Haberdashers' Academies Trust South

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The following biographies are of governors who served within the last 12 months.

  • Seamus Gibbons
    Former Co-opted Governor

    Seamus Gibbons

    Type of Governor

    Co-opted Governor SEAMUS GIBBONS

    Committee Membership

    Knights Primary LGB

    Appointment Start Date

    01/09/2021

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Seamus is an experienced school Principal of two London primary school. with a strong history of working in education. His achievements include leading a school to Ofsted rating 'Outstanding' and being awarded 'Leader of. the Year', for his MAT.

    Seamus is also the Lead for the primary teacher training provision for the country's largest MAT. He holds an MA (Distinction) in Effective Learning from the UCL Institute of Education and has also completed the National Qualification in Executive Leadership (NPQEL).

    He mentors new headteachers and has supported numerous schools in challenging contexts. Seamus is also a member of the DfE's Headteacher Reference Group.

  • Merlinda Harry
    Former Elected Parent Governor

    Merlinda Harry


    Type of Governor

    Elected Parent Governor

    Committee Membership

    Knights Academy LGB

    Appointment Start Date

    16/06/2022

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Elected by Parents and appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Merlinda is originally from St Lucia, however she has lived and worked in Canada and the Dominican Republic, before settling in the UK.

    Merlinda has a son who attends Knights Academy, and he is her motivational force for wanting to give back in a way that is meaningful and matters. Merlinda strongly believes in giving young people the tools to enable them to be the best version of themselves, and see's her role on the Knights Academy LGB as an opportunity to support these children and young people as they navigate through life.

    Merlinda enjoys travelling, completing jigsaw puzzles and watching movies in her spare time.

  • Abdoul Wane
    Former Elected Parent Governor

    Abdoul Wane

    Type of Governor

    Parent Governor

    Committee Membership

    Slade Green Primary LGB

    Appointment Start Date

    27/04/2022

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Elected by Parents and appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association.

    Abdoul was born and raised in Senegal and later moved to France to continue his studies. After completing a Masters degree in Computer Sciences, Abdoul worked in France for 10 years before moving to the UK with his family to pursue an MBA at Warwick Business School.

    Abdoul has a keen interest in supporting charities and families, and enjoys cycling, F1 and watching competitive sports at an international level

  • Natalie Wilson
    Former Co-opted governor

    Natalie Wilson

    Type of Governor

    Co-opted governor

    Committee Membership

    Knights Academy LGB

    Appointment Start Date

    10/05/2018, appointed to serve second term on

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Natalie Wilson has been a qualified social worker for 20 years and has worked across most areas, from children and families up to management level and is currently self-employed working as an independent social worker. Natalie has always had a passion for providing children with the best opportunities to develop and reach their full potential particularly those who are more vulnerable. Natalie also has experience of school life through working closely with schools as a social worker, voluntarily at her children's school and in running a wildlife club at another school. She has also worked as a children's and youth worker at her church for over 20 years. Natalie has three children of her own and is delighted to be able to offer her support to Knights Academy as a Haberdashers governor. In her spare time Natalie also has a keen interest in fitness and outdoor activities.

  • Clive Lewis
    Former Elected Parent Governor

    Clive Lewis

    Type of Governor

    Elected Parent Governor

    Committee Membership

    Crayford Primary LGB

    Appointment Start Date

    28/02/2023

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Elected by Parents and appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Some of you will know me through my work with the PA or as a DBS checked volunteer at the school. For those who don't, i'm proud to say my daughter attends Haberdashers Crayford Primary and believe the school is the heart of our community.

    As a father, I'm passionate about inclusive education for children with disabilities and that all children have unlimited potential. I am also a volunteer with the Guides Association and Beams children's charity. Professionally I have worked for over 25 years in customer relations, complaints management / resolution as well as sales and marketing management.

    In my role as a governor I will strive to be a conduit between all parents and the school. Representing our views on our children's education and the daily running of the school.

