Leadership team

Lynette was originally a care and support worker and has never lost sight of this. She has moved through the ranks at National Star and gained many qualifications along the way, including an MBA. Lynette was previously Chief Operations Officer before becoming Chief Executive in 2022. She is also Chair of Natspec.

Peter worked in fundraising, finance and management with national charities before joining National Star. He handles the financial, facilities and infrastructure aspects of the charity. Peter holds a Master’s Degree in Charity Accounting and Financial Management. Outside work, he’s a trustee and finance committee Chair of a local multi-academy trust.

Rachel Harber is a Fellow of the CIPD with a professional passion for strategy. She loves nothing more than a problem to solve, or a process to improve. Rachel supported National Star as a consultant over many years before taking on the role of Chief People Officer.

Simon joined National Star in 2008, working with the Personalised Learning team, becoming Principal in 2019 and Chief Operating Officer in 2022. He’s passionate about putting young people at the centre of everything National Star does. He believes multi-disciplinary teams should work to find the right solution for every learner.

Jojo Kingsbury-Elia joined National Star more than a decade ago as a member of the personalised learning team. She has over 20 years’ experience of working with young adults in a variety of education setting in the UK and abroad.

John oversees the operations of long-term living at National Star. He managed the opening of National Star in Wales and introduced Team Teach to help staff support students with behaviours that challenge. John also represents Wales’ specialist further education colleges as regional director on the board of Natspec.

Megan joined National Star in 2018 as Head of Community and Work Programmes and appointed Director of Services in 2019. She has experience working with young people with disabilities and learning difficulties in care and educational settings.

Zoe has worked at National Star for more than 20 years joining the charity as a care and support worker. Now as Director of Services Zoe liaises with the Care Quality Commission as she oversees Ullenwood residential services and the Ullenwood day team.

Claire has over 20 years’ experience in finance management, leading the National Star finance team since 2019. She ensures the charity uses its resources efficiently and effectively, as well as supporting overall financial decision-making. Claire is a Chartered Management Accountant and holds a Master’s Degree in Business and Management.

For over 30 years David has worked in specialist education and long-term living for people with disabilities. David and his teams have close working relationships with families, stakeholders and commissioners. This is to ensure the best interests of students and residents.

Simon Bridgnell has worked in the education sector since 1996 focusing on technology services, strategy and leadership. His vision is for National Star to embrace change and use all aspects of technology to benefit students, residents and staff.