Governors
The role of the governing body
The purpose of having a governing body is to:
- help the school to set high standards by planning for the school’s future and setting targets for school improvement
- support school improvement
- be a critical friend to the school, offering support and advice
- help the school respond to the needs of parents and the community
- make the school accountable to the public for what it does and what it costs
- work with the school on planning, developing policies and keeping the school under review
- exercise its responsibilities and powers in partnership with the headteacher and staff
- not intervene in the day-to-day management of the school unless there are weaknesses in the school, when it then has a duty to take action
- be a credible, representative and authoritative body, aligned to the school’s ethos and educational purpose
If you wish to contact the Governing Body you should write to the Chair of the Governing Body at the school address.
Meet the Governors
Graeme Snell – Parent – Chair
I’m a Co-Opted Governor, previously a Parent Governor, and with a son at the school. I’m the link governor for SEND and the Data Protection Officer for the school. This year, I’ve been elected as Chair of Governors. I’ve also been a governor at Pixies Hill primary school for a number of years.
I’ve spent most of my working life in the IT and telecommunications industry, in a variety of technical and business roles. In November 2019, I ‘semi-retired’ and started my own business renovating property and providing renovation consultancy.
Jonny Bugg – Parent – Vice Chair
I joined as a parent Governor in late 2019 as I was keen to play a wider role in the school community where my 3 daughters have enjoyed an excellent formal and extra curricular education since 2012 (my eldest left for Sheffield University this year). Having served as a youth Magistrate and worked in local and national government roles concerning children and young people, I am currently a senior civil servant in the Home Office. I hope I can support HHS using the governance and strategy experience I have gained in my work with public bodies such as schools and councils, as well as youth justice, police and fire services.
Rebecca Rose – Co-opted
I have lived locally in Hemel Hempstead for over 20 years and I am committed to being as involved as possible in the local community. I work in the local justice system with both youths and adults, have a large part in running a local tennis club in Bovingdon and I’m also a Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator. I have been a school governor since 2015. I have two children who have come right through The Hemel Hempstead School. My son is now at the University of Southampton studying Engineering and my daughter is studying at Drama School.
Lauren Rayner – Staff
I have been teaching since 2005 and the Head of Art at The Hemel Hempstead School since 2009. Having been a student at The Hemel Hempstead School and as member of staff, my personal connection to the school and the local community has driven my passion for wanting to be a part of the governing body. I was elected Staff Governor in September 2018. In this role I have worked closely with staff on a wellbeing project and I look forward to working in similar projects in the future, where we can continue to build on the success of a school that is a unique place to work, study and be part of.
Carol Felmingham – Co-opted
I was a parent governor for 4 years and then became a co-opted governor; I am a member of the resources committee and the Pay Review Panel. Born in Hemel Hempstead I grew up locally and now live in the Old Town with my son. After a long career in project management working on global IT implementations I moved into the education sector 4 years ago. After qualifying as a School Business Manager I am currently working in education HR.
Colin Lilley – Parent
I have been a Parent Governor since Dec 2019 and was recently elected Vice Chair of the Resource committee. I have also taken on the role of Link Governor for Health and Safety. Having lived in the town for many years I have always been aware of the school and so I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing success of the already excellent Hemel Hempstead School. I am married with two children – my daughter is at the school. My personal interests lie in the areas of outdoor pursuits, travelling and music.
Annie Marcuson – Parent
I have recently become a parent governor. My husband and I have 3 children, 2 of whom are now at The Hemel Hempstead School. Community minded and knowing that it takes a village to raise a child, I have been touched by the openness and welcoming atmosphere at HHS. I have been an actor for 25 years, working at the National, West End and touring, and in TV and film. I am also a vocal and presentation coach and use physical theatre in the development of businesses. I am committed to supporting the wellbeing of all members of the HHS community, in order that it continues to thrive.
Richard Martin – Partnership
I joined the governing board in January 2022 and have since been appointed to the Resources Committee and given Link Governor responsibility for the Budgetary Process. I have lived in Hemel Hempstead for the past 22 years and have two sons currently at university studying Business Management and Graphic Design. Most of my career has been spent in the technology sector where I’ve held a number of senior finance roles both in the UK and abroad. Hopefully I can support the school through my experience in addressing challenges and managing improvements in businesses. My personal interests are keeping fit, playing golf and squash, and listening to music.
