Governance

A philanthropist and proud family man, who has been fortunate enough in life to enjoy a good education and been successful in business and now tries to spend an increasing amount of time and considerable resources on trying to assist many young people to achieve their potential. Whilst retaining many interests in business (mainly financial businesses, hotel and property businesses) and some in politics (being an active member of the House of Lords) my main passions are Philanthropy, particularly focused on Health, Education and wellbeing of young people (typically 25 and under) to enable them to have active, fulfilled and socially useful lives, encouraging social mobility. My family and I are Involved in and donate to many charities, but our work in Education (of which Ark and Burlington Danes are central) and Children’s Health (of which Ark and the Evelina London Children’s Hospital are central) are the ones that we spend most time on.

Tyronne is a former alumnus of ARK Burlington Danes Academy who now works as an experienced technology advisor within digital, data and technology in the public sector. His current role within the Cabinet Office is to provide assurance for technology spend across government, as well as acting as a UK government representative on governance and assurance best practices for visiting international government delegations. Previously, Tyronne has also worked on helping to develop value for money cases for economic reforms in the developing world. Tyronne has led multiple projects in government to increase awareness of underrepresented groups in the workplace and is excited about working with his old school.

My early career was largely involved in managing technical services in university biochemistry departments, supporting teaching and research.  My special interest was in technical skills development across a number of universities in the UK and in Africa.

This led to my being appointed as a senior training officer at King’s College London. 

I bring this experience to my responsibilities as the Careers Link Governor at Ark Burlington Danes Academy.

In 1994, I received an MBE for my services to higher education.  This was in recognition of my various training and development technology projects.

I have been appointed as governor in schools and university colleges throughout a 50+ year period.

I am the Senior Lead Technician at Ark Burlington Danes Academy and Lead technician for the Ark Academy network. I have a real passion for presenting demonstrations to help inspire and enthuse students by making scientific theory visible and understandable to all. My work as a technician has been recognised through multiple awards, including a Rolls Royce special Merit award for work with ICT in science lessons and schools, a Wellcome Trust award as a National Expert STEM Technician, the annual Technician award by the Salters Institute and a Technician of the Year award from Gratnell’s. In February 2019, I was elected as a Fellow of the Institute of Physics, the first science technician ever to be given that honour in the institute's history. I believe I have a key perspective to bring to meetings and contacts to bring resources or opportunities to the school, science department and students.

In June 2020, I was made an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Physics, the first secondary science technician ever to be given that honour in the institute's history.

I have 17 years’ experience in investment banking, having worked for JP Morgan, Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse within the fixed income business. My focus was on structured finance and securitisation, most recently as JP Morgan’s European head of Structured Finance Syndicate. I retired from investment banking in February 2017 and took the decision to work in philanthropy (setting up the Lisa Crispin Charitable Foundation) and to become a Governor at Burlington Danes Academy, as my late wife, Lisa Crispin, was the Founding Principal of Burlington Danes Primary Academy. I hold a BSc in Real Estate from Oxford Brookes University.

I’ve been vicar of St Helen’s Church, North Kensington since 2006 and a governor at Burlington Danes Academy since 2011. Growing up I benefited enormously from having both a good local Primary School and a good local Secondary School; and so I’m passionate about doing what I can to help Ark Burlington Danes Academy to continue to be an outstanding local school.

Daniel is currently the Head of MFL at Ark Burlington Danes Academy and has worked at the Academy since 2019. Daniel has worked with ARK for years, previously holding a Pastoral leadership role in Birmingham. As staff governor he hopes to represent the staff and student body on their journey to becoming Outstanding.

Rob is a part of the Ark Ventures team working to incubate, launch and scale initiatives that address some of the most intractable issues in education and society. Before joining Ark, he worked as a consultant for McKinsey, solving key strategic and operational problems for public and private sector clients. Rob is excited to employ his experiences and critical thinking to help elevate the school and address any challenges facing students, parents or teachers.

Lauren is a dedicated specialist tutor, who has extensive experience working with a wide range of children who holds an unwavering commitment to the social and academic growth of all children and young people. Advocating on behalf of students is something that Lauren actively does - aiming to empower young people and promote equity. To be able to do this for the community Lauren owes her secondary education to, is a great privilege. Lauren is passionate about making sure that the education system fits the most vulnerable and marginalised groups which is reflected in both her teaching practices and voluntary work.

Gabriella is currently studying for her masters in counselling and psychotherapy at Regents University as well as working as a Samaritan’s volunteer.  She works with a council run organisation that provides therapy for parents and carers. She had a previous history of being a Radiographer and was on the child safety team within the department. Her family has a history of involvement with ARK academy schools and Gabriella was keen to carry this forward. She has a keen interest in travel including hobbies such as skiing and scuba diving. She also enjoys spending time with her dog.

Imogen works as a literary agent for playwrights and directors across theatre, film and television. She has volunteered in schools with young people, and as a mentor for people in the criminal justice system and those affected by homelessness. She is particularly interested in supporting BDA to improve its SEND provision having grown up in the local area with a sister who has Down's Syndrome.