Governance

Julie has a wealth of experience working for and with global organisations, and for small business competing in global markets. An enquiring mind and lateral thinking contribute to the unexpected insights and creativity that are clearly demonstrated in both her career and personal life. Julie's adventurous spirit has taken her to the ends of the earth, from the North Pole to Antarctica, from Everest Base Camp and Kala Pathar in Nepal, to Milford Sound in New Zealand. Her positive attitude and energy help make the possible deliverable with a belief in aim higher, we do not know what we can achieve until we try, or where we will end up until we step out.

Rev Annie McCabe is the vicar in charge at St Luke's Church next door to Charter Academy. She is passionate about deepening links between the local community, church and school. Annie was a community governor in her previous parish where she saw first hand the difference good governance can make in the life of the school. Her focus as a governor will be on developing the Christian ethos and spirituality at Charter to ensure the integrity of the SIAMS recommendations. Prior to her ordination in 2012, Annie gained a wealth of senior management in education, marketing and public engagement working in both the corporate and not for profit sector.

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.

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.

Paul has worked in Higher Education since 2006, firstly as a researcher before moving into education-focused roles teaching chemistry at University Level. As the first in his family to go to university, and through his various roles in Higher Education, he is keen to increase educational opportunities for all students at every level. Paul is also interested in the transitions process in education, and what can be done to make these easier for students to minimise barriers to success.