The constitution of the governing body
The governing body meets together at full governing body meetings four times a year. Additionally three committees meet to further support work around pay & finance, curriculum & planning, and resources. There is an annual strategy and governor training day. The Headteacher and the Chair meet fortnightly. Governors are regular and enthusiastic visitors to the school and supporters of extra-curricular and after-school events.
During this academic year to constitution and attendance of the governing body, to date, is:
| Name, position and type. | Attendance Full Governing Body /3 | Attendance: Teaching committee /3 | Attendance: Resources committee /3 | Attendance: Pay committee /1 | Strategy & Training Days /2 | Term of office | Pecuniary interests declared |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graeme Snell. Chair of Governors. Co-opted. | to Oct 26 | Governor at Pixies Primary School. In a personal relationship with an employee of the school. Has a personal relationship with the clerk at Verulam School. Non executive director of Thrive Homes. | |||||
| Neil Hassell. Headteacher. | 1 | from Sep 18 | Has a personal relationship with a member of school staff, who is also a governor at one of our feeder schools. Adult Volunteer at Beds and Herts ACF who use school facilities. Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. Member of ASCL. |
||||
| Carol Felmingham. Co-opted. | 1 | to May 24 | Employee at Hobbs Hill Wood Primary School. | ||||
| Lauren Rayner. Chair of Standards Committee. Staff. | 1 | to Oct 26 | Has a personal relationship with a member of school staff. Has a family relationship with a member of school staff. Alumnus. |
||||
| Rebecca Rose. Co-opted. | 1 | to Sep 23 | Employee of the West and Central Hertfordshire Adult and Youth Court. | ||||
| Andrew Pennycook. Chair of Pay Committee. Local Authority. | 1 | to Oct 22 | Clerk of GB at South Hill Primary. Also receives reimbursement of costs for filming and supplying DVDs of school concerts and musicals. | ||||
| Colin Lilley. Vice Chair of Resources Committee. Parent. | 1 | to Nov 23 | |||||
| Jonny Bugg. Vice Chair of Governors. Parent. | 1 | to Oct 23 | Has a family relationship with a member of school staff. | ||||
| Annie Marcuson. Parent. | 1 | to Sep 24 | Former temporary employee of the school. Trustee of the Rudolf Steiner School Kings Langley Ltd. | ||||
| Richard Martin. Partnership. | 1 | to Jan 26 | |||||
| Vacancy | |||||||
| Vacancy |
During the academic year 2021 to 2022 this was the constitution and attendance of the governing body:
| Name, position and type. | Attendance Full Governing Body /3 | Attendance: Teaching committee /3 | Attendance: Resources committee /3 | Attendance: Pay committee /1 | Strategy & Training Days /2 Extraordinary GB /1 | Term of office | Pecuniary interests declared |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graeme Snell. Chair of Governors. Parent. | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | to Oct 22 | Is a governor at Pixies Primary School. In a personal relationship with an employee of the school. Has a personal relationship with the clerk at Veralum School. |
| Neil Hassell. Headteacher. | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 | from Sep 18 | Has a personal relationship with a member of school staff, who is also a governor at one of our feeder schools. Beds and Herts ACF who use school facilities. Dacorum Sub Aqua Club, who use school facilities . Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. Member of ASCL. |
| Carol Felmingham. Co-opted. | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | to May 24 | Employee at Hobbs Hill Wood Primary School | |
| Lauren Rayner. Chair of Standards Committee. Staff. | 2 | 3 | 2 | to Sep 22 | Has a personal relationship with a member of school staff. Has a family relationship with a member of school staff. Alumnus. |
