Our Members and Trustees (Governors)

Members

                                                 

                                              Karisha Moodie       Gaurav Grover     Fouzia Farhan

Trustees

Karisha Moodie - Chair of Governors/Community Governor

 

I’m a first generation Lutonian and have lived in the town for most of my life. I was educated at Ferrars Juniors school, then attending Challney High School for Girls and The Luton Sixth Form college. It feels like I have come full circle by coming back to the Ferrars school family volunteering as a Community Governor since 2016. 

Professionally I own and manage an information technology consultancy and work as Head of IT Service Management for a London Mayoral development corporation. During my career I’ve delivered technology transformation projects, operations and business change across UK central government and the private sector.

Prior to moving into the role of Chair I was Vice-Chair for three years and continue as Trustee and on the Board of Governors. Chair of Governors is a key role ensuring that the governing body sets a clear vision, ethos and strategic direction for the school whilst guaranteeing oversight of the financial performance and effective use of resources amongst many other responsibilities.

 

Committee Responsibility: Audit & Risk

Area of Responsibility: Safeguarding

Skill Set: 

Appointed Date: 26th September 2020 

Chair of Governors: 7th December 2020

Term of Office: 4 years - 26th September 2020 - 25th September 2024

Gaurav Grover - Chair of Audit & Risk Committee/Community Governor

 

 

I am a Chartered Accountant working as a Senior Manager in one of the Big-4 accounting firms and have an experience of over 15 years. With a background in delivering complex audits for large and diverse clients both globally and in the UK. I have experience in dealing with complex sector specific accounting issues as well as financial reporting requirements for listed and other entities.

This is my first experience as a school governor and I am passionate about helping the school. I believe all children deserve a quality education to give them a great start to life, equipping them for adulthood, and helping them to achieve their dreams.

My experience has been gained in a wide range of industries and I will be able to utilise that experience for the benefit of the Academy and all stakeholders.

I bring a wealth of experience from providing internal audit, external audit and advisory services to my clients. 

 

Committee Responsibility: Chair of Audit & Risk

Area of Responsibility: Finance

Skill Set: Finance, Diversity Management, Governance and Leadership

Appointed Date: 21st May 2018

Term of Office: 4 years - 21st May 2022 - 20th May 2026

  

Dean Garrett - Vice Chair of Audit & Risk Committee/Community Governor

 

I work as a Solicitor specialising in criminal, employment, and human rights law. I also work alongside non-governmental organisations taking on several pro-bono projects. I have a prior background in community work volunteering for law clinics and Citizen Advice Bureau.

Born in Luton, I still work in the town and believes in helping the pupils of The Ferrars Academy achieve the very best start to life in education and providing support to the Academy in accomplishing their goals.

I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and attending live music events. I am a recent new father which keeps me busy.   

Committee Responsibility: Audit & Risk, Pay Review

Area of Responsibility: Maths

Skill Set: Law

Appointed Date: 16th March 2020

Term of Office: 4 years - 16th March 2020 - 15th March 2024

  

Gary Magee - Community Governor

 

I am a Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner and assist over 50 organisations with their safety management systems.

I am a happily married 57-year-old with two adult sons. I have studied in colleges, The Open University and in distance learning.

As a lifelong student, I have a passion for education and actively promote good education for all children and adults. I see the position of trustee governor as a way of contributing to the maintenance of the high standards held by the organisation.

The knowledge, experience and skills that I would employ include:

• Extensive safety, health and environmental experience.
• Experience of many educational establishments. (I work in Bedford School & the mathematics faculty of The University of Cambridge.) 
• Abilities and interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
• Practical abilities in mechanical and electrical engineering.

 

Committee Responsibility: Audit & Risk

Area of Responsibility: Health & Safety, English and Phonics

Skill Set: Health & Safety

Appointed Date: 11th July 2022

Term of Office: 4 years - 11th July 2022 - 10th July 2026

 

Sabiha Laboni - Community Governor

I am an HR Consultant with over 12 years of invaluable experience in advising & coaching business owners/leaders in a wide range of HR issues across various industries. I am a law graduate and completed my masters in MSc Human Resource Management. In addition, I have completed level 7 CIPD to be a qualified HR professional.

