Get to Know Your Governors

Learn more about our Governing Body:

Lynne Gerver: Head Teacher

Lynne has been the Headteacher at Mickleover Primary School since January 2007. As Headteacher she sits on all committees.

Lynne’s teaching background includes working at two schools in Chaddesden and was Deputy Head at Melbourne Junior School. Throughout her time in education she has led most curriculum areas.

Stephen Handsley: Chair of Governors

Stephen joined the governing body as a co-opted governor in September 2021. He is the governor link for English. Although a lifelong resident of the City of Derby, prior to retirement, Stephen worked as an Associate Professor in the Sociology of Health at De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester. Along with several senior strategic roles, he was also a member of the University’s Board of Governors and a DMU Teacher Fellow. Since returning to education in 1995 as a “mature learner”, Stephen went on to successfully secure a BA (Hons) First class degree in Sociology from the University of Derby. In 2000, he subsequently moved to the University of Warwick to complete his PhD in Sociology. He also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (Distinction). Stephen is also Vice Chair of Healthwatch Derby, and an independent member of the Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel.

Rachel Brailsford: Vise chair of Governors

Rachel joined the governing body in May 2016 and is part of a new cohort of school governors at MPS. She sits on the Personnel & Curriculum Committee and the link governor for ‘Safeguarding’. Rachel also sits on the governing body at the school where she works.

Rachel has a teaching background and currently works at Woodlands School, teaching Drama as well as being Head of Rowan House. As a pastoral leader her role requires her to deal with various: Safeguarding, SEN, Attendance and Attainment issues.

Sean Welsh

Sean joined the governing body as a co-opted governor in October 2020. He has taught at Mickleover Primary School since September 2020 and presently teaches in Year 2. As well as being Assistant Head Teacher for Key Stage 1, Sean leads KS1 English.

Peter Barker: Chair of the Finance & General Purposes Committee

Peter joined the governing body in 2010. He has been Chair of the Finance & General Purposes Committee for the last 2 years. He is the governor link for school Health and Safety responsibilities.

Peter has been in the construction industry for nearly 30 years. His present role, Design Manager, is for a main contractor. He has been involved with numerous types of project from hospitals, fire stations to distribution centres.

Laura Chadwick

Laura was appointed as Parent Governor in September 2022. Laura has 15 years experience working in HR and has been working at the University of Derby since 2020 as a Strategic People Partner. I am link governor for pupil premium.