  • Dame Sue John
    Former Trustee

    Dame Sue John


    Type of Governor

    Former Nominated Director

    Committee Membership

    Trust Board and Standards Committee

    Appointment Start Date

    01/09/2020

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Directors of the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Dame Sue John

    Executive Director Challenge Partners

    Sue was the headteacher of Lampton School in Hounslow from 1997 to 2015.The school was included in the 2010 Ofsted publication Twelve outstanding secondary schools: excelling against the odds. Sue worked as a National Leader of Education and as project manager for some of London's most challenging and complex schools. She was the Director of the London Leadership Strategy for secondary schools during the London Challenge.

    She was previously awarded an honorary fellowship from Brunel University and recently awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws by Roehampton University. Sue has held directorships at the DFE, Future and Teaching Leaders and is currently the Chair of the South London TSA and Charles Dickens Research School. Sue is a member of the Sutton Trust EAG, the advisory group for the Fair Education Alliance and the Royal Society's curriculum group. She is also the Chair of Trustees for the Teacher Development Trust.

  • Nicholas Scarles
    Former Chair of Trustees, Member

    Nicholas Scarles


    Type of Governor

    Member and Nominated Director

    Committee Membership

    Chairman of the Trust Board. Member of the Finance Committee and People Committee.

    Appointment Start Date

    24/03/2016

    Term of office

    4 years - appointed to second term on 24/03/2020

    Appointed by

    Appointed as a Member and Nominated Director by resolution of the Members and the Haberdashers' Company. Appointed as Chair by the Directors of the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association.

    Nick was previously a Governor of the Haberdashers' Boys School and Haberdashers' School for Girls, at Elstree, where he was a member of the Boys' School Committee and chaired the Finance Committee. He is a Member of the Court of Assistants of the Haberdashers Livery Company.

    Nick is Chair of Realty Incurances Limited, a specialist insurance brokerage. He was previously Chief Financial Officer of the Grosvenor Estate, having spent 13 years as Group Finance Director of Grosvenor Group Limited (a private international real estate development investment and fund management group). Prior to that he was at Centrica Plc and PwC, living in London, New York and Toronto.

    Nick was Chair of the Real Estate Finance Group, which produced 'A Vision for Real Estate Finance in the UK', which contained recommendations to protect the UK's financial stability.

    Nick originally qualified as a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor in the UK and Certified Public Accountant and Attorney at Law in the USA, having been educated at Haberdashers' Boys School, Elstree, obtaining law degrees from Trinity College, Cambridge, and the University of Virginia.

  • Karen Carter
    Co opted Governor

    Karen Carter

    Karen has been actively working in the public sector since the age of 16, attaining a 10-year position as Disciplinary Manager at John Lewis.

    She now holds dual roles of Safeguarding Officer for St Paulinus Church, alongside Parochial Church Councillor, here in Crayford. Through these roles, Karen has acquired positive and productive knowledge with experience in holding workshops and lectures for all age groups and vulnerabilities.

    Type of Governor

    Parent Governor

    Committee Membership

    Crayford Academy LGB

    Appointment start date 01/01/2023

    Term of office – 4 years

    Resigned July 8th 2024 via Emma Bryan

    Appointed by Appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

  • Amy Price
    Co-opted Governor

    Amy Price

    Appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Amy has returned to Bromley after five years in Melbourne, Australia, where she worked for the Department of Education on early childhood policy (assessment for learning) and managed Victoria's school governor training programme. Prior to leaving the UK, Amy worked for Ambition Institute, working with school and academy trust leaders and local authorities to set up hubs for middle and senior leadership programmes, to address education disadvantage. She was also previously a governor at a primary school in Croydon and greatly enjoyed the experience. Amy is currently a civil servant for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero.

    Appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Resigned due to giving birth early in July 2024 and moving from London to Kent

  • Saskia Goldman
    Co opted Governor

    Saskia Goldman

    Hatcham Primary. Saskia works for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, in climate change and development, and has worked in local government and the charity sector, delivering services for vulnerable groups.

    Saskia has been a safeguarding lead for services and is currently a Safeguarding Champion and trainer within her current role.

    When not at work, Saskia volunteers for homelessness charities and enjoys walking her rescue dog, Merlin, in south London's beautiful green spaces.

