Governors

Humberston Academy is governed by an Academy Scrutiny Committee.

Our governors are:

• Steve West
  Executive Principal
  Steve West

• 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.

• Vicky Booth
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Vicky Booth

  I believe that every young person should have access to the highest standard of education that supports their goals and raises their aspirations. Working as an Enterprise Coordinator for the Greater Lincolnshire LEP and Careers and Enterprise Company I support local schools with their careers provision and employer engagement activities. Prior to this I have worked in FE for over 20 years initially as a lecturer and then as a Curriculum Leader. I enjoy spending my time with family and horse riding.

• 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.

• Sarah Gooseman
  Staff Governor
  Sarah Gooseman

  Sarah is currently serving her second term of office as a Staff Governor after originally being appointed on 9 December 2016. Sarah wanted to join the ACS 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.

• Hettie Pomfret
  Staff Governor
  Hettie Pomfret

  Hettie was appointed a Staff Governor on 15 July 2021. She wanted to join the ASC to improve her understanding of school leadership and development, with the view to be able to support the academy better in its continual development. She is a teacher at the academy and has an understanding of school procedures. Outside of work Hettie's interests are Fitness, Movies and Gardening.

• Rebecca Bennett
  Parent Governor
  Rebecca Bennett

  I wanted to become a governor to help my local school and all the children in the area. I currently stay at home with my 4 children. We have had the privilege of moving around the country a lot which has given me opportunity to see and interact with many different schools including private schools. My favourite passion is raising my four children into the best people they can be. I enjoy also exploring with my dogs. Nothing makes me happier than walking in the Lincolnshire Wolds with my dogs. I enjoy the gym, holidays and spending time with my family.

• Christopher Thirlwell
  Parent Governor
  Christopher Thirlwell

  I became a governor to share my experience and knowledge in helping the school to continual improve to ensure students achieve their full potential. I am a serving Chartered Health and Safety professional operating in the Port and Shipping sector on the Humber since November 2015. I was previously a Police Officer with Humberside Police (2009 to 2013) and Metropolitan Police (2004 to 2009). In addition to my Health and Safety background, I hold an undergraduate honors degree in Law from Nottingham Law School. I enjoy spending time with family exploring new places and am a supporter of Grimsby Town Football Club.

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 Gemma Yates. Gemma 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. 

march 2024 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.