||
| Rebecca Rose. Co-opted. | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | to Sep 23 | Employee of the West and Central Hertfordshire Adult and Youth Court. | |
| Andrew Pennycook. Chair of Pay Committee. Local Authority. | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | to Oct 22 | Clerk of GB at South Hill Primary. Also receives reimbursement of costs for filming and supplying DVDs of school concerts and musicals. |
| Colin Lilley. Vice Chair of Resources Committee. Parent. | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | to Nov 23 | ||
| Jonny Bugg. Vice Chair of Governors. Parent. | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | to Oct 23 | Has a family relationship with a member of school staff. |
| Annie Marcuson. Parent. | 3 | 3 | 2 | to Sep 24 | Former employee of the school. Trustee of the Rudolf Steiner School Kings Langley Ltd. | ||
| Preeti Chaudhary. Co-opted | 1 | to Feb 26 | |||||
| Richard Martin. Partnership. | 2 | 2 | 1 | to Jan 26 |
During the academic year 2020 to 2021 this was the constitution and attendance of the governing body:
| Name, position and type. | Attendance Full Governing Body /3 | Attendance: Teaching committee /3 | Attendance: Resources committee /3 | Attendance: Pay committee /1 | Strategy & Training Days /2 | Term of office | Pecuniary interests declared |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graeme Snell. Chair of Governors. Parent. | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | Oct 18 to Sep 22 | Is a governor at Pixies Primary School. In a personal relationship with an employee of the school. Has a personal relationship with the clerk at Veralum School. |
| Neil Hassell. Headteacher. | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | From Sep 18 | Has a personal relationship with a member of school staff, who is also a governor at one of our feeder schools. Beds and Herts ACF who use school facilities. Dacorum Sub Aqua Club, who use school facilities . Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. Member of ASCL. |
|
| Tim Jordan. Deputy Headteacher. | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Joy Ferguson. Co-opted. | 2 | 1 | 2 | Sep 15 to Aug 21 | Alumnus. Is an employee of Kings Langley School and Adeyfield Academy. | ||
| Carol Felmingham. Co-opted. | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | Apr 16 to Apr 23 | Employee at Hobbs Hill Wood Primary School | |
| Lauren Rayner. Chair of Standards Committee. Staff. | 3 | 3 | 2 | Sep 19 to Aug 23 | Has a personal relationship with a member of school staff. Has a family relationship with a member of school staff. Alumnus. |
||
| Rebecca Rose. Co-opted. | 3 | 3 | 2 | Sep 19 to Sep 23 | Employee of the West and Central Hertfordshire Adult and Youth Court. | ||
| Paul Stanbridge. Co-opted. | 3 | 1 | 2 | Sep 15 to Aug 21 | Previously employed by the school. | ||
| Sophie Masters. Parent. | 3 | 3 | 2 | Dec 17 to Dec 21 | Employed at South Hill Primary. Is in a personal relationship with a trustee at the South Hill Centre. | ||
| Andrew Pennycook. Chair of Pay Committee. Local Authority. | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | Oct 18 to Oct 22 | Clerk of GB at South Hill Primary. Also receive reimbursement of costs for filming and supplying DVDs of school concerts and musicals. |
| Colin Lilley. Vice Chair of Resources Committee. Parent. | 3 | 3 | 2 | Dec 19 to Dec 23 | |||
| Jonny Bugg. Vice Chair of Governors. Parent. | 3 | 3 | 2 | Oct 19 to Oct 23 | Has a family relationship with a member of school staff. | ||
| Jon Young. Co-opted. | 3 | 3 | 2 | Nov 20 to Oct 24 | Alumnus | ||
| Annie Marcuson. Parent. | 3 | 1 | 2 | Sep 20 to Aug 24 | Former employee of the school. Trustee of the Rudolf Steiner School Kings Langley Ltd. | ||
| Vacancy Partnership. | |||||||