    First appointed 08/03/2021

    4 years

    resigned July 2024 to move to Sierra Leone working for Foreign office

  • Jemma Shanks
    Co-opted Governor

    Jemma Shanks

    Type of Governor

    Co-opted Governor

    Committee Membership

    Crayford Primary LGB

    Appointment Start Date

    01/09/2021

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the People Committee in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation and Articles of Association

    Jemma is a financial services lawyer, specialising in Disputes and Investigations for TLT LLP. Jemma primarily works with financial institutions in relation to complex disputes and contentious regulatory matters. Jemma has also worked in the public sector for the FCA, where she collaborated with other professionals to pursue enforcement actions against firms and individuals involving financial crime.

    Jemma studied History at the University of York, She worked at Harrow Schools Admissions department for 2 years, before undertaking her law conversion course and training contract, qualifying as a solicitor in 2012.

    Jemma lives in South-east London with her husband and 3 children.

  • Sarah Mitchell
    Co-opted Governor

    Sarah Mitchell

    Type of Governor

    Co-opted Governor

    Committee Membership

    Hatcham College LGB

    Appointment Start Date

    08/03/2021

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Directors of the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Sarah is a Headteacher of a Primary Academy in Bromley, having previously led a successful school in Croydon. She is also part of the senior STEP Academy Trust team, focusing on Inclusion across the organisation. Sarah has dedicated her career to providing the best quality education for all children, and is passionate about ensuring equity of opportunity for all.

    Sarah also works as a Development Partner at the Princes' Teaching Institute, an organisation devoted to supporting the professional development of teachers through high quality CPD and training. Before becoming a teacher, Sarah studied Archaeology at the University of Liverpool and has since worked in New York and London.

    Sarah is currently studying for a MBA in Educational Leadership. When not working or studying, you can usually find her in the yoga studio.

  • Helen Hutton
    Co-opted Governor

    Helen Hutton

    Type of Governor

    Chair

    Committee Membership

    Slade Green Primary LGB

    Appointment Start Date

    08/03/2021

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Helen is a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers and currently sits on the Haberdashers' Property and Events Committees.

    She was previously a governor of the Haberdashers' Monmouth Schools.

    Helen is a planning and environmental solicitor at Charles Russell Speechlys and works in the London and Cheltenham offices. Helen read Classics at Oxford University where she also obtained a Full Blue in modern Pentathlon. She was a member of the Junior GB squad for Modern Pentathlon. She now stays moderately fit by cycling, running and climbing mountains, skiing and Scottish reeling!

  • Rupert McNeil
    Nominated Director

    Rupert McNeil

    Type of Governor

    		Nominated Director

    Committee Membership

    Trust Board and Chair of the People Committee

    Appointment Start Date

    		01/01/2021

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed as a Director of the Trust Board by the Members of the Trust in accordance with the Articles of Association.

    Rupert is the UK Government Chief People Officer (GCPO) based in the Cabinet Office. He is responsible for Human Resources and workforce issues for the UK Civil Service. He started this role in January 2016, and prior to that held senior roles at Lloyds Banking Group, Aviva and Barclays, and was Partner at Arthur Andersen and Deloitte. Before joining Arthur Andersen in 1995, he worked at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

    He studied Politics & Philosophy at university, and went to secondary school in Aberdeen. He and his wife Nicole have two children: Sam, a lawyer, and Courtney, who is at university.

    Rupert is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD), and a Companion of the Chartered Management Institute (CMi). He is also a Non-Executive Director of the Government Property Agency (GPA).

  • Linda Wake
    Elected Parent Governor

    Linda Wake

    Type of Governor

    Elected parent governor

    Committee Membership

    Crayford Academy LGB

    Appointment Start Date

    08/03/2021

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Elected by Parents and appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    A qualified Accountant and currently Chief Financial Officer and Board Director of a global research business, Linda has lived in the Crayford area for over 40 years. She is passionate that local children have access to excellent education and opportunities to achieve the best they can, and has experience in leading and supporting leadership teams to achieve their strategic objectives, including improving performance of employees, effectively managing budgets, improving communications as well as being responsible for Risk and Compliance globally.

