Governors

Humberston Academy is governed by an Academy Scrutiny Committee.

Our governors are:

• Daniel Shoubridge
  Principal
  Daniel Shoubridge

• Shane Ashford
  DRET Appointed Governor (Chair)
  Shane Ashford

  I joined Humberston ASC in June 2019, after serving eight years as a parent governor on another local secondary within the Trust. I became a governor to help improve the life chances for all children. I have over 10 years' experience serving as governor, and am also a governor at a local primary academy within the Trust. I bring a good level of challenge to the ASC. I am a member of a Retail Store Management Team for a National Discount Retailer as well as having previously worked in a production environment. I enjoy spending time with my family and Ten Pin Bowling.

• Alistair Hopkins
  DRET Appointed Governor (Vice Chair)
  Alistair Hopkins

  I have been in education for over twenty years. I trained as an English teacher, have been a Head of Department in two schools, and have been in senior leadership for twelve years, including working as a headteacher for six years. I am passionate about all children having access to outstanding education, realising their potential and ensuring that they have every opportunity to achieve their goals.

• Emma Swinburn
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Emma Swinburn

  Emma was appointed a DRET Appointed Governor on 15 July 2021. She has worked within education since 2011 and has a genuine interest and passion in ensuring that young people get to have the very best opportunities. Within her role Emma works with many different business professionals who gladly volunteer to help the students and so wanted to offer her time and experience to the students at Humberston Academy. Emma works at Franklin College and is a member on the Senior Leadership Team responsible for the careers and employability provision and is also the Careers Lead. Her skills in particular careers, employability and progression are useful in her governor role. Emma works with many different organisations and business professionals within the area and has a good understanding of key local employability priorities and is also an active member in many different board groups representing key sectors within the Humber region. She loves the outdoors in particular walking and mountain biking. Emma likes to keep fit and spend time with family and friends.

• Nicola Machon
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Nicola Machon

  Nicola joined the ASC as a DRET Appointed Governor on 13 February 2023. She is interested in Childrens education and how we can ensure the next generations are educated, cared for and supported adequately to achieve their aspirations. She would like her efforts to contribute to the best possible outcome of all students and hopefully benefit the school and trust in many ways. Nicola is a New Product Development Controller for a Global Food Group. She is on the Senior Leadership Team and is the Office Representative for the Business. Nicola offers excellent careers advice and education for students along with a strong commitment to supporting staff and students as required. Nicola enjoys reading, walking and spending time with her family.

• Lee Taylor
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Lee Taylor

  This is my first governor role. My interest in becoming a Governor was motivated by my passion for developing individuals for the future. I am an Engineering Manager in the Offshore Wind Industry. It is part of my role to prepare development infrastructures for individuals which ties into my passion for individual wellbeing. Outside of the work environment my passions are martial arts, boxing, reading and looking after my many dogs.

• Nicola Kirkby
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Nicola Kirkby

  I became a governor to support local education and give back to the community, as well as develop my professional skill set. I work for Nuclear Waste Services as an Operations Manager which means daily life is varied such as budgets, hosting events, engagement activities, working with Leaders of the LA and managing a team. I believe I will bring balance with a view to support improvement if needed and also engage in some thought-provoking discussion. I am passionate about the environment and leaving things better than we got them especially for future generations. I spend some of my free time picking up litter in the local community. I also support Veteran projects such as female patient groups to help shape medical care for female Veterans.

• John Holt
  Staff Governor
  John Holt

  As a former student and now Site Manager at Humberston Academy, I have a long-standing connection to the school and a strong commitment to its success. With over five years' experience as a caretaker in another trust and now managing the site here, I bring valuable technical expertise and practical insight to my role as Staff Governor. My understanding of the school buildings and operations, along with strong interpersonal skills developed throughout my career, allows me to support the Academy Standards Committee effectively. Humberston is a big part of my family life too—my wife is an English teacher here, my eldest child is a former student, and my youngest is currently attending. I'm passionate about giving back to the school and helping it continue to thrive for future generations.

• Jake Bulgin
  Staff Governor
  Jake Bulgin

  Jake teaches Science with a Chemistry specialism at Humberston Academy. Jake joined the ASC in October 2025 as he wanted to play a bigger part in what makes Humberston great.