I believe I can offer The Ferrars Academy a unique perspective from my years of experience in the corporate world. I have vast experience in strategic planning, developing procedures and guidelines while coaching and guiding business leaders; these are valuable transferrable skills that can be utilised as a school governor. Also, as an HR professional, problem-solving is critical, as I must provide solutions to many issues daily. It can range from day-to-day management issues to more complex conflicts or tribunals. 

I would like to contribute to providing the best possible education and educational opportunities for the next generation of young people while positively giving back to my community.

 

Committee Responsibility: Audit & Risk

Area of Responsibility: Pastoral and Wellbeing

Skill Set: Human Resources

Appointed Date: 11th July 2022

Term of Office: 4 years - 11th July 2022 - 10th July 2026

Mehwish Rafiq - Parent Governor

I am one of the Parent Governor’s at The Ferrars Academy. I have three children, one of which is at The Ferrars Aacademy.

I am passionate about children having high quality education and learning opportunities to achieve the best possible outcomes for their ability. I believe I have the appropriate skill set and experience in governance that will help the school on its way to provide the best learning environment for children to grow and develop as they are our future.

I have been working as a Biomedical Scientist for the last 14 years in Microbiology and now Biochemistry at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital.

 

Committee Responsibility: N/A

Area of Responsibility: Inclusion and Science

Skill Set: 

Appointed Date: 7th December 2020

Term of Office: 4 years - 7th December 2020 - 6th December 2024  

  

Fouzia Farhan - Parent Governor

I am a graduate in Business Administration with vast management experience and substantial training which equips me very well for the financial aspects of the school’s functioning. In addition, I have also been a Parent Governor at another local school for a year. Working individually and within a team to achieve desired outcomes is another one of my strengths.

My prime interest in becoming a Governor is affiliated with my son attending Ferrars Academy School, which has made a profound impact on his emotional and academic wellbeing.

Committee Responsibility: N/A

Area of Responsibility: 

Skill Set: Business and Finance

Appointed Date: 17th January 2023

Term of Office: 4 years - 17th January 2023 - 16th January 2027

 

 

Razia Karimi- Parent Governor

 

I have a strong passion for children’s learning/ education and want to utilise the transferable skills I have acquired throughout academic and professional career to give back to our children’s education system where we had the privilege of benefitting from. I studied Masters in Pharmacy at university as I had a strong interest in medicine and therapy and it’s uses in the prevention and treatment of an array of conditions and diseases. 

Committee Responsibility: N/A

Area of Responsibility: 

Skill Set: 

Appointed Date: 1st September 2023

Term of Office: 4 years - 1st September 2023 - 31st August 2027

Sarah Kelly - Teaching Staff Governor

 

I have worked at The Ferrars Academy since October 2017 and have been a governor since October 2020. I am currently the Vice Principal, SENCo, Assessment Lead, Deputy Designated Safeguard Lead and the mentor for the ECTs.  

I have been teaching since 1999 and have always worked in infant schools as early years and KS1 education is my passion. I have also always had an interest in special educational needs and inclusion as my degree is in Psychology. 

I am married with 2 young children and have previously been on PTA committees at both of their schools. In my spare time I enjoy reading, walking and travelling abroad. 

 

Committee Responsibility: N/A

Area of Responsibility: SEND

Skill Set: Education, SEND and Leadership

Appointed Date: 12th October 2020

Term of Office: 4 years - 12th October 2020 - 11th October 2024

 

Janis Mead - Non-Teaching Staff Governor

 I have lived and worked in Luton all my life firstly for Social Services and then at The Ferrars Academy where I have been for the past 23 years.

During my time at Ferrars I have worked across the school in all year groups and have enjoyed each one.

I am a mother of two and have three amazing grandchildren whom I adore spending time with. My house can be a little crazy at times as I have five dogs who keep me busy when not at school. I enjoy taking them for walks and am passionate about sport particularly football.

I enjoy being a Governor and am happy to be a voice for the other staff at meetings. I am committed to helping the school move forward and continue to develop and grow.

Committee Responsibility: N/A

Area of Responsibility: Sports Premium

Skill Set: Education

Appointed Date: 20th September 2015

Term of Office: 4 years - 16th September 2019 - 15th September 2023