Russell Friese
Manager
Russell, who has been a Letchworth resident since 2010, has had an extensive career in education, including 25 years as a teacher, and previously worked across the age ranges up to sixth form college and adults. During his teaching career he held many different positions including operations manager, special educational needs coordinator, head of pastoral care and equality, diversity and inclusion officer alongside extensive experience as a teacher trainer and mentor. He holds BA (Hons), MA Education (1st class), PGCE and qualified teacher status qualifications and left a role as Assistant Headteacher at an independent school in London to join The Settlement in January 2026.
Russell has a strong passion for arts and humanities, in particular, and previously worked as a musician as well as running his own independent record label and music promotions business alongside his teaching career.
Julie Butcher
Assistant Manager
Julie joined us in September 2021 as we were starting to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. She was appointed as an Assistant Manager in September 2022. Previously she worked in international logistics and customs compliance and before the pandemic ran a plumbing and heating business with her partner.