Clerk to the Governors

Arabela Shaw Arabela.Shaw@igs.mlt.co.uk

The Register of Interests of members of the Local Governors Body serving and those who have served at any point in the last 12 months:

Terms of Office from September 2023

Register of Interests 2023-24

Any issues to do with individual students or staff, and those relating to the management of the school, should go directly to the school.

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Trustee Appointed Governors

Robert Wilson (Vice Chair)

I am from Scarborough originally, went to the University of Leicester, and then settled in the Leeds area in 1997. I moved to Menston with my family in 2011 and then to Ilkley during 2022. I am a Partner for a large accountancy firm, working for the company for 25 years so far, and am based in our Leeds Office. I’ve always aspired towards a role of this type; supporting others is very close to my heart and where I can I want to use my skills to help the school. At work I’ve been involved in many Corporate Responsibility initiatives down the years, including in schools, and I’m currently the wellbeing lead for Leeds office as well as Partner sponsor for two staff networks: Breathe (LGBTQ+) and Be Mindful (mental health support and awareness). I love sport (including watching Yorkshire and England cricket when I can and supporting Southampton FC), reading, cinema, and days out with the kids.

Peter Shelley (Chair of Resources Committee / Careers Link Governor)

I am an Ilkley resident with experience of IGS both through living next door to it, and through my sons. My partner is a primary teacher. I have spent most of my career in academic publishing, but am now transitioning to a new career in financial planning.

Having benefitted from the education system on many levels, I am keen to give something back. I have taught reception children to ride bicycles and presented at two West Yorkshire Schools through the ‘Founders4Schools’ program.

I see many areas where my skills and experience will be of use. I remain curious to learn and believe in education for all, at all ages.  

Beyond provision of qualifications and life skills, I believe that IGS, and secondary education more broadly, has a key role to play in driving innovation, solving problems and spreading happiness and prosperity globally for the next generation. The school is popular and successful, but there is always more that can be done. Working closely with the governor team, I am keen to contribute wherever I can.

Stuart Herrington (Disadvantaged Students Link Governor)

I relocated to Ilkley with my family in 2011 and I have been a governor at IGS for 6 years. I now only have one child at IGS in the 6th form, my older two having successfully left school for their first choice university course. I have worked in education for nearly thirty years including two headships in inner city primary schools. I set up my own company in 2018 (Improving Impact Ltd) and I now help schools further develop their leadership and teaching and learning.

Vee Hepworth (Safeguarding & SEND / Inclusion Link Governor)

I graduated from Nottingham University in 1984 with a degree in Social Administration. This led me to a thirty year career with West Yorkshire Police, during which time I led teams in a number of different departments including Child Protection, Domestic Abuse and Hate Crime and finished my career in the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, leading a team specialising in cold case investigations.

I have been involved with Ilkley Grammar school since 2012, initially as a parent and subsequently as a member of staff. Again I have undertaken a number of roles as a Learning Support Assistant in the Inclusive Learning Team, then as Behaviour, Attendance and Outreach Specialist and Head of Year, before joining the Leadership Team as Director of Behaviour, Attendance and Outreach and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. I retired from that role in July 2023 but am delighted to have returned to work at IGS as a part time receptionist.

Having previously been a staff governor I remain committed to working with my fellow governors and the leadership team to drive the strategic development of the school and to ensure the best possible outcomes for all our students.

Helen Williams (CEO)

Co-opted (Community) Governors

Thomas Hurst (Chair of Governors / Health & Safety Link Governor) chairofgovernors@igs.mlt.co.uk

Having been born and bred in The Netherlands, I came to the UK to read law at University. Via Sheffield, London, Leeds and London (again) I moved to Ilkley in 2009. I am a specialist Construction Law Litigator in Leeds. I became a governor in January 2019. As the husband of a teacher I’ve always retained an interest in education, especially as I went through a different education system having studied the European Baccalaureate. I also wanted to give something back. I was very fortunate with the education and opportunities I received and would like to help ensure the younger generations achieve their goals and help improve young lives in my local community. 

Jack Forman (Vice Chair of Resources Committee)

I grew up a few miles down the road in Horsforth and attended secondary school in Menston. Despite spending a number of years living and working in Australia, like so many I was always drawn back to Yorkshire and am now living in Ilkley with my wife and two young kids. I currently work as a Senior Manager for Deloitte UK, most recently working on a pandemic response project in the public sector. My undergraduate degree was in Electronic and Computer Engineering, I have over six years experience working in IT and Software Development. I’m passionate about equipping the next generation with the tools to help them navigate an ever-changing digital landscape.

John Jagger

John (also known as Jack) was born and grew up in Bradford but moved to Ilkley in 2003. After National Service in the Royal Air Force and Cambridge University where I qualified as a Civil Sevice Russian interpreter, I read Classical Honour Moderations and Russian at Jesus College, Oxford attaining a 2:1. After graduating I joined Unilever on their Unilever Companies Management Development Scheme (U.C.M.D.S) and pursued a career with various companies specialising in fast moving consumer goods as well as the hospitality and fitness industries. After retiring from a Board position with Diageo plc in 1989, I have continued working in executive and non-executive roles with various smaller enterprises. I have a very keen appreciation of the benefits of continuous education and have, during my career, gained a Certified Diploma in Accounting and Finance, a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A), and a B.Sc.. in Social Sciences with the Open University with first-class honours. I have been for 4 years a mentor of Bradford University students and am currently assisting 2 parties on the Entrepreneurial Course

An enthusiastic but undistinguished sportsman, I represented my college in squash and football and came within 2 shots of a single-figure golf handicap and am still seeking glory at Alwoodley and Shipley golf clubs. I am a regular participant in Walk Football at Ben Rhydding on which I have contributed to the Ilkley Gazette. 

Recognising the outstanding achievements both academically and on the sports field of Ilkley Grammar School, I wish to use my experience in life to help and encourage its students to enjoy the social and economic benefits of continuous education.