Governance

Francis started his career in Strategy Consulting to the tech and telecom sectors.  He helped his clients to find and realise new growth opportunities, improve systems and processes and restructure their organisations.  He now brings this experience to investing in and supporting the leadership teams of small and mid sized industrial businesses.  Francis has been a member of the LGB at Ark White City Academy since its conversion to an academy in 2013 and has held the roles of Finance Link and Vice Chair.  In 2022, Francis relocated to Hampshire and is keen to contribute now to the local area.

Evanthia is a qualified early years teacher. She has a Master of Education and a Master of Business Administration. Evanthia has diverse working experience in childcare, education, social care and business settings both in Greece and U. K. Her passion and main interest is education and learning. Evanthia currently works with adults who have additional needs and lives in Portsmouth with her two children. She is honored to be a governor at Ark Primary Academies and is committed to actively support both the leading team with their strategic decisions and children with their learning.

Rob Wood works in cloud computing, is an Honorary Alderman and former Lord Mayor of Portsmouth. He is Vice-Chair of Governors at Ark Charter.As a strong family-oriented person, Rob knows the importance of keeping our young people safe and wishes to ensure they have the best possible opportunity to develop to their full potential. A Portsmouth City Councillor from 2010 to 2022 and Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Children and Education since 2011, Rob was previously the Cabinet Member for Children and Families between 2018 – 20, Children and Education between 2011-14 and Chair of Governance and Audit in 2010. Rob has a vested interest in improving education outcomes, as both grandchildren (and children) attended local authority schools. He has contributed to the LGiU paper on the "Middle-Tier" role in delivering Education and the local authority's role within this and has chaired and spoken at several national seminars on the subject of Education.

Sue has substantial experience in IT systems and Finance having worked as a senior software developer and previously as a financial accountant. She is a graduate of the University of Portsmouth (MSc), a qualified software engineer and a qualified accountant (retired) and has two grown up children who both went to schools in Portsmouth. With an enthusiastic and enquiring outlook on life, Sue is passionate about the positive value of education and the opportunities that it can bring and is keen to see that all children in Portsmouth receive excellent teaching and support.

Tinu has lived in Portsmouth for most of her life and has worked in health roles for over 40 years, including as a university senior lecturer and as a clinician. In her clinical role, she visited homes of families with children in Portsmouth affected by poverty. Tinu possesses several postgraduate qualifications including an MSc from the University of Portsmouth and a qualification for teaching (at university level).  Her skills include public health knowledge, analysis and synthesis of information. Tinu has one adult child who went to school in Portsmouth. Following retirement, Tinu wants to use her experience and local knowledge to support Portsmouth schools as a governor.

Richard was born in Portsmouth and has spent most of his life connected to the area.  Richard has spent more than 30 years working in various law enforcement agencies with a focus on financial crime.  Richard’s experience working at the coal face through to strategic leadership positions has seen him develop a sound knowledge and expertise in good governance.  Richard now works in the international arena as an independent consultant. Richard has a passion for education and development which, since his departure from law enforcement into the private sector, he is keen to use to assist the community he is so closely associated with

Carl is a dedicated professional with 15 years of experience in secondary education, currently a school Network Manager. Beyond his primary role, Carl contributes significantly to the academic and personal development of students by teaching computer science, mentoring students, and acting as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.  As a parent of three children, two of whom are currently attending Ark Ayrton Primary, Carl brings a unique perspective to his work in education. His dual role as an educator and  parent gives him a deep understanding of the importance of creating a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment for all students. This drives his commitment to supporting both staff and students in achieving their full potential.

As a parent, Amirun has a personal connection to the education system and is passionate about contributing to the school’s success. Amirun’s motivation to become a governor is driven by a desire to support high standards, inclusivity, and student well-being and she is eager to collaborate with the leadership team to enhance the educational experience for all. Amirun’s professional experience in the National Probation Service brings valuable skills like safeguarding, collaboration, and risk management, which can be applied to benefit the school’s strategic planning and believes that Governors play a key role in shaping the future of the local community by supporting schools in delivering high standards of education