Testimonials

Here is a selection of testimonials in relation to what has been said about Fred Hancock and the services provided by SAAS.

My name is Graham Quinn. I am a retired Primary School Headteacher and former Deputy Superintendent Registrar who has spent a number of years as a Panel Member for both Sandwell and Walsall Appeals Panels.

I have known Fred Hancock since he was employed by Sandwell MBC to oversee the process of the Authority’s School Appeals system.

From the beginning, he was thorough, diligent, conscientious and innovative. He has presence with an ability to articulate complicated procedures in a straightforward manner without sounding patronising or condescending. He is a good listener but will always efficiently balance any argument with legal facts and direction. He has a complete grasp of the School Admissions Code and the School Appeal’s Code as well as all of the supporting Government Guidelines which impact on these directives. He understands the key issues in the process and the ‘grey’ areas which are open to interpretation. He will always give sound advice and guidance. In order to support Panel members he has produced flow charts and explanatory paragraphs which can be used as concrete reference points in the process. He also familiarises himself with all the ‘School Adjudicator’ reports, analysing their impact on the system and the way Panels make their decisions.

In essence, he is, in my opinion, a perfect presenter and communicator. You would have to go a long way to get anyone else as accomplished and would find it almost impossible to find someone better. I can recommend him to you, without reservation, and would wish him every success in his future endeavours.

Mr G Quinn - Former Head Teacher and Panel Member

I have worked with Fred for many years as a volunteer in school admissions, he is very knowledgeable and professional in all things school appeals.

Fred is a font of knowledge that is always backed by facts.

Fred is exceptionally well educated and passionate about all things school appeals this comes across when he is clerking on a school appeals hearing in his meticulous planning and preparation and also in his ability to plan and prepare for a hearing.

Since Fred took over his new role he has listened to what volunteers have said and as a testament to his character and personality, a lot of volunteers are now helping him from other areas as he is a genuinely nice bloke with a caring heart.

The guidance he offers in his role is always supportive and factual and he is exceptionally well-educated about school appeals, he demonstrates this in the guidance he offers panel members in appeal hearings ensuring that we are complying with the school admissions appeals code as well as any help we might need deciphering the appeals process.

The guidance he offers me as a volunteer has enabled me to flourish in confidence and this is due to Fred’s patience and wisdom in helping me get my head around the process and the procedure of appeals. Fred has done this through not only one-to-one coaching but also through group training and providing training through external agencies so that the volunteers are fully equipped to do their best in appeals.

Fred is exceptionally professional never losing professionalism even in some of the most heated and difficult appeals, he always stays calm and composed and supportive to not only us as volunteers but the families who are going through the process always remaining professional and calm.

I have learnt so much from Fred over the years that I now put into practice myself whilst volunteering such as his ability to keep calm in awkward situations and also his ability to base decisions on fact and process and not on emotion.

Fred is amazing at keeping the volunteers up to date with new legislation and ensuring that all of us are compliant with training and current legislative updates or changes.

Mrs E Robins - Panel Member

I have known Mr Fred Hancock in a personal capacity for nearly 8 years whilst sitting regularly as an independent panel member for School Admission Appeals and School Exclusions.

His exceptional knowledge and attention to detail, with regard to the appropriate Law and both Statutory and Non-Statutory Guidance is first class, and I have found that he always makes a sustained and consistent effort to provide up-to-date advice in line with current legislation and practice, and to ensure that all those he is responsible for, do likewise.

I can testify to Fred’s management and leadership skills and his determined drive to improve and move forward his team with enthusiasm, in whatever department he has responsibility for. I have always found him to be an energetic, conscientious and caring person. He has wide-ranging experience of the many social issues and concerns in our multi-cultural society and has an even-handed common-sense approach in all his interactions and dealings with people.

Reverend T Ward - Panel Member

I have worked with Fred for a number of years now, particularly around his exclusions work.

He is the ultimate professional and is very precise in ensuring that all legislation and guidance are followed carefully. He has an in-depth knowledge of this and is able to advise professionals accordingly. He also knows when and how to seek advice should it be needed. In independent Review Panels, he maintains an appropriate level of impartiality which is crucial. I have attended training with Fred on undertaking IRPs and he is skilled at supporting those on the panel through this training. In addition, he is friendly and great to work with. I would highly recommend him. He's our expert!

Mrs C Draper - Primary School Headteacher

As an independent panel member I have worked with Fred on many appeals.

He is always very professional and diligent, supporting panel members in applying the appeals' protocols and processes fairly for schools and appellants. He is extremely knowledgeable about Schools Admissions Appeals and I recommend his Appeals Training advocacy and consultancy services unreservedly. Elaine Maher, independent panel member.

Mrs E Maher - Panel Member

I have oversight of the Admission Appeals to the Queen Mary Grammar Schools

I have worked with Fred for over five years and have always found him to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable in terms of the whole appeals process.

Mr D Milne - Admissions Officer for Queen Mary Grammar Schools

I have known Mr Hancock for over 20 years. One of my first Appeal Hearings was with Mr Hancock acting as our clerk to the panel.

Mr Hancock has a wealth of experience within the school and legal framework. He is an amazing trainer. I've been trained by Mr Hancock and I rate him 100% for his knowledge and skills to deliver Appeals training programmes.

Mr M Singh - Panel Member

I Have known Fred for 5 years since I started doing school appeals.

I have always found him a very fair and trustworthy person, always on the other end of the phone or email to help with any issues or concerns that may arise in appeals.

Mrs P Cole - Panel Member

I have been a volunteer member of the Walsall LEA appeal panel for close on thirty years.

I have had considerable experience of conducting appeals both as Lay Chairman and a Lay Member of the Panel. During this time the clerks have always been a useful source of reference when there was any uncertainty about the procedure or outcome of the appeals. In recent years Fred Hancock has been most helpful with clear and unambiguous advice both to the panel and to the other clerks when there have been any queries about the appeal process or the scope of the panel's remit.

Mrs G Shenton - Panel Member