Catherine joined the HFL Education Executive team as Director of Business Services in June 2019, bringing with her extensive experience of working with schools, settings and trusts on a broad range of issues relating to people, processes and services. As Director of Business Services, Catherine provides strategic leadership across HFL's finance, HR, technology and school back office-related services.

Over more than 15 years working in education system leadership in Hertfordshire, Catherine has led large-scale procurement programmes, developed and managed multi-disciplinary teams, and supported schools, trusts and public sector organisations to navigate significant financial, legislative and organisational change. She has extensive experience of developing practical solutions to complex challenges, with a strong focus on understanding the unique context and needs of each organisation she works with.

Catherine is passionate about helping education leaders access the expertise, systems and support they need to focus on what matters most: improving outcomes for children and young people.

Cathy's background working in education has spanned 18 years. She joined Governance Services 10 years ago and was appointed Head of Governance Services in 2017. Her experience spans across various education sectors, all with a focus of providing children and young people with a good education and ensuring their safety and wellbeing. She has completed a Level 6 BTEC Education and Children’s Service Development course. She is a serving governor in Hertfordshire and an accredited Safer Recruitment trainer. The work and commitment through a dedicated team to support governors to fulfil their role is at the heart of her day-to-day work.

Jackie has worked in school business management for 24 years, both maintained and academy. She is an accredited Schools Resource Management Advisor for the DfE. Her role prior to joining HfL in 2016 was Director of Finance/Operations for a MAT supporting both primary and secondary education.

Jackie became the Head of Business Management services in 2022, which now incorporates both Business Management and Financial Services.

Jackie feels passionately that all children have the right to receive the best education regardless of their starting point in life.  She has positioned herself to help schools ensure that the resources made available to them are used effectively to deliver that education.