Governance

An experienced executive who has worked internationally in the energy, banking, and educational sectors, Ann is passionate about the value of education at all stages of life, including personal and professional development at work. She teaches a number of adult courses including postgraduate and MBA programmes within the Open University. Ann is proud to chair the Ark Soane Academy governing body and to support the Principal and team as they launch the new school and deliver an excellent all round education for the students in their care.

Dhudi has an MSc in Social Work and has worked with Local Authorities in safeguarding vulnerable children and with looked after children where her role has been to ensure a child or young person receives appropriate care, education and health. Dhudi has collaboratively worked with many schools in order to achieve the desired outcomes for those children. Dhudi is particularly keen to ensure that all children are safeguarded well and can fulfil their full potential whatever their background, special educational needs or disabilities. Dhudi currently works for the London Borough of Ealing and coordinates long-term fostering placements for vulnerable children and achieve permanence. Dhudi served as a parent governor at the South Acton Children’s Centre, when her children attended nursery and has lived in the local area for over 20 years. She has travelled extensively to Africa, Europe and the Middle East and is able to work with people from different backgrounds. She is fluent in Russian, Intermediate Arabic and Somali. Dhudi is delighted to be given the opportunity in making a difference in the education, of not just her son, but the school as a whole. She hopes her professional experience, coupled with her knowledge of the local area, will be of great benefit, dedicating her time to be a proactive and effective school governor.

Kate Bellamy is Director of the Clore Duffield Foundation, a charity that funds arts and education projects so more children and young people benefit from art and heritage and have opportunities to develop their creative talents. Kate was previously Director of Museums for Arts Council England and led the team that delivered the Mendoza Review of Museums for the government. Kate was also the Head of Strategy and Advocacy at the Victoria and Albert Museum (2014-2017). Kate’s previous non-Executive roles include trustee for Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery, Sir John Soane’s former country house in Ealing.

Laura Brown is a mother of four who also works full time as a family solicitor and mediator. She has 20 years experience of working with families going through separation including dealing with the impact of that on children. She was a Governor at a school in Westminster previously and very much enjoyed the chance to shape the school and pupils experience. She would now like the opportunity to do this for a school which her son attends and a new school like Soane where her input can have an immediate and long-term positive impact and shape the future of the school.

Originally from West Wales, Jonathan trained as a lawyer before working in the 3rd and private sectors. Since 1999 he has worked for the FCO, undertaking diplomatic postings in the US and, most recently, as Deputy High Commissioner in Singapore. He also worked for the Victorian Government, Australia. He is currently on secondment to the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, where he heads the strategic engagement teams. Jonathan has known Ealing all his life, with family in the area. He and his partner moved to Acton in 2012, enjoying the parks with their dogs and becoming active in a number of community groups. Being a governor is an opportunity to help ensure West London remains a wonderful place in the future.

Cliantha is a secondary English teacher with 7 years of experience working across a range of London academies. Her roles have included Head of KS5 English, Lead Practitioner of English and Head of Year. She is currently working as an Education Consultant, supporting a range of education companies, including not-for-profit tutoring agencies and training providers. She completed her teacher training at ARK Burlington Danes, so she is delighted to be working with another ARK school in its formative years.

Aizad is CEO of Sprint Logistics, an e-commerce fulfilment business with members of his family.  He enjoys the service industry as it gives an opportunity to create value-added solutions and with the ever-expanding online world this keeps him on his toes.  Aizad is also Trustee of Sadat Trust, the family’s charity which focuses on sponsoring and charitable giving in developing countries.  He is Treasurer of Acton Mosque which serves 1,000 attendees (where he has also helped with technology, supporting teaching and social activities) and Governor of Derwentwater Primary School where he is on the Resources Committee.  He is married with three children and an avid Liverpool FC fan.

Louise is a former secondary English teacher who has also worked as a strategy consultant, and held various professional roles at the intersection of education and business strategy, including as Head of Strategy at the National Citizen Service (NCS) and as Chief of Staff for a startup working to launch great careers for students from lower income backgrounds. She has held Governor roles at three different Ark Schools since 2016, and as an Ealing resident is excited to now join the LGB at Soane.

Lily Rafalin joined Ark Soane in 2022 as a member of the English department and has felt privileged to be part of the developing school community. She studied Classics at the University of Cambridge where she was awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Social Impact Award for her campaigning work, and was President of Clare College Student Union, sitting on various governing bodies. Prior to training as a teacher, Lily also worked with education charities including IntoUniversity and Project Rousseau. She shares Ark Soane’s belief in the transformative power of a high-quality education and is excited to contribute not only as a teacher at the school but also as Staff Governor.