Jo Brown

Member, Chair of the Board of Trustees

Term of Office

(27/01/2016 – 26/01/2028)

Registered business interests: CFO at ethical investment manager, EdenTree. Husband, E Brown, works at the school.

I am a Finance Director in financial services and have a depth of experience in a variety of finance and accounting roles. I joined the Governing Body in 2016 and enjoy using skills gained in my career to support and contribute to the school. I am the Chair of the Audit Committee, a member of the Finance and Resources Committee and I also coordinate governor visits with the school to ensure they cover a wide range of school focus areas and are properly recorded.

 Both of my children are now at Simon-Balle and are benefitting from the learning opportunities and experiences offered to them. 

 I am committed to ensuring that the high standards and expectations already set continue to remain high and that through our values and ethos we support all students as they develop into young adults, enabling them to thrive in the wider world.

Steve Brown

Simon Balle Governor

Term of Office

(04/02/2019 – 03/02/2027)

Registered business interests: I am the director of a limited company that specialises in providing environmental consultancy services, with a focus on water. As part my work I sometimes engage, and help promote, suppliers of related technology and services.

My roles on the governing board are supporting the school by discussing and evaluating a broad range of topics as part of the student, community and partnerships committee and contributing to the environmental aspect of  the health, safety, environment & sustainability committee. Having worked in the environmental sector since 2010, mainly related to advancing water stewardship implementation with global companies, I believe I offer the school a broad range of technical expertise across a range of environmental considerations including their Eco-School Silver award achievement.  

I have seen first-hand through my two children, Simon Balle delivering a well-rounded learning experience which is able to adapt to a broad demographic of students. The senior leadership team and staff consistently demonstrate a responsive attitude to critique and challenge from the governor board.

Term of Office

(01/01/2017 – 31/12/2028)

Registered business interests: In addition to my full time job I occasionally support high net worth or high profile people with their personal security – this sole trading work can include school leaders.

I am the school’s data protection officer and own the “prevent” responsibility as part of the Government’s contest strategy.

I am the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for a global software development company. I have over 30 years of security experience derived from military, law enforcement and central government roles. I specialise in disruptive technology.

I was asked to join the governing body to challenge the school to be better at all aspects of security and digital development.  The school always strives to improve and by comparison, Simon Balle is visionary and at the vanguard of digital development.

I have two children at Simon Balle and enjoy watching them develop in the school I would have liked to have gone to.

Ian Davis

LET Trustee

Term of Office

(01/10/2024 – 30/09/2028)

Registered business interests: None

I joined Laurel Education Trust as a trustee in September 2024.

I have worked for 33 years as a solicitor and partner in a city and international law firm becoming the head of the firm’s charities and governance team, providing advice to a wide range of charities, housing associations and other not for profit organisations as well as local authorities, covering charity law, corporate and regulatory advice as well as advice on major projects.

I am a father of three adult children, two of whom attended Simon Balle school, a Hertford resident and a member of Hertford Baptist Church.

I sing with Take Note, the Simon Balle community choir and other choirs when possible.

Bradley East

Simon Balle Staff Governor

Term of Office

(01/09/2024 – 31/08/2028)

Registered business interests: None

I sit on the Board of Governors as a Staff Governor. I work at Simon Balle in the Secondary Phase as a teacher of Physical Education and Head of Year. I am extremely proud to work at this school and believe our all-through curriculum from Reception to Year 13 enables every student to thrive academically and socially, fostering a love of learning that prepares them well for life beyond school.

Sarah Mansfield

Simon Balle Governor

Term of Office

(01/09/2024 – 31/08/2028)

Registered business interests: None

I am the mother of two young children and live locally to Simon Balle. I am a qualified teacher and have taught across a wide variety of settings, including state, independent and international, as well as across all key stages from Early Years through to Key Stage 5. I currently work as a Specialist Educational Assessor and Consultant.

I am pleased to be able to use my knowledge and expertise to help support Simon Balle as they continue to remain an outstanding provider of education for children in Hertford.

Charlotte Phillip

Simon Balle Staff Governor

Term of Office

(01/09/2021 – 31/08/2025)

Registered business interests: None

I sit on the Board of Governors as a Staff Governor. I work at Simon Balle in the Larch as a Reception Teacher and Phase 1 Leader. I am extremely proud to work at our school and believe our Early Years curriculum enables every child to thrive and build a strong love of learning to prepare them well for their journey through our All-through school.

Andrew Porrer

LET Trustee, Simon Balle Governor

Term of Office

(01/01/2016 – 31/12/2028)

Registered business interests: None

I joined the governing body of Simon Balle All-Through School as a parent governor starting in January 2016 and I have a child in the secondary phase. Having been all through the primary phase and one still in the primary phase. Both are flourishing and are involved in the musical life of the school.. 

I am a software developer and run a small business and have an office in Hertford. I have also been a Hertford Town Councillor for 4 years.

I am chair of the Achievement and Standards committee and also sit on the Finance committee. I find being a governor at Simon Balle All-Through School very rewarding.