  • Janine La Rosa
    Former Parent Governor HPS

    Janine La Rosa

    type of Governor

    Parent Governor

    Committee Membership

    Hatcham Primary LGB

    Appointment Start Date

    08/03/2021

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Elected by Parents and appointed by the Director of the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Janine is a Parent Governor at Hatcham Temple Grove, with a son who also attends the school.

    She is the Head of Equality and Inclusion London, for NHS England and NHS Improvement, providing proactive leadership, expertise and direction for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) activity across the region.

    As an EDI expert, Janine has led culture transformation programmes across large and complex public, private and third sector organisations.

    Before moving into EDI, Janine was a Management Consultant and Programme Manager, working ni the UK and overseas, delivering multi-million pound infrastructure and transformation programmes.

  • Frank Ansah
    Former Parent Governor at Knights Academy

    Frank Ansah

    Type of Governor

    Elected Parent Governor

    Committee Membership

    Knights Academy LGB

    Appointment Start Date

    08/03/2021

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Elected by Parents and appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Frank is currently a practicising solicitor, specialising in Family Law. He was born in Ghana, where he completed his sixth form education studying Physics, Chemistry and Biology, before moving to the United Kingdom.

    Frank attended Bromley College, where he studied law to become an Institute of Legal Executive. He then attended Holborn College under the University of London Programme, and completed a Diploma in Law. He then attended the University of Wales, where he achieved his LLB, and then went on to the University of Kingston, where he completed a Master's programme in Law.

    Frank then attended the University of Law (College of Law), where he undertook a Legal Practice course, and also completed a Master's in Business.

  • Professor Michael Green
    Co-opted Governor

    Professor Michael Green

    Type of Governor

    Co-opted Governor

    Committee Membership

    Crayford Academy Local Board

    Appointment Start Date

    13.11.2023

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Directors of the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Professor Michael Green an experienced education leader and academic. Over his 23-year career in education he has held a number of senior positions in a range of educational and governance.

  • Adonye Orumbie
    Co-opted Governor

    Adonye Orumbie

    Type of Governor

    Co-opted Governor

    Committee membership

    Borough Academy

    Appointment start date

    21/10/2024

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association.

    Adonye has worked in the global Talent Acquisition / Recruitment industry for over 24 years and has worked in both the agency and in-house side. For the past 6 years he has worked at Getty Images and is currently the Director of Talent Acquisition where he is responsible for building strategy and attracting senior level talent across the globe. Additionally, he is deeply involved in developing and highlighting incentives to aid in the development of underrepresented communities. Adonye grew up in Peckham and attended Haberdashers Askes Hatcham Boys School in New Cross from 1985 – 1992. He is husband of 20+ years and father to three teenagers and enjoys his weekends by supporting his two sons at athletic meets, being involved in church activities, and aiding his wife in her vegan food business.

  • Alice Chen
    Co-opted Governor

    Alice Chen

    Type of Governor

    Co-opted Governor

    Committee Membership

    Hatcham Primary LGB

    Term dates

    08/03/2021 - 10/07/25

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Director of the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Alice was Head Girl at Hatcham College in 2009, and has been an active member in giving back to the Federation ever since. She has acted as mentor to current students for Academy Awards for numerous years, as well as participating in and attending careers evening & Deputation Days for the various schools across the country that form part of the Haberdasher's Company.

    Alice is currently a Freeman of the Haberdashers' Company.

    Alice currently works as an Associate Director Sales Trader, for Lloyds Banking Group, where she specialises in foreign exchange & rates products for institutional clients. She holds a Masters Degree in Mathematics from Bristol University, and offers a depth of knowledge and experience in Finance & Risk Management.

    Alice is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.

  • James Sharp
    Co-Opted Governor

    James Sharp

    Type of Governor

    Co-opted Governor JAMES SHARP

    Committee Membership

    Hatcham College LGB

    Term dates

    05/10/2023 - 10/07/2025

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Directors of the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    James is an accomplished educator with a wealth of experience, specifically in Food & Nutrition and Design & Technology. He currently serves as the Head of Department at Alleyn's School in London. James also oversees the school's volunteering program, providing students with valuable opportunities to engage with the local community.

