Catherine joined the Herts for Learning 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 products. As Director of Education Services, Catherine is the strategic lead for our finance, HR, technology and governance related services.  

In her career Catherine has led large procurement projects and programmes, formed and led multi-disciplinary teams to solve challenges and supported organisations to adapt and change to changing legislative and financial landscapes. Prior to joining HFL Catherine worked in the Education Leadership Team at Hertfordshire County Council where she developed an appreciation of importance of recognising the unique characteristics of a school, setting or trust when developing solutions to the challenges they face.

Chris has worked in Human Resources for 19 years in a variety of sectors including Further Education, scientific research and the public sector, gaining a Masters degree in Human Resource Management along the way.  Chris joined Herts for Learning in 2016 and became Head of HR & Recruitment Services in 2021.  Chris’ background is as a HR generalist with extensive sector experience including change management, employment law, employee relations and project management. 

Chris believes that a school workforce is its greatest asset and is passionate about supporting school leaders to achieve great outcomes for pupils through the development of empowered and high-performing teams. 

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.

Richard joined HFL as Head of Technology in Schools in May 2023, has worked in technology leadership roles for over 20 years, the last 11 of which have been in the education sector. Richard was formerly CIO of one of the country’s leading Multi Academy Trusts and also headed the IT function for the UK’s biggest independent schools Group. In recent times Richard has been helping Schools and Trusts nationwide with the creation and delivery of digital strategies to help them meet their specific organisational and educational objectives. Throughout his career Richard has managed large multi-disciplinary technical teams to deliver complex change and transformation projects drawing from experience gained in many varied business sectors and working environments. Richard has a strong understanding of the education technology sector and is passionate about ensuring technology is leveraged by schools and trusts to deliver the best outcomes for all children.