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 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.

Sean Dunne
Governor

Retired secondary school Deputy Head Sean Dunne, has worked with young people across numerous educational settings. During his career he secured an ‘Excellent’ judgement from inspectors for academic leadership and outcomes, and has overseen consecutive achievement of awards recognising excellence in SEND teaching, as well as winning a national award for excellence in Gifted and Talented provision. He has spearheaded organisational change in culture, teaching practice and staff development, and was one school’s first Diversity, Equality and Inclusion lead.

Chris Harber
Governor

A qualified general and mental health nurse with 18 years’ NHS experience, Chris Harber has dedicated her career to supporting people with disabilities. She moved into the charity sector in 1996, leading care services at a Leonard Cheshire Home before joining National Star in 2000 as a Registered Manager. Over 23 years at National Star, she held senior responsibility for residential services at Ullenwood, later contributing to developing and delivering training, overseeing compliance, and leading project work. She brings to her governance role a deep knowledge of the organisation, a passion for its mission, and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for the young people it supports.

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.

Erin Murray
Governor

Erin Murray is an Army veteran, former senior US Federal Government leader, and community mental health professional with more than 25 years’ experience in leadership, governance, safeguarding, and public service. Following careers in the military and government, she worked in the NHS and voluntary sector, supporting people with long-term physical and mental health conditions. Erin holds an MSc in Psychology and is passionate about safeguarding, inclusion, and trauma-informed practice. As Safeguarding Lead Governor at National Star, she brings strategic leadership, lived experience of disability, and a commitment to learner wellbeing.

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.