Heron Governors (ID 1009)

• Max Hope-Stone Bell
  Chair of Governors
  Max Hope-Stone Bell

  Max is a senior HR and organisational development leader in the public sector, known for his strategic approach to shaping people-focused initiatives that drive meaningful cultural and operational change. With a strong background in Education and a genuine passion for professional development, Max is dedicated to building inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures where individuals and teams thrive.

  His extensive experience spans leadership development, workforce transformation, and enhancing organisational effectiveness through targeted, evidence-based interventions. Max excels at aligning people strategies with broader organisational goals, fostering environments that support innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. He is a trusted advisor and change agent, committed to unlocking potential and delivering lasting impact across complex public sector settings.

• Daniel Davis
  Staff Governor
  Daniel Davis

  Daniel is a dedicated education professional with seven years of experience, driven by a passion for supporting young people through the transformative power of sport and activity. With a strong foundation in sports science, he has consistently applied discipline and hard work to bring out the best in disadvantaged pupils, helping them thrive both personally and academically.

  His journey has recently led him into the field of special needs education, where he has discovered a renewed sense of purpose. Daniel is deeply committed to ensuring that vulnerable young people receive the support they need to enjoy meaningful and enriching life experiences.

  As a school governor, Daniel plays an active role in shaping the strategic direction of the school, advocating for high-quality outcomes for all learners. He is proud to be part of a school and trust that prioritise not only the wellbeing and development of their pupils, but also the wider community of staff, parents, and carers.

• Clare Gulley
  Community Governor
  Clare Gulley

  Clare Gulley has dedicated the past thirteen years to the teaching profession, gaining extensive experience in both the state and private sectors. Her primary focus has been on Early Years education, where she has developed a deep understanding of the unique needs and developmental stages of young children. Additionally, Clare has specialized in safeguarding, ensuring the safety and well-being of the children under her care. This dual expertise has allowed her to create a nurturing and secure learning environment, fostering both academic and personal growth for her students.

• Ed Hirst
  Community Governor
  Ed Hirst

• Nigel Millinson
  Community Governor
  Nigel Millinson

  Nigel's career began in the metal recycling industry, where he spent 17 years working for a family-run business in the Black Country. During this time, he demonstrated a strong commitment to personal development, earning an HND in Business Studies with Distinction and a law degree through night school. His passion for law led him to lecture in the subject while completing his Solicitor entrance exams, before embarking on his legal training as an articled clerk at the Official Receivers, where he gained valuable experience in company insolvencies and bankruptcies.

  After qualifying as a solicitor with Blue Circle Industries PLC, Nigel took on a senior commercial role, managing the company's global trademark portfolio, overseeing major engineering contracts, supporting M&A transactions, and leading compliance functions. Following the sale of Blue Circle, he joined Hays Recruitment PLC as Head of Legal, where he broadened his expertise to include employment law.

  Nigel went on to serve as General Counsel at a technology startup and later as interim General Counsel at Corporate Services Group PLC (now Impellam PLC). He concluded his distinguished career as General Counsel at the UK's largest medical recruitment business, where he specialised in commercial law and strategic problem-solving, consistently delivering legal solutions that aligned with business objectives.

• Angela Ngengi
  Parent Governor
  Angela Ngengi

• Carinne Yousseu
  Parent Governor
  Carinne Yousseu

  Carine, 45, is a devoted mother of three, with her middle child, Brayan, attending Heron Academy. Brayan has autism, and Carine is a full-time carer, navigating the unique challenges that come with raising a child with additional needs. Her journey has been shaped by love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her children's well-being and aspirations.

  Raising a child with autism brings daily struggles and tribulations—from finding the right support to managing routines that can often feel overwhelming. Carine has faced meltdowns, countless meetings, and the balancing act of meeting the needs of all her children. Throughout it all, she has been supported by her eldest child, Naomi, whose strength and selflessness have been a constant source of encouragement.

  While the journey has been tough, it has also been deeply rewarding. It has strengthened Carine's bond with Brayan and taught her the power of patience, balance, compromise, and unconditional love. These experiences inspired her to step forward as a Parent Governor at Heron Academy.

  Carine brings a lived understanding of the challenges families like hers face every day. She is passionate about being a voice and a source of support for other parents on similar paths. Her goal is to ensure that children with autism receive the best possible support and that their needs are understood. She wants families to feel heard, seen, and reassured that they are not alone.