Helen Shaw

I returned to Yorkshire three years ago, having spent the majority of my career in London and I wanted to volunteer my time doing something which would have a positive local impact.  This led me to become a governor at West End Academy.  I'm especially keen to help create an environment which will enable children from all backgrounds to develop a learning mindset to equip them well for their future lives.

Professionally, I am a former Diplomat and Senior Civil Servant with a MSc in International Human Resource Management.  Among my senior leadership roles I have been HR Director for Universal Credit at the Department for Work and Pensions; Head of HR Policy, Performance and Diversity at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; and Head of Learning and Skills at the Home Office.  I am an experienced and successful coach and mentor to Executive Board level employees. My strengths lie in being able to translate a high level vision into something understandable and compelling; in valuing people and supporting them to achieve their best; and in caring about people whilst ensuring they deliver strong results.