Governance

Katy has worked in secondary schools in Portsmouth since 2008.  She taught Science whilst working in schools and was also a Trust leader in Teaching and Learning.  Katy now works at the National Institute of Teaching, where she is Head of the Early Careers Faculty, that provides induction to Early Career Teachers across England. Katy is focused on improving teacher development so that children receive the best possible experience during their education.  Katy has lived in the Portsmouth area since 2008 and knows the community well, understanding some of the challenges faced by Portsmouth schools.  She is passionate about supporting Ark schools to ensure that their children get an amazing experience at school and therefore have better opportunities in life.

Helen has a Honours degree in Economics and Economic History and is a Chartered Financial Planner. In her 20s she taught English in Germany and the Far East and has played various training roles within Financial Planning during her career. Having recently retired after 30 years in Financial Services, she wishes to bring her deeply held belief that education and knowledge are the key to a successful person, family, economy and society. In the late 1960s her Primary School could not attract teachers and therefore from age 8 to 11 her classes were either part time, or crowd based in a hall. This left her very unprepared in the basics however on reaching senior school half a dozen very good teachers who she can still name and visualise (40+years later) meant she could catch up and thrive. It was truly life changing and having witnessed its importance, she brings with her an enthusiasm to help a school and children thrive.

Mona is a Senior Teaching Fellow at the School of Strategy, Marketing and Innovation, University of Portsmouth. She has practical experience and a PhD in Marketing as well as being a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. As a parent, in addition to being involved in Higher Education and Degree Apprenticeships, she is keen on improving and supporting children’s learning experience and make it more enjoyable for them.

Dinah has spent her working life first in the City, leaving HSBC Asset Management when her children were small, and then in the voluntary sector, working at New Philanthropy Capital, a consultancy and think tank, since its founding in 2001. With two children who have now finished their education, Dinah has left their school's PTA, where she was a long-standing member, but wants to continue working with students and teachers to contribute to school life. Skills include research, analysis and consultancy - with 15 years' experience of consulting to charities at NPC - as well as financial analysis and audit. Dinah has been treasurer of a local charity for the past decade, and now would like to be able to contribute to an Ark School.

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