chairperson of the Court of Governors and the Head

• Provide Trustees to the McClure Memorial Trust (scholarship fund)

As you will see, there is potential for LGs to go on to join the Court of Governors. The list of potential candidates is maintained by the LG committee. The election of Governors is effected at our annual meeting which is attended by the Chairman of the Court and the Headmaster. This is where it can get really interesting because the Chairperson, CEO and the Head deliver reports and we are able to ask questions. This can on occasions lead to lively debate!

That last bullet point about the McClure Memorial Trust is a clear indication of how we help nurture the Foundation. It was one of the stand-out duties of the committee that led me to join. Of course, managing, maintaining and helping to provide a scholarship for a talented pupil to join is a rewarding outcome. We’re very lucky to have such generous members who contribute on a regular basis to help the fund grow. They also make a valuable contribution to the ongoing academic and financial success of the Foundation.

Membership of the LGs is open to all former pupils of Mill Hill Foundation Schools. Given the nature of what the Committee and its members champion, a donation of £250 or more is requested and can be made either as a single payment or as a standing order of at least £50 a year for 5 years. Those who apply are then considered at the next meeting of the LG committee, and if approved are elected.

If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact: Ian Lowden, Deputy Chair of the Life Guardians Further information can be found here; www.lifeguardians.co.uk

*The Court of Governors is the body that run the MHS Foundation