Governors

Nikki Richardson
Chair of Governors

Nikki Richardson has extensive knowledge of multi-disciplinary working, safeguarding and quality improvement having held Executive roles in the NHS including responsibility for the delivery  of services to people with learning disabilities and mental health problems. As a Non Executive, she led on holding the NHS Trust she worked with to account for the quality and safety of their service provision. Now, as Chair of Healthwatch Gloucestershire she has a role in ensuring local people are able to express their views about health and social care locally. She has had a long standing interest in National Star and was keen to be part of the team to further develop much needed services to individuals  to help them maximise their opportunities and lead rich and rewarding lives.

Jane Matheson
Deputy Chair of Governors

Jane Matheson is a Governor and a member of the Risk and Assurance Committee, she has considerable experience of the public sector having worked for local government and at a special school. She worked for the Audit Commission for many years reviewing client performance and improvement. Jane’s son was a day student at National Star for four years, leaving in 2019. She knows what it’s like to be a carer and navigating complex systems to try and get the best for your young person.

Kim Anderson
Governor

Parent Governor Kim Anderson, now living in Gloucestershire, returned to the UK after living overseas for many years so that her daughter could attend National Star as a day student. From Hong Kong she brings experience as a parent plus a background in setting up and running a support network for families of young people with disabilities including supporting Special Employment Needs. As an active member of the Parent Support Forum Kim is looking forward to communicating between the college and other parents.

Kim is known for her creativity and solutions-driven approach. When not supporting her daughter to make the most of her life, and time at National Star, Kim enjoys staying fit, yoga, hiking, reading and travel.

Lyn Dance, OBE
Governor

Lyn has worked in education for nearly 40 years. Her experience spans teaching and forging bright futures for those in her care. She has held deputy and head teacher roles at special education schools in Gloucestershire, Surrey, and Hounslow.

Lyn is CEO of SAND Academies Trust (of Special Schools) in Gloucestershire. She supports special schools with their leadership and Ofsted training through her role as a School Improvement Partner. Her work also has international reach, having advised on special education in South Africa and Belarus.

In October 2021, she received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to special education.

Margaret Goldie
Governor

Margaret Goldie worked in the public sector throughout her career, initially within the NHS but primarily within local authorities. As Director of Social Services for West Berkshire Council, a post she held for 13 years, she oversaw services for both adults and children, as well as schools and housing. Margaret now works part-time as a psychodynamic therapist, both in private practice and in the voluntary sector in Swindon.

Robert Haymon-Collins
Governor

Robert Haymon-Collins is a retired marketing and communications director with particular experience in digital technology. He believes that education transforms lives and that technology can transform education. Committed to coaching leadership approaches that inspire and motivate individuals and teams to be the best they can be, Robert sees this philosophy in action daily at National Star.

Andrea Lewis
Governor

Andrea Lewis has extensive experience supporting young people with disabilities leaving school and making decisions about life choices including college and work. She was Head of Student Services in a large FE college, responsible for providing support to disabled students and lead manager for Equality and Diversity. She managed the RNIB education and employment service in London and the South East and was Policy Director at Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities. She is an advocate for ensuring the voices of young people with disabilities are heard and is link Governor with the National Star Advisory Board.

Lara Rowlands
Governor

GP Lara Rowlands has a daughter with cerebral palsy, bringing experience as a parent as well as a background of medical experience. She is an active member of the Parent Support Forum and enjoys communicating between the college and other parents.

Lara qualified as a GP before moving to London. She has worked in international research focusing on osteoporosis, women’s health and gastroenterology. She now works as a locum GP in the NHS and for Nuffield Health. Outside work, Lara enjoys singing, tennis and running.