Governors

Governing Body

A school’s governing body is a group of public-spirited volunteers whose main responsibility is to determine the aims and conduct of their school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement. Individual governors bring their own experience and expertise to the group, and the best governing bodies use and benefit from the skills of all their governors.

The governing body holds the school to account for the quality, standard and effectiveness of the teaching and learning. Through the governing body, the school is accountable to the local education authority, the parents of the students and to the wider community. In practice, the governing body works with the Headteacher to determine how the school should develop to ensure continued improvement, and with the Head and staff agrees plans, policies, targets and procedures that work towards that development.

The governing body is also responsible for ensuring that the school fulfils its legal obligations, for the provision of the curriculum, managing the school budget, staffing, the social care and development of the students, and other statutory requirements such as developing school policies, setting targets, managing performance and so on. The governing body is also responsible for evaluating the progress of the school, making sure that effective monitoring is taking place and making strategic decisions on the basis of this evaluation. Governors are most useful to the school by being supportive yet challenging, neither blindly accepting nor entirely critical of the way the school functions. If the governing body gets the balance right it can both support the school and promote its improvement effectively. We welcome the involvement of parents, both as Parent Governors and through feedback. For more information, contact the Chair of Governors, via the School Office.

Meet our Governors and Associate Members

Richard Barber – Chair
Richard has created a large I.T. and data business that operates in over 150 countries, he is currently Chairman of several businesses and occasionally lectures on entrepreneurship to university students. Richard is currently Chair of Governors (a role he has held previously) he has also been chair of the Finance committee and of the

Curriculum and Personnel committee. Richard converted to Catholicism in 2010 and is married with three children who still seem to occupy his spare time.

Anne Gardner - Vice Chair
Anne is a retired primary school deputy head with 27 years experience including OLI school and Holy Family school Witham. Anne lectured in Early Years Education at Chelmsford College for several years and has experience of education at most key stages, and also held staff governorship at both catholic primary schools. Anne is a member of OLI and Holy Name parishes, reading at mass regularly at the latter, and sees smooth transition from primary to secondary education as key to a child's personal and spiritual development.

Mary Ball
Mary joined the Governing Board as a Parent Governor in December 2015 when her son was a student at SJP, she transferred to being a Foundation Governor in May 2018 and then a co-opted governor in February 2025. As a retired Chartered Civil Engineer her career experience is very helpful to her participation in the Health & Safety and Finance & Premises committees. She now works part-time as an exam invigilator at SJP and is a parishioner of St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, in Chelmsford.

Gina Lawrence
I am an ex-pupil of the school, as are my two sons who went on to study at university. Before joining the governing body, I was a member of the PTA, initially in the role of secretary and then for five years as chairperson. I worked as an LSA at Columbus College for seven years, working with students who have additional needs, prior to which I worked for many years at Our Lady Immaculate Primary School. I am a parishioner at Our Lady Immaculate and Holy Name.

I currently work with adults aged 19+ who have additional needs, autism and PMLD, encouraging independence and affording opportunities for them to participate in various activities to develop life skills and confidence.

Eugene Ahern
Eugene was appointed as a Foundation Governor in early 2022 and regularly attends OLI Church in Chelmsford. His background is in the Law having been both a Solicitor and latterly a Barrister before retiring towards the end of 2020.His interests include History, Cricket and travel particularly to Italy.

Laura Nessling
I was born and raised in Chelmsford and currently live in the city. I graduated from university in 2000 with an Accounting degree and went on to become a Chartered Accountant whilst gaining experience within universities and manufacturing. I'm currently a Financial Controller for a Civil Engineering Company delivering Highways services within Essex. To relax I like to cross stitch and read, as well as having a passion for travel.

Christine Webb
Christine is a Foundation Governor. She is a former member of staff at St John Payne School, who held the role of School Chaplain for 12 years from 2000 - 2012 and, more recently, returned to the school as a part-time teacher of Religious Studies until her retirement in August 2023.

