National executive acts as the principal democratic governing body within the union, it is responsible for implementing the decisions of NAHT’s Annual Conference and AGM, for determining policy in between those annual meetings, and for directing the work and strategy of NAHT.
National executive members are elected representatives of their sector or regional constituencies and are responsible for providing a voice for members, acting as stewards of the union, and for providing strategic direction to the union’s affairs.
Contact our democracy and governance team to learn more about the role and get in touch with NAHT's national executive.
The role and responsibilities of national executive members
All members of NAHT's national executive are elected to represent a region or sector of our membership. National executive members:
- participate in the strategic oversight of the union’s affairs and direct the work of NAHT between Annual Conferences
- oversee the implementation of policy decisions from Annual Conference and participate in determining the policy priorities for the union
- participate in national committees, sector councils, and task and finish groups to support and guide the campaigns, policy, and governance work of the union
- give voice to the views of members in their regions and sectors
- provide support to local officials through their participation in the regional democracy of the union.
National executive vacancies
Due to vacancies outside of the triennial election cycle, national executive has the following shorter-term length seats open for nomination:
- North West (D) – two-year term
- South Central (B) – two-year term.
The nomination period for both seats closes on 13 October 2025, and all nomination forms must be completed digitally using the form provided by NAHT’s independent scrutineer, Civica Election Services.
Nominations should come from an NAHT branch and must be decided by agreement at the branch level to nominate the candidate. Once a nomination has been agreed by the branch members can submit their nomination form.
NAHT will strive, as far as is possible, to provide any reasonable adjustments required to ensure all members can fully engage with the role. This includes any adjustments you may need during both the application process and any subsequent tenure if successful. Please get in touch with governance and executive officer Adam Ives at adam.ives@naht.org.uk should you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, or if you have any questions relating to the accessibility of the role.
Should you have any questions about the nomination process please contact Adam Ives, NAHT governance and executive officer, at adam.ives@naht.org.uk.
National executive members for the 2025/26 academic year
Regional representatives
Eastern
- Alan Garnett
- Diana Ohene-Darko
- Vacant
East Midlands
Greater London
- Danielle Ashley
- Dave Woods
- Lorraine Flanagan
- Jonathan Bailey
North East
- Angi Gibson (President)
- Nicola Stephenson
North West
- Amanda Hulme
- Simon Kidwell
- Nicola Kearney
- Vacant
South Central
South East
- Ollie Burcombe
- Natalie Hill
South West
- Ruhaina Alford
- Lorna Legg
West Midlands
- Alasdair Black
- Clare Evans
- Amy Lassman
Yorkshire
- Martin Vayro
- Cathy Rowland
- David Pattison
Cymru
Northern Ireland
National treasurer and overseas
Sector representatives
Early years
Primary
- Graham Frost
- Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson
Secondary
- Jackie Bartley
- Chris Parry
SEND
- Marijke Miles
- Chris Smaling
Deputy and assistant heads
- Melanie Collins
- James Hawkins
School business leaders
- Rachel Younger (NAHT vice president)
Middle leaders (Edge)
Life members