Nikki Richardson announced as new Chair of Governors

Nikki Richardson is delighted to be the new Chair of Governors at National Star. Even before she moved to Gloucestershire, she had heard great things about the college and the achievements of the students.

“My priority is to build on National Star’s reputation for delivering quality services, she said. “And to ensure that the voices of students and their families are heard, recognised and acted upon in taking this forward. I am excited to be part of that journey.”

Nikki has extensive knowledge of multi-disciplinary working, safeguarding and quality improvement having held Executive roles in the NHS including responsibility for the delivery of services to people with learning disabilities and mental health problems.

Her interests in working with people with disabilities was sparked by her mother. “My mother, who worked as an education welfare officer, arranged for me to support her at a residential holiday when I was 18,” says Nikki.

“That trip made me appreciate that people with disabilities had the same aspirations as I did. It was a life defining moment.”

Nikki trained as a speech and language therapist and joined the NHS. Her skills in management saw her soon move away from clinical work into management across the NHS. She is also Chair of Healthwatch Gloucestershire. Her role is to ensure people can express their views about health and social care locally.

The appointment follows the retirement of Mary Saunders who stepped down as Chair after 12 years.

Paying tribute to the work of Mary Saunders, who retired earlier this year, Nikki said: “Mary and all the governors have made me feel incredibly welcomed and I look forward to building on the sterling work that Mary has done. Mary put students at the heart of everything she did, and I am proud to be following in her footsteps.”