We’re delighted to announce the appointment of four new Governors to our Board. Their diverse expertise and dedication will enhance educational opportunities for young people in the City of London and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. We’re pleased to introduce them below:
Anwar Akhtar was born and grew up in Moss Side Manchester and as a youth worked on Manchester’s Markets. He is founder and director of The Samosa Media, a UK arts and journalism charity that also works to embed diversity in the curriculum in schools, colleges and universities. Anwar was previously Director of The Rich Mix Centre where he led the development of a new £30 million arts centre in East London. He produced and presented the film Pakistan’s Best Kept Secret: Lahore Museum and was the production consultant on the Moghul History play “Dara,” at National Theatre UK. He was a Senior Officer Culture Team at Greater London Authority and Capital Projects Officer Arts Council England 1997 –2000. He also teaches at several schools, colleges and universities in the UK and Pakistan. Anwar presented the BBC Radio 4 Documentaries, Schools Apart, that explores inclusion, belonging, curriculum diversity in UK schools and Conflict on Campus examining how the Israel-Gaza war is affecting students and communities in the UK.
Mark Davies has over 20 years’ governance, fundraising, communications and grant management experience in the charity and higher education sectors. He is currently Director of Income Generation at Contact, a national disability charity. Previous roles include Director of Development at the London’s Air Ambulance Charity, Assistant Director at Centre of Cell, a ground-breaking science education centre based at Queen Mary, University of London, Development Manager at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Registrar at the Webber Douglas Academy and Senior Officer at the General Medical Council. Mark is also a Trustee of Box Clever Theatre Company.
Rob Smith is Director of Ministry of Stories, East London’s creative writing charity championing the writer in every child. With a career in the arts and creative learning, Rob founded Wave – Arts Education Agency in Bournemouth and Poole, and led the transformation of the Education and Learning programme at arts and education charity Bow Arts. Rob is inspired by the ideas and imaginations of children and young people, and the power of their voices to make change in the world.
Judith St. John has lived and worked in Tower Hamlets for over 35 years. She brings an in-depth knowledge of the borough, gained from working for Tower Hamlets Council and in addition through her work with the voluntary sector, businesses and the NHS. During this time, she developed and managed the borough’s Idea Stores, recognised as an exemplar of good practice for libraries and adult learning locally, nationally and internationally. She retired as Director of Culture and Children’s Commissioning in 2022.
These four individuals bring a wealth of experience and a shared passion for social impact, making them fantastic additions to our Board. We look forward to the innovative ideas they will contribute as we continue working toward a more inclusive and equitable future for all young people.