    James has previously held roles as Head of Department and Head of House at Forest School, Head of Technology at Parliament Hill School, London, and Head of Technology and Applied Studies at Wenona and St Catherine's Schools in Sydney, Australia.

    James moved from his native Australia to the UK in 2003 and now holds dual citizenship. He lives locally in Nunhead and has a range of interests including running, travel, food and gardening, and he volunteers for Albrighton Food Bank

  • Joyce Abolade
    Co-opted Governor

    Joyce Abolade

    Appointed: November 2023, end date 10/7/2025.

  • Adam MacLeod
    Co-opted Governor

    Adam MacLeod


    Type of Governor

    Co-opted Governor

    Committee Membership

    Slade Green Primary LGB

    Term dates

    02/01/2024 - 10/10/2025

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Directors of the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Adam is a partner at Castleforge, a London-based private equity real estate fund manager, where he leads diverse business functions, including research, strategy, investment, asset management, marketing, finance, and operations, and manages the firm's portfolio companies.

    Prior to joining Castleforge in 2015, Adam worked for Sullivan & Cromwell in London and Cravath in London and New York as a corporate lawyer, where he advised a number of large corporate and financial clients in corporate, mergers and acquisitions, leveraged finance and capital markets transactions.

    Adam graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He also has a JD from the Columbia University School of Law

  • Simone Ross-Robinson
    Elected Parent Governor

    Simone Ross-Robinson

    Type of Governor

    Elected Parent

    Committee Membership

    Hatcham Free School LGBC

    Term dates:

    08/03/2021 - 07/03/2025

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Elected by parents and appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Simone grew up in South London, Brockley and has a strong connections with the local area. She has 15 years' experience working with Children and Young People, and currently works in secondary education working with SENCO. Simone has a BA (Hons) in Youth and Community Work (Social Science) and an MA in Applied Theatre. Simone has used her skills from both disciplines to promote children and young people's emotional intelligence, using drama as a catalyst to support their Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH).

    Simone has a strong community link and has worked for local non-profit organisations and charities, and continues to be an advocate for education and community cohesion.

    Simone also has a keen passion for performing arts. She has worked with the BBC, Pink Floyd and Oxford University Press. Simone continued acting into her late teens and qualified as a professional actor, gaining equity status. She remains a valuable member of the Actors Union and revisits her love for acting from time to time, working with local playwrights and actors.

  • Miranda Ofori
    Co-opted Governor

    Miranda Ofori

    Type of Governor

    Co-opted Governor

    Committee membership

    Hatcham Free School

    Term dates

    12/06/2023 - 27/07/2025

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association.

    My background is in finance and HR, and I have worked within the education sector for the past ten years – specifically within teacher training. I began my career in education by worked for a Multi-Academy Trust, where I witnessed the immense work that goes into ensuring children have the best possible outcomes and this starts by who we allow into the profession and how teachers are developed at each stage of their careers through CPD.

    I was attracted to the role of Governor as I am an advocate of social mobility and giving children the best start in life. Unfortunately, we live in a society where children from disadvantaged backgrounds are already behind their peers from affluent families, simply because they have working class parents or come from a one-parent household. I don't believe that ‘class' has a place in school, and Hatcham Free school are heavily invested in ensuring all children can have access to the best education. I went to a local authority primary school in an area that was considered disadvantaged at the time and remember very clearly how much our Head Teacher was our biggest cheerleader. David is passionate about all children at his school but there is also a particular focus on children from disadvantaged backgrounds, their futures and making sure that no child being left behind. I wanted to be a part of the vision that inspires children to reach for the stars and realise their full potential.

    I have had the opportunity to visit the school to observe different classes and meet colleagues. Each lesson delivered, no matter the key stage, is taught with consistency. The children are well mannered and fully enjoy attending school – which is no easy feat! I believe if you enjoy school and learning is made fun, the possibilities are endless. I'd like to thank David and colleagues at Hatcham Free School for giving me the opportunity to have an input in the lives of our young people.

