Skip to content ↓

Meet the Governors

Chair -A Hancy 

       

Andrew has a strong background within senior leadership positions within both the private and public sector. He is currently Head of Business Support Services for Lincolnshire County Council with responsibilities covering a wide area of administration, secretarial and financial support, in house apprenticeships, complaints, FOI, SARS and school administration support services.  Andrew is married and has 2 grown up children, a daughter and a son. In his spare time Andrew enjoys running and keeping busy renovating the Victorian farmhouse he lives in with his family.

 

Vice Chair  - A Watson 

With over 15 years experience in senior leadership roles, including Head of Training and Competence Institute in the oil and gas sector, Andy brings extensive experience in global team development and education-industry collaboration. A long-standing advocate for equal access to high-quality education, Andy has served as a school governor, trustee, and advisor during the founding of a local university technical college and its partnerships with industry and universities. Passionate about improving educational outcomes through critical thinking and opportunity, Andy combines strategic insight with a deep commitment to young people. Outside of work, Andy is married with a Son. In his spare time he enjoys running, walking, reading, and time with family.

 

Foundation Governor - J Hurdman  

 

Hello, my name is Julian Hurdman, I have lived in Dunston one of my grandchildren goes to Nocton Community Primary. My interests include cycling, running, skiing, swimming, walking, making and growing things. I am most at home in the countryside particularly fields, mountains and forests. My interest in young people’s education has been lifelong. I am passionate about children acquiring skills of curiosity and understanding and developing an approach to learning which will equip them for the many challenges which they will encounter in their life. I taught secondary mathematic for thirty-eight years and have had the real delight in witnessing the progression of young people into mature and responsible adults. 

 

Co-opted Governor - C Simmons

 

I have worked within schools finance for 16 years, successfully obtaining my MAAT and CIMA qualifications. I am experienced with managing public finances and securing value for money. It is a privilege to work with the Spires Federation. 

All of my spare time is devoted to my bulldog. Who has far too much character!

 

Co-opted Governor - T Swain

Thomas has a strong background in education having worked as a primary school teacher for over 10 years and previously in a secondary school as a teaching assistant. He is currently the Key Stage 1 leader at a Lincolnshire primary school with responsibilities covering safeguarding, behaviour, policy writing and subject leadership. Thomas is married with three young sons who like him love any kind of sport. In his spare time, he loves riding motorbikes, playing football and doing various DIY projects.

 

Parent Governor - P Harvey

Paul is a parent governor with nearly three decades of experience in education. He believes strongly in the enabling and transformative role that schools play in young people’s lives. 

Paul is currently Head of Mathematics at a local grammar school and has previously held senior leadership roles in large secondary schools. 

His broader experiences include working as a local authority teacher adviser, leading large-scale IT projects across a local authority, and as a maths adviser across all phases of education. 

Paul has lived in the local area for over five years and is actively involved in the community. He coaches rugby at a local club, holds a season ticket for Aston Villa, and enjoys camping, walking, and spending time on the coast with his family.

 

Co-opted Governor - R Richardson 

Rachelle is a Co-Opted Governor, championing the area of SEND. She works for the local authority within Business Support, supporting Fostering and Adoption teams. Rachelle has a background in supporting SEND in a similar role and has fostered strong working relationships with the SEND service team within the local authority, building a solid foundation of SEND knowledge, particularly around the EHCP process from application to implementation.

Rachelle is very passionate about every child being able to access a fulfilling education. She lives in the local community to the three schools with their partner and their 5-year-old son who attends Digby. In her spare time, she enjoys watching and following rugby after hanging up her own boots, spending time with family, and trying her hardest to tire out the family's very lively 7-month-old Spaniel cross puppy.

Parent Governor - S Wilson 

 I have worked in education for over a decade, and with my daughters now attending a Spires school, I am excited to work with the federation in my role as a Governor. I am really proud of what the federation has achieved in recent years and the climate it generates for the pupils. 

 

In my spare time, I enjoy days out with my family, reading and cooking.

 

Staff Governor A Stevenson 

 

Abi is staff governor and as staff governor her primary role is to act as a voice for the staff on the governing body, ensuring their views and concerns are heard and considered.  Elected by the staff, she is responsible for providing a staff perspective but not acting as a spokesperson or representative of the union. 

As class teacher Abi is passionate about ensuring the federation meet the needs of the children, staff and parents being on the ground can give real insight into the real issues that can arise and need addressing.