| Rachael Donaldson. HfL Clerking Service | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | From Jan 2019 | Also clerk for Cassiobury JMI, The Reddings, Limewalk, St Albert the Great, McIntyre Independent School and Adeyfield Academy. |
During the academic year 2019 to 2020 this was the constitution and attendance of the governing body:
| Name | Position | Type of appointment | Attendance Full Governing Body /3 | Attendance: Teaching committee /2 | Attendance: Resources committee /4 | Attendance: Pay committee /1 | Strategy & Training Days /2 | Term of office | Pecuniary interests declared |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steven Mansbridge | Chair of Governors | Partnership | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | Mar 17 to Mar 21 | Boxmoor Trust, Mansbridge Bakers. Wife employed at Boxmoor Primary School. Employer, Redbournbury Mill, also works with JFK School. |
| Neil Hassell | Headteacher | Headteacher | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 2 | From Sep 18 | Has a personal relationship with a member of school staff |
| Dave Bell | Vice chair of Resources committee | Co-opted | 3 | 4 | 2 | Oct 17 to Oct 21 | Committee member at Boxmoor Cricket Club. Family Worker South West Herts Partnership | ||
| Joy Ferguson | Vice chair of Teaching committee | Co-opted | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | Sep 19 to Sep 23 | ||
| Carol Felmingham | Co-opted | 3 | 1 | 2 | Apr 16 to Apr 23 | Employee at Hobbs Hill Primary School | |||
| Lauren Rayner | Chair of Teaching committee | Staff governor | 3 | 3 | 2 | Has a personal relationship with a member of school staff. Has a family relationship with a member of school staff. | |||
| Rebecca Rose | Co-opted | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Sep 19 to Sep 23 | |||
| Dr Phillip Rhoden | Chair of Resources committee | Partnership | 3 | 4 | 2 | Mar 17 to Mar 21 | Etaerio Ltd., Amberside Advisors Ltd. (formerly Club Finance Project Ltd.), Amberside Financial Ltd, Amberside Energy Ltd., Amberside Capital Ltd. | ||
| Paul Stanbridge | Co-opted | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 2 | Sep 19 to Sep 23 | Previously employed by the school, farmer, part-time teacher. | |
| Sophie Masters | Parent | 3 | 2 | 2 | Dec 17 to Dec 21 | Teacher at South Hill Primary. Husband is trustee at the South Hill Centre | |||
| Andrew Pennycook | Chair of Pay Committee | LA | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 2 | Oct 18 to Oct 22 | Clerk of GB at South Hill Primary. Also receive reimbursement of cost of filming and supplying DVDs of school concerts and musicals |
| Graeme Snell | Parent | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | From Oct 18 | Governor at Pixies Hill Primary School. | ||
| Colin Lilley | Parent | 1 | 1 | 2 | Dec 19 to Dec 23 | ||||
| Jonny Bugg | Parent | 1 | 1 | 2 | Oct 19 to Oct 23 | Has a family relationship with a member of school staff. | |||
| Rachael Donaldson | Clerk | HfL Clerking Service | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2 | From Jan 2019 |
During the academic year 2018 to 2019 this was the constitution and attendance of the governing body:
| Name | Position | Type of appointment | Attendance Full Governing Body | Attendance: Curriculum & planning committee | Attendance: Resources committee | Attendance: Finance & pay committee, | Term of office | Pecuniary interests declared |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steven Mansbridge | Chair of Governors | Partnership | 1 | 1 | 1 | Mar 17 to Mar 21 | Boxmoor Trust, Mansbridge Bakers. Wife employed at Boxmoor Primary School. Employer, Redbournbury Mill, also works with JFK School. | |
| Neil Hassell | Headteacher | Headteacher | 1 | 1 | 1 | From Sep 18 | Governor at Bedgrove Infant School, Diving Officer at Dacorum Sub-Aqua Club | |
