Board of Trustees

Marc was appointed a governor in March 2016 and is now Chair of Board of Trustees. He is employed as a Qualifications Manager for a local training provider. Working closely with OFSTED, Marc is well informed regarding the new Common Inspection Framework. Two of his four children currently attend Whitecross.

Dame Oremi joined the Board as a member in November 2022.  Her career within education began in 1979 at Whitecross where she remained teaching until 1994 before moving to The John Venn Unit as Deputy Headteacher followed by joining The Brookfield School as Headteacher in 2001 until 2016.  During her time at Brookfield, the school was judged 'Outstanding' by OFSTED in 2007, 2010 and again in 2014 in all the main categories.  Dame Oremi has held other roles including Executive Headteacher of the Pupil Referral Service in Herefordshire and in 2012 becoming a National Leader of Education.

Jane joined the Board as a member in September 2024.  She brings a wealth of experience gained within the education sector including volunteering, serving on PTA committees, being a parent governor, working as a laboratory technician and also as a teacher of science.  Jane’s degree in Environmental Science has led her to a variety of energy, environmental and eco roles and more recently volunteering with the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, working as a Tree Warden, supporting the Whitecross Gardening Club and serving as a Parish Councillor.  Jane is looking forward to her role as governor at Whitecross.

Tim was appointed Headteacher in September 2015 having served as Deputy Headteacher for 14 years.

Ian was appointed as a co-opted governor in September 2021.  He worked as a classroom teacher in a range of school settings, including at Whitecross during the 1990s. Having achieved Advanced Skills Teacher status in 2002, he completed 20 years as a classroom teacher in 2004, when he moved into Higher Education as a Teacher Educator. Ian has worked with teachers throughout the UK and internationally. His Doctorate of Education focused on ways in which teachers can research their own professional practice, supporting the constant drive to improve the life chances of the young people in their care.

Zayla has worked in the education sector since 2001, initially starting her career as a Teaching Assistant in both the secondary and specialist education sectors; she then achieved Qualified Teacher status in 2008.  She specialised in SEND and Inclusion throughout her Higher Education journey, resulting in her accepting the role of SENCo in a large city primary school in 2009. This role has since developed exponentially, culminating in her current position as Director of SEND for a federation of eight primary schools across Herefordshire.  Zayla serves as a Governor on three other Local Area Boards and is looking forward to extending this experience into the secondary education sector.

Kelly was appointed as a parent trustee in January 2022.  Dedicated to lifelong learning, Kelly has a degree in Philosophy and Psychological Studies and is also an Internal Qualified Assurer.   She has worked for several training providers and as an assessor, tutor and coach, delivered apprenticeships at levels 2, 3 and 5 in a range of areas.  Since 2015 Kelly has specialised in the delivering of management apprenticeships and courses using her experience in retail management before her move in to further education.

Sam was appointed as a parent trustee in July 2022.   As a former Whitecross student, Sam has been a qualified Chartered Legal Executive since May 2009 and has worked in Local Government since 2003.   Sam has over 20 years’ experience of working in a fast pace legal environment covering a variety of different areas of law.   She is married with two children, who both attend Whitecross.  Sam is looking forward to supporting the school on its continuing journey.

Alistair was appointed as a co-opted governor in May 2017. After spending most of his formative years in Herefordshire, Alistair moved to Kent to pursue a successful career as a golf professional until 2003. When he returned to Hereford he changed profession and moved into financial services, joining a local company where he is now a Partner. He hopes that his financial background will assist in the efficient economic running of Whitecross Hereford.

Nicola was appointed as a parent trustee in January 2024.  Her experience of working in education began in 2018 when she worked as a Teaching Assistant in a primary school.  More recently Nicola has been working as the Social Inclusion and Behaviour Manager within secondary education.  She has high expectations of staff, students and the Board of Trustees.  A particular priority is that of the wellbeing of both staff and students and ensuring all students have access to a curriculum that is of high standards and wide ranging.

Theresa was appointed as a parent trustee in January 2020 and is currently our Safeguarding Governor.  She relocated to Herefordshire in 2007 from the South East and brings a wealth of experience with her having spent over 20 years with the police specialising in crimes against the most vulnerable in society.

Professional advice and guidance is provided by Schools' Choice, part of the Vertas Group.  A trained professional supports our Board of Trustees at each committee meeting with administration and offers advice and guidance on best practices and compliance.

Should a parent wish to contact the Board of Trustees, they should email Mrs C McDougall, the Headteacher's PA, in the first instance.