  Outside of work, Jake enjoys football, formula 1 and reading.

• Claire Gravil
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Claire Gravil

  Claire loves volunteering and wanted to bring her experience to support Humberston Academy and the children it serves.

  In her paid role, Claire is Head of Finance for NHS England, responsible for a budget of over £3.3bn.

  Outside of work, Claire enjoys being a mum, walking, holidays, volunteering and cooking.

• Abigail Morrison
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Abigail Morrison

  Having seen firsthand the difference a dedicated school can make in children’s lives, Abigail wanted to contribute her time and experience to help the academy continue to thrive so became a Governor in November 2025.

  Abigail brings over 15 years of experience in Education and Leadership ranging from Secondary, Further Education and the third sector and a genuine interest in the wellbeing and development of every student. Abigail is particularly passionate about improving learning opportunities for all students. Abigail is currently working as Area lead of Science and Engineering at a local sixth form college, where she oversees teaching, learning, and curriculum development across a large and varied department. In this role, Abigail supports colleagues to deliver engaging and ambitious lessons while ensuring that every student regardless of background has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

  Beyond her professional role, Abigail is deeply engaged in her community.Volunteering as a Civilian Instructor and committee member with the Air Cadets, supporting young people in STEM and first aid education also having served as a Community First Responder and volunteer with St John Ambulance.

  Outside of work Abigail enjoys walking her Cocker Spaniel Dolly, spending time with friends and family socialising. Abigail also enjoys traveling to new places to learn more about the history of other cultures and civilisations.

• Sarah Gooseman
  Associate Governor
  Sarah Gooseman

  Sarah previously served two terms of office as a Staff Governor at Humberston Academy and is now an Associate Governor.

  Sarah wanted to join the ASC to represent the staff body and gain a wider understanding and perspective of Humberston Academy to support its continual development. Sarah is passionate about ensuring the academy continually strives to provide the best possible education for all students and recognises how important the ASC can be in challenging and driving forward change. Currently, Sarah is Assistant Principal and prior to this was Head of English. Sarah hopes her perspective of teaching in the classroom, alongside the different roles she's held, allows her to provide a useful insight to the governing team. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and walking her dog.

Current Governors

Former Governors

 Below is a list of governors that have served in the past 12 months. 

Contacting Us

The Governance Officer for Humberston Academy is Victoria Linthwaite. Victoria can be reached at governance@dret.co.uk. 

To contact a governor, please contact the Trust Governance Team by emailing governance@dret.co.uk.

If you are looking to contact a Governor to make a complaint or share a concern, please note that as per our Complaints Policy, governors do not investigate complaints at Stage 1 or Stage 2.  This enables them to be impartial should a complaint be escalated to a Stage 3 governor panel. If you wish to make a complaint, please complete this form and your complaint will be investigated accordingly.

Scheme of Delegation

Information about the David Ross Education Trust's scheme of delegation is available here.

Minutes of the Academy Scrutiny Committee

Should you wish to view a copy of the minutes of the ASC at this academy, please contact the Trust Governance Team (governance@dret.co.uk), who will be able to provide you with an electronic or paper copy of the minutes.

Are you interested in becoming an academy governor?

We are looking for new governors to support our academies. Our governors work closely with their academies to support the Trust’s goal of broadening the horizons of young people through a world-class education, equipping our students with the skills and experiences to become their confident, academic best, no matter what.

If you have an interest in, and commitment to, improving education and would like to make a difference within your community, please register your interest in becoming a governor by completing our governor application form. If you have any questions about a governor’s role or responsibilities please contact us at governance@dret.co.uk or review our information pack below. 

aug 2025 governor recruitment booklet.pdf

What is it like being a Governor with DRET?

To understand what it is like to be a governor with us, take a look at our testimonial booklet and videos which contain insights from serving governors.

governor testimonial booklet .pdf

 Emma Bennett 

Angela Watts 

Stephen Platten 

Garry Allen 

What training do Governors receive?

We offer an extensive range of training opportunities. Take a look at what is on offer for the current academic year.