  • Clare Freeman
    Co-opted Governor

    Clare Freeman

    Type of Governor

    Co-opted Governor

    Committee Membership

    Crayford Primary LGB

    Term Dates

    01/09/2021 to 31/08/2025

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Directors of the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    I am the Assistant Head and Inclusion Lead at Lessness Heath Primary School, in Belvedere and have worked at Lessness Heath School since 2001, joining the school as a NQT. During my career, I have taught in all Key Stages, led Maths and Science across the school and held the post of Leading Literacy teacher, for the borough of Bexley.

    I have been leading Inclusion at Lessness Heath for the last six years and during this time achieved my NASENCO and NPQSL qualifications. I am passionate about Inclusion and achieving the highest standards for all children in my care, and this has been recognised with Lessness Heath achieving and retaining Centre of Excellence status for Inclusion, awarded by the Inclusion Quality Mark.

    I am also the Inclusion and Mental Health Associate for the Primary First Trust academy of schools.

    It is a real privilege to be asked to sit on this Local Governing Board and I am excited to have the opportunity to work supportively with the school to ensure the best possible outcomes and opportunities for all the children.

  • John Franklin
    Co-opted Governor

    John Franklin

    Type of Governor

    Co-opted Local Governor

    Committee membership

    Borough Academy

    Term dates

    21/10/2024 to 12/09/2025

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association.

    Originally from southern Queensland, John Franklin has lived in the UK on and off since 1988. He was appointed Head of Ardingly College in 1998 and then Headmaster of Christ's Hospital in 2007. Since retiring in 2017, he has served as a governor of several independent schools and as a HMC mentor for new Heads.

    John was admitted to the Salters' Livery in 2016 and served as Master Salter in 2022-23.

    In his spare time, John enjoys gardening, walking his dogs, reading, cooking, travel and the theatre.

  • Stephen O'Grady
    Parent Governor

    Stephen O'Grady

    Type of Governor

    Parent Governor

    Committee Membership

    Hatcham Free School LGB

    Term dates

    01/09/2021 to 26/09/2025

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Elected by parents and appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Stephen is an Australian and English qualified lawyer, who has practised in City firms since moving to London in 2014. He has specialised in restructuring & insolvency for over 10 years, advising business and their boards (amongst other stakeholders), in their most critical of financial circumstances, with a particular focus on the technology sector.

    He has previously volunteered for many years in Australia with the Red Cross Night Cafe (a youth drop-in centre) and for various community legal centres, providing pro bono legal advice.

  • Amina Folarin
    Co-opted Governor

    Amina Folarin

    Type of Governor

    Co-opted

    Committee Membership

    Knights Primary LGB,

    Term dates

    13/11/2023 - 02/10/2025

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    In her substantive role as CEO Amina enjoys partnering with clients to help them solve their transformation challenges. With a knack for org design problem solving, Amina loves nothing more than partnering with clients to

    re-imagine and reshape their organisations, delivering lasting change and tangible business outcomes.

    As Chair of our new Barclays Transformation team, Amina's role will be to ensure the teams of experts are delivering against clear objectives and outcomes.

    Using organisational development methodology and high performing frameworks. she will oversee the creation of a world-class accountable team for Barclays.

    At OLIVER, Amina is CEO of the UK Group, the Inside Ideas Group flagship organisation – home to more than 60 brands.

    With over 15+ years of experience in leadership roles, her expertise spans people transformation, inclusion & diversity, sustainability, and commercial management. As a trustee of Action Aid UK, she understands the power of harnessing individuals around a collective purpose to create and embed change.

  • Darren Pearce
    Co-opted Governor

    Darren Pearce

    Type of Governor

    Co-opted Governor

    Committee Membership

    Hatcham College LGB

    Term dates

    17/10/2022 - 08/10/2025

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Directors of the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Darren Pearce is an education professional who currently holds the role of Senior Vice Principal in a secondary school. Having been a previous pupil and head boy at Haberdashers' Hatcham college, Darren has an intimate understanding of the school's values vision and the significance it holds within its community.

    Has a student at the school, he was granted numerous incredible opportunities that paved the way for his admission to Oxford University, where he pursued a degree in modern history. This formative experience shaped Darren's belief in the transformative power of education comma becoming the 1st in his family to attend university and feuding his passion for making a positive impact on the lives of young people.

