NPUA Executive Committee
The NPUA Executive Committee is responsible for the day-to-day running of the association, operationally and financially, as well as managing our relationship with England Hockey.
The Executive Committee also sets and manages the long term strategy of national and international level umpiring in England, in collaboration with the England Hockey Umpire Selection Strategy Committee..
The members of the committee are elected each year by the NPUA membership.
Sean Edwards
Chairman
Sean became NPUA Chairman in 2023 having previously served on the Executive Committee, including four years as Deputy Chairman and three years as Secretary. Sean umpires on the men’s premier panel both indoor and outdoor and is also a member of the FIH Pro League Panel.
Professionally, Sean is a Head of Operations in the music industry, and when not on a hockey pitch, can be found bemoaning the luck of his beloved Ipswich Town.
Gemma Jones
Deputy Chair
Gemma joined the Exec in 2023 to build on the great work done during the first 20 years of the Association by helping to create the best experience possible for all of our members, now and in the future. Gemma represents NPUA as a women’s premier and men’s A panel outdoor umpire and as a coach and assessor. She is also on the FIH Indoor International Elite panel and the EHF outdoor panel.
In her working life, Gemma is a Learning and Development Lead within the Digital, Data, and Technology profession in the UK Civil Service and outside of hockey loves an adventure, whether that be a random long walk in the Lakes (with a drink in the pub at the end!) or her latest holiday!
Richard Kirk
Treasurer
Richard became Treasurer many years ago and has been looking after our finances since then after previously serving on the Executive Committee in a non-portfolio role. Richard is a National Coach, Assessor and umpire Manager both Indoor and Outdoor having umpired over 300 outdoor games and over 100 indoor matches within NPUA. He has over 100 support appointments since retiring form umpiring. Richard is a Chartered Accountant and when not standing on the side of pitch observing umpires can be found criticising his County Cricket Club’s administration and lack of drive. This is probably compounded by his love of Sunderland AFC who are currently languishing too far down the football League structure.
Richard can be contacted via treasurer@npua.co.uk
Rachel Williams (Secretary)
Rachel joined the NPUA committee with the vision to better connect the umpiring team and the playing team. She previously served as the association’s club liaison, where she was the conduit for game day feedback from both coaches and umpires. Rachel is keen to promote a collaborative approach to develop a game experience and overall EHL environment, to showcase the best hockey can offer. She became the association’s secretary in 2021. Rachel enjoys spontaneous adventures and long walks with her pup Trixie. Rachel is currently in New Zealand on a career break but very keen to continue supporting and representing NPUA at every opportunity.
Rachel can be contacted via secretary@npua.co.uk
Jaime Cox
Rebecca Edwards
Since joining the NPUA Executive Committee in 2017, Rebecca has been responsible for organising the association’s annual conference. She is a member of the women’s premier panel both indoor & outdoor, as well as the FIH International Elite Panel.
Rebecca is a trainee solicitor at a law firm in London, and has recently taken up golf in her spare time.
Simon Webb
Simon joined the NPUA Executive Committee in 2022 and brings experience of umpiring at national level in both England and Belgium, as well as being a member of the International Hockey Press since 2009.
For four years he worked in product development and communication for two major hockey brands. He has experience of working in hockey in England, Scotland, Belgium, The Netherlands, France and Oman. He has extensive experience working in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and has overcome paralysis himself.
Julian Warburton
Association Key Documents
– NPUA Constitution
– NPUA Terms of Reference
– NPUA Expenses Policy
– NPUA Clothing Policy
– NPUA Fitness Policy 25/26