| Dave Bell | Chair of Resources committee | Co-opted | 1 | 1 | Oct 17 to Oct 21 | Committee member at Boxmoor Cricket Club. Family Worker South West Herts Partnership | ||
| James Heale | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Joy Ferguson | Co-opted | 1 | Sep 15 to Aug 19 | |||||
| Carol Felmingham | Parent | 1 | Apr 16 to Apr 20 | Employee at Hobbs Hill Primary School | ||||
| Lauren Rayner | Staff governor | 1 | 1 | Employee of the school, as are her partner and mother. | ||||
| Rebecca Rose | Parent | 1 | 1 | Sep 15 to Aug 19 | ||||
| Dr Phillip Rhoden | Partnership | 1 | 1 | Mar 17 to Mar 21 | Etaerio Ltd., Amberside Advisors Ltd. (formerly Club Finance Project Ltd.), Amberside Financial Ltd, Amberside Energy Ltd., Amberside Capital Ltd. | |||
| Paul Stanbridge | Co-opted | 1 | 1 | 1 | Sep 15 to Aug 19 | Previously employed by the school, farmer, part-time teacher. | ||
| Sophie Masters | Parent | 1 | 1 | Dec 17 to Dec 21 | Teacher at South Hill Primary. Husband is trustee at the South Hill Centre | |||
| Bob Harbour | ||||||||
| Andrew Pennycook | Local Authority Governor | LA | 1 | 1 | 1 | Oct 18 to Oct 22 | Clerk of GB at South Hill Primary. Also receive reimbursement of cost of filming and supplying DVDs of school concerts and musicals | |
| Graeme Snell | Parent | 1 | From Oct 18 | Governor at Pixies Hill Primary School. | ||||
| Rachael Donaldson | Clerk | HfL Clerking Service | 1 | 1 | 1 | From Jan 2019 | ||
| Vacancy | Co-opted | From June 19 |
During the academic year 2017 to 2018 this was the constitution and attendance of the governing body:
| Name | Position | Type of appointment | Attendance: Full governing body meetings, % | Attendance: Curriculum & planning committee, % | Attendance: Resources committee, % | Attendance: Finance & pay committee, % | Term of office | Pecuniary interests declared |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steven Mansbridge | Chair of Governors | Partnership | 100 | 100 | 100 | Mar 17 to Mar 21 | Boxmoor Trust, Mansbridge Bakers | |
| Andrew Pennycook | Vice Chair of Governors, Chair of Pay & Finance committee | Local Authority | 80 | 100 | 100 | Sep 14 to Aug 18 | Clerk to governing body at South Hill Primary | |
| Neil Hassell | Headteacher | Headteacher | From Sep 18 | Governor at Bedgrove Infant School, Dacorum Sub-Aqua Club | ||||
| Sally Ambrose | Acting Headteacher | Headteacher | 100 | 100 | 100 | Jan 18 to Aug 18 | ||
| Patrick Harty | Headteacher | Headteacher | 100 | 0 | 100 | 100 | Until Dec 17 | |
| Dave Bell | Chair of Resources committee | Co-opted | 100 | 100 | 100 | Oct 17 to Oct 21 | ||
| Joy Ferguson | Co-opted | 100 | 100 | Sep 15 to Aug 19 | ||||
| Carol Felmingham | Parent | 60 | 50 | Apr 16 to Apr 20 | ||||
| Bob Harbour | Co-opted | 100 | 90 | 100 | Sep 15 to Aug 19 | Tottenham Hotspur Football Club Academy | ||
| Alex Littlejohn | Chair of Curriculum & Planning committee,(until Aug 18) | Staff | 100 | 100 | Until Aug 18 | |||
| Balinder Walia | Co-opted | 20 | 50 | 50 | Sep 15 to Aug 19 | |||
| Rebecca Rose | Parent | 60 | 100 | Sep 15 to Aug 19 | ||||
| Jacqui Ellis | 100 | 100 | Until Oct 17 | |||||
| Dr Phillip Rohden | Partnership | 100 | 100 | Mar 17 to Mar 21 | Club Finance Ltd., Clubfinance Project Finance Ltd., Amberside Finance Ltd. | |||
| Paul Stanbridge | Co-opted | 40 | 100 | Sep 15 to Aug 19 | ||||
| Sophie Masters | Parent | 60 | 100 | Dec 17 to Dec 21 | Teacher at South Hill Primary | |||
| James Heale | Chair of the Curriculum & Planning committee (from Sep 18) | Parent | 33 | 100 | Dec 17 to Dec 21 | Executive Headteacher at Vyners Learning Trust, Trustee of Hillingdon Education Trust, Regional Leader for the PiXL Club, CEO of Flywheel Learning Ltd. | ||
| Vacancy | Parent | From Sep 18 | ||||||
| Vacancy | Staff | From Sep 18 | ||||||
| Stephen Robinson | Clerk | Finance and Business Manager | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | Until Jan 19 |