A long career in education within the Catholic School sector and the completion of a Masters degree in Catholic Schools Leadership has given her a strong breadth of knowledge and understanding of the distinctive nature of a Catholic School. Christine is an active parishioner at St Augustine's as an extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, member of SVP and Confirmation Catechist. Christine has two adult children and three grandchildren. Amidst a busy life she enjoys sport, particularly tennis.

Marco Iciek
I originally hail from Stoke-on-Trent and moved to Chelmsford in 1988 to start working at Chelmsford College, from where I finally retired in 2024 as a Director of the College. Since retiring from my Director's role, I have been training to be and sitting as a magistrate in the County of Essex. I have always valued the culture and Catholic ethos of St. John Payne; all of my three children attended the school and my wife is a member of the Senior Leadership Team. I have an extensive background in many aspects of education, including delivery of the curriculum, safeguarding and learner development. I am pleased to be able to continue to use my experience in education to serve the wonderful community of St. John Payne School.

Gemma Pellicci
Gemma is a staff governor who joined SJP in September 2016 as a member of the main office team. Since then, she has worked as HR/Payroll Officer, PA to the Headteacher, Office Manager and is currently Sixth Form Mentor & Careers Lead. Before joining the school, Gemma worked at Edexcel exam board, in public libraries and spent over 10 years working as an Admissions Officer in higher education. Previous volunteering roles include being a Girlguiding unit helper and a member of SJP PTA. Her son attended SJP and her daughter is currently in Year 10.

Phil Stamper
Originally from the Wirral, Phil settled in Chelmsford in 2002. He was appointed Foundation Governor early 2024. Phil attends Our Lady Immaculate Church in Chelmsford. Where he also assists with volunteer roles, alongside serving as a Eucharistic Minister.

He has a substantial background in Community, Hospital and Residential Social Work over a career spanning from the 1980’s. A long time ago Phil also worked with Chelmsford Cathedral, as their Youth Pastor.

Alongside enjoying busy young family life Phil’s interests include a broad eclectic taste of music with some performing in Chelmsford Male Voice Choir, which he helps to run as the Choir’s Secretary. When not listening to music he enjoys catching up with current affairs, walking and ‘electric assist’ mountain biking.

Bernie Godson
Bernie became a foundation Governor in January 2025. She had been an associate Governor before that. Bernie is an active member of Holy Name parish, helping to run the first communion programme for all three parishes. She has 34 years’ experience as a teacher of Physics, 18 of which were as a member of SLT.

Ruth Ford
I am proud to serve as a Parent Governor at the school and to support its ongoing development and success. I currently work as a Primary School Teacher at St Francis Catholic Primary School in Braintree, where I have taught for nearly 20 years, which gives me valuable insight into teaching, learning, and the importance of a nurturing school environment.

My husband and I have two sons, one of whom attends St John Payne, and I am committed to ensuring that all children are supported to reach their full potential both academically and personally.

I am a practising Catholic and attend Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Braintree and value the important role that faith and community play in education.

I have a degree from Cambridge University in Music and I have a diploma in musical performance. I am currently learning to play the bass guitar.

Outside of my professional role, I have a keen interest in sport, particularly race BMX and mountain biking. I recently competed at the British Championships and became British number 5 for women’s BMX. I strongly believe in the positive impact that extracurricular activities have on pupils’ confidence, resilience, and wellbeing.

Chris Wing
Chris is semi-retired, spending time on his small business, charity and with his family including 3 daughters.

By his own admission Chris has had a challenging educational journey, but through hard work and determination was able to go to a top university, qualify as a chartered accountant and studied at Harvard Business School.

Chris has a background in financial services, having had several leadership roles including secondments to Switzerland, France and Singapore.

Chris is a governor at two other schools.

ST JOHN PAYNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY
MEMBERSHIP AS AT 13 OCTOBER 2026

 Governors who have left or transferred in the past twelve months

Governing Body Attendance Register 2025/26

Governing Body Impact Statement 2025/26