Members

Michael Duffell

Michael is a Financial Services professional working in Regulation, Culture and Governance. He has wide experience in policy, governance and project management and offers to use these skills in order to help build on the success of the Trust. Michael lives locally and has a keen interest in social mobility.

Caroline Roberts

Caroline is Global Head of People and Talent at Zaha Hadid Architects.  Previous roles included the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, where she was Director of HR and Marketing and HR Director, Europe and Africa, at Fox International Channels.  She began her career at the BBC, as a studio manager, making radio programmes for a worldwide audience.  She is  a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and studied post-graduate conflict resolution and mediation studies at Birkbeck, University of London.  She is qualified in various psychometric tools, including MBTI and Firo-B.

Joanne Coton

Jo Coton is an Executive Headteacher of three Academy schools (Latton Green, Abbotswold and Longwood Acadmies in Harlow) as part of the National Education Trust Academy Trust with a proven track record of effective and rapid school improvement. She has a breadth of leadership and strategic experience across the primary phase, with additional experience in leading school improvement initiatives nationally as an associate of the National Education Trust. Jo's career as a teacher has been predominantly based in London before moving to Essex two years ago when she joined NET. Jo is currently working on a RSC funded 'Mat2Mat' project to assist local CEOs that are new to post by establishing local support networks and provide training. She is also a qualified Ofsted inspector.

Ikbal Hussain

Ikbal is a contracts and performance manager working for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. He has extensive experience in managing large third party contracts, holding suppliers accountable for delivery against key performance indicators and strategic planning of ICT services. He had previously served as the chair of governors at Farnham Green for 2 years and has been a governor for over 9 years. With a keen interest in education and engaging local communities with school activities, Ikbal lives locally to Farnham Green Primary School and was a parent to pupils in the school.

Neil Tobias

Neil is an experienced school leader in a neighbouring borough with a strong track record in pastoral care, equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and attendance. He has been instrumental in developing supportive and inclusive environments where all students feel valued and empowered to succeed. Neil brings extensive experience in leading initiatives that promote student well-being, ensure safety, and improve attendance, always placing student welfare at the heart of decision-making.

In addition to his leadership roles, Neil is also a dedicated computer science teacher, passionate about inspiring students to engage with technology and develop critical digital skills. With a focus on innovation and inclusion, he integrates a hands-on approach to teaching, making computer science accessible to all students, regardless of background.

Neil is committed to nurturing an educational community that champions diversity, fosters a culture of respect and belonging, and prepares students for future success both academically and personally.

Paul Canal

Paul was the Managing Director of a Recruitment and Exhibition Company and has extensive experience both as a Charity Trustee and Chair of Governors in a London Primary School. A former Director of Regeneration body Stratford City Challenge, and Adult “Back to Work” training company Newham Wise, his commercial experience encompasses insurance, sales and marketing, “Search and Selection”, logistics and Social Media. Paul is also a London borough councillor.