    With a deep-rooted commitment to social justice, Darren consistently strives to champion equal opportunities for all students. He firmly believes that every individual deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to reach ambitious destinations, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through his role as a school governor, Darren seeks to contribute to the betterment of educational policies and practises, ensuring that they align with the principles of equity and inclusivity.

    Darren's extensive background in education equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector. His first hand experience as a senior leader in a secondary school enables him to bring valuable insights and expertise to the governing body. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to continuous improvement Darren actively participates in shaping the strategic direction of the school.

  • Chris Achiampong
    Co-opted Governor

    Chris Achiampong

    Type of Governor

    Co-opted Governor

    Committee Membership

    People Committee

    Term dates

    09/11/2021 - 31/10/2025

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Directors of the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Currently based in South London, Chris is a Cyber Security Account Executive at IBM, focussing on clients in the Financial Services sector. He enjoys managing, maintaining anf developing external relationships with business leaders and C-Suite executives, to deliver /safer end-to-end security solutions and consulting services.

    Chris is extremely motivated to make a difference, in both his professional and personal life. He is a Patron for the EY Foundation, a charity that inspires and engages with young people across the UK who are disadvantaged in the labour market, and supports social entrepreneurs and start ups to develop and grow their businesses. He is also a school governor at the primary school he attended as a child.

    In his spare time, Chris works as a part time scout for Liverpool FC, focussing on the London and South area. Chris enjoys playing football with friends and colleagues and is a massive Arsenal fan.

    Chris embraces all challenges with a tenacious and driven attitude and is incredibly passionate about building relationships and delivering the best results for our children and young people.

  • Jordan Ojediran
    Co-opted Governor

    Jordan Ojediran


    Type of Governor

    Co-opted Local Governor

    Committee Membership

    Borough Academy Local Board

    Term dates

    05/04/2023 - 27/10/2025

    Term of office

    4 years

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Directors of the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    Jordan is currently pursuing a BSc in Economics at the University of Kent, scheduled to complete his degree in July 2023. He has gained experience through internships at Investment Banking firms including Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan and Rothschild & Co. Jordan attended Crayford Academy from Year 7 to Year 11 and is currently a member of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers'.

  • Richard Shannon
    Parent Governor

    Richard Shannon

    Type of Governor

    Elected parent governor

    Committee Membership

    Crayford Academy LGB

    Appointment Dates

    13/12/2024 - 13/02/2026

    Appointed by

    Elected by Parents and appointed by the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association

    I have worked in Education for around 10 plus years now. I started my career as a facilities manager and now I am working as a compliance manager managing health and safety and compliance.

    Health and safety and compliance in schools is paramount to running a good school.

    I took this role because I have the relevant skills and knowledge to be able to advise if required. My son is a pupil at Crayford academy and knowing that the site is safe and compliant should put every parent at rest.

    Prior to working in education I worked for 20 years within the NHS within estates and facilities. Managing hospital buildings with large NHS trust through to GP and dental practices.

    During my time with the NHS I was a trained Helipad Firefighter at St George's NHS trust in London.

    I am excited at the prospect of working closely with other governors at Crayford Academy

  • Father Grant Bolton-Debbage
    Co-opted Governor

    Father Grant Bolton-Debbage

    Type of Governor

    Co-opted Governor

    Committee Membership

    Hatcham Primary LGB

    Appointment Dates

    12th June 2023 - 13th February 2026

    Appointed by

    Appointed by the Directors of the Trust Board in accordance with the Articles of Association.

    I grew up in South Norfolk and was educated at Old Buckenham High School, Wymondham College and thereafter Durham University where I read for a degree in Theology. I then undertook the discernment process in The Church of England and trained for ordination at Ripon College Cuddesdon, in Oxford.

    My title post as a clergyman was at Great Yarmouth Minster where I also became chaplain to the local FE College, I was then made Assistant Priest at Holy Trinity, Sloane Street where I also became a Governor at our Church School. I arrived at All Saints Church in New Cross in 2020.

    I appreciate working with people of all ages and playing my part in enabling others to grow into the full character of themselves. I greatly enjoy music and I can sing, play piano and guitar to a reasonable standard.

 

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