We are pleased to confirm details of changes to our Board, with a number of new Independent Non-Executive Directors being added as we strive towards achieving The FA Code of Governance

In a world where change is accelerating at an incredible rate, the need for quality governance is paramount if a County FA is to meet the current challenges in our game. We strive to be an effective modern organisation with the structures and processes in place to offer the best possible service to the game at a local level.

Independent Non-Executive Directors play an important role in the strategic management of Hertfordshire FA, working with our other Board members to direct the business affairs of the Association and to determine the vision, strategy, plans, policies and financial investment required to achieve the Association’s aims.

Since the end of last season, we have sought to bolster the number of Independent Non-Executive Directors on the Board, with several longstanding members having stepped down from their roles. Our goal has been to recruit passionate individuals from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to help guide and drive our work.

We are pleased to announce this process has now concluded and are delighted to welcome Cassie Goodison, Lisa Toye and Mervyn Morgan to our Board, while at the same time confirming that existing member Rishi Doshi has now taken over the position of Senior Independent Non-Executive Director from Greg Heaton.

These changes provide us with a strong team to face the challenges ahead of us, which includes the ongoing modernisation of our leadership structures to meet the requirements of The FA Code of Governance. This was introduced in January 2020 and has since been made compulsory for all County FAs to be compliant by no later than June 2025.

In complying with the Code, we can ensure that our organisation is run to the highest standards of corporate governance. The code helps County FAs ensure their Boards, and other decision-making structures, are best equipped to deliver, safeguard and develop our National Game, ensuring it is a game for all.

Following his appointment to the role of Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, Rishi Doshi said:

''After engaging in granular discussions with the Chairman and CEO, I am honoured to be appointed as the sole Senior Independent Non-Executive Director to the Hertfordshire Football Association. I am excited about the prospect of expanding my contribution to the Association over the coming year. Our current status is strong, boasting a resilient balance sheet and a set of clearly defined strategic initiatives, which are already in motion.

In recent years, our team's unwavering dedication has guided us through a multitude of challenges, including the far-reaching effects of the pandemic. It is a privilege to collaborate and work with such a committed and passionate team.”

On this and wider changes to our Board, Karl Lingham, Hertfordshire FA CEO added:

“I am delighted to welcome our new Independent Non-Executive Directors and look forward to working closely with them in the years to come as we look to deliver our plans to support and service the game for everyone in Hertfordshire to enjoy. With a new strategy to be developed over the next year, we have a brilliant team in place with a diverse range of expertise that will help us greatly in achieving our goals.

We are grateful to everyone who gives up their time to support the Association and appreciate the effort they put in to benefit others across the local game. In particular, I would also like to take this opportunity to offer my personal thanks to outgoing Senior INED Greg Heaton, whose contribution over the last five years played significant part in getting us into the strong position we are in today.” 

 To learn more about how Hertfordshire FA is run, please visit the Governance section of this site which has further information.