DSPL 8 Board
DSPL 8 Board directs the work of our local DSPL. Providing insights, accountability and direction for the work of the DSPL in Dacorum.
Our DSPL Board has representation from schools, parents and local providers across our area.
Our current DSPL 8 Board Membership for 2026-27:
Chairperson for Board;
| David Fisher | Strategic Lead/Chair (Headteacher Kings Langley Secondary School) |
| Ruth Mason | DSPL/PoDS Manager |
| Faye Lyness | Area SEND Lead |
| Jennifer McCarthy | Admin Assistant |
| Katharine Ellwood | Joint Operational Lead/Emotion and Wellbeing Sub-Group Chair |
| Hayley Yendell | Joint Operational Lead/Early Years Sub-Group Chair |
| Allan Maher | Head of Dacorum Primary Headteachers |
| ESBA Sub-Group | |
| Kim Morgan | Family Support Gade Manager |
| Melanie Flay | Principal EP (West) |
| Ask Sali | |
| Gayle Voigt | Head of Specialist Resource Provision (Primary) |
| Pauline Paul | Parent Rep |
| Kate Hudson | Parent Rep |
| James Shapland | Secondary School Headteacher Ashlyns |
| Emily Birch | Family Support Chair ( Primary Headteacher Galley Hill) |
| Kathryn Girdlestone | Head of outreach DESC |
| Lorna Elkes | Primary Head (small school representative) |
| Kate Marrs-Grant | Special School Head |
| Charlotte Hawkins | Family Centres (One YMCA) |
| Katie Southill | Eduguard LA |
| Sam Leenders | Family Support manager |
| Sue Sheffield | LA Rep |
| Nessa Claridge | Headteacher at Belswains Primary |
DSPL 8 also has a number of sub groups who shape and report into our DSPL 8 Board.
Early Years Sub Group
Post 16 Working Group
Emotional Well Being Mental Health and Behaviour Sub Group