trustee Pen Portraits
Johannes Hearn
Chair of Trustees
“I have a long-standing drive to re-invest back into a system that I wholeheartedly thank for many of my successes and progression in life. Having experienced the full range of private schooling, home schooling and state schooling – I am aware of the quality and impact that the state schooling specifically had on my life, views, drive and determination.”
“My experience lies mainly within the building services engineering, facilities management and health and safety fields, with my personal career roles have covered corporate through to public sector establishments. I currently serve as the Assistant Director of Operational Services managing two hospital locations as part of the NHS.”
“I am fully committed to carrying out the role of a trustee for The Highcrest Academy, specifically looking to support in its objectives of ensuring the facilities are safe, well managed and suitable for use – working with the other trustees to ensure effective and efficient deployment of the Academy’s resources.”
“With extensive experience in operational management, change management, financial management, compliance and leadership – I hope to work with the rest of the governing and executive board in ensuring we maintain an organisational trajectory that secures the future of the future generations, preparing them to face life’s many challenges."
“My background and personal challenges have equipped me well to empathise and support through the challenges that today and tomorrow’s students may face. I look forwards to seeing what we can achieve as a team and how we can be a positive force in young peoples' lives in much the same way that those in my past have been to me."
Johannes is taking the role of Health & Safety Trustee and will lead on premises management areas. He sits on the Finance, Premises and Personnel Committees.
Daphne Tadyanehando
Vice Chair of Trustees
As a former student, I hold a deep and lasting connection to The Highcrest Academy. I attended the school when it was known as Highcrest Community School and had the privilege of serving as Deputy Head Girl. The Highcrest Academy has played a pivotal role in shaping the person I am today and the values I gained during my time there continue to influence both my personal and professional life.
I currently work in the higher education sector as a Senior Manager within Compliance and Administration giving me valuable experience in governance, strategic oversight, operational processes, and risk management. I am passionate about the state school system and I bring an empathetic approach to leadership and a genuine desire to make a positive contribution.
I believe that combining my professional experience with my lived experience as a former student places me in a strong position to contribute meaningfully to the board. It would be an honour to support the school’s continued growth and help ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Thomas Chacko
Co-opted Trustee
Independent consultant, director and experienced board member with over 30 years of C-suite and governance expertise across health and social care, business process outsourcing, telecommunication and the charitable sector. Skilled in providing strategic direction, leading business transformation, driving sustainable growth and providing robust oversight in complex regulated environments.
Was previously Founder and Chair of a regional recognised UK STEM charity with national recognition and owner of an award wining franchise in the Care sector. Has international experience , thereby bringing a diverse, inclusive perspective to boardroom discussions.
Have been involved with charitable and voluntary organisations in supporting and bringing together local communities focussed on local issues and helping to inspire, inform and educate young people to want to better themselves.
Being a trustee with The Highcrest Academy allows me to continue on my journey by adding value and an opportunity that I look forward to. I will give my best to support the drive of The Highcrest Academy to help support its motto to "Aspire and Achieve". "
Sangeeta Fairweather
Co-opted Trustee
My background is in education, organising training programmes and events, and managing projects nationally and internationally. I have worked for the Science Museum, CIMA and most previously as a Civil Servant at the Department for Transport (DfT), managing graduates for the government training programme, organising training events and conferences for members of various Government Departments such as DfT, The British Council, National Audit Office, Department for Education etc.
Recently I have had the opportunity to study history with the University of Oxford and other academic bodies. Whilst studying a particular historical subject, I was approached by the lecturer to write a non-fiction book, which has become my personal project for the next few years. As a result of my writing, I am very passionate about helping students improve their reading and writing skills, which is why I took on the role of as a Literacy Trustee at The Highcrest Academy.
Scott Morton
Co-opted Trustee
I am a qualified accountant and have worked in the financial services sector for over 25 years. I am currently the Finance Director and serve on the Board of a local Building Society, where I contribute to strategic leadership within a member-owned, mutual organisation that is rooted in serving its local community.
I bring deep expertise in finance, board-level governance, strategic planning and executive leadership. As a parent of three sons of secondary school age, one of whom attends this Academy, I am keen to apply my professional skills in a way that supports high-quality education and strong outcomes for young people in our area. I became a trustee in order to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the school and to help ensure that resources are deployed effectively to support both students and staff.
As Chair of the Finance, Personnel and Premises Committee, I am committed to robust governance, financial stewardship and ensuring that the Academy has the infrastructure and support it needs to thrive, reflecting the same community-focused values that underpin my professional work in the mutual sector.
Wajiha Mughal
Co-opted Trustee
"My experiences include being the CEO of Alhuda Welfare Foundation UK. As such I was responsible for the development, implementation and deliverance of the vision and mission of the organisation, including, but not limited to, the overall supervision and management of daily affairs of the charitable organisation.
After my responsibilities to my family grew, I stepped back from this role to focus on being a homemaker. Any extra time I can spare, I give back to the community by being a part of Wycombe Islamic Society. I am a member of the local WISE Mosque Committee and overlook the affairs of Muslim women and young Muslim girls.
My passion and drive has always been to inculcate a progressive and conducive learning environment for my children, coupled with mannerism, tolerance and respect for everyone. Keeping this in the back of my mind, I realised I can serve the community in High Wycombe by being a Parent Governor and supporting the Academy, in reaching such goals and ambitions.
I hope to play a vital role in its growth and realising its aspirations."
Wajiha will sit on the Curriculum and Pupil Welfare Committees.
Ashfa Rani
Parent Trustee
My goal is to use my knowledge and experience to support the academy in delivering excellence and providing exemplary opportunities for all students. I am eager to work collaboratively with my fellow trustees to maintain high standards, address challenges, and contribute strategically to the ongoing success of the academy.
It is an honor to serve The Highcrest Academy community, and I look forward to supporting its mission to empower every student to thrive.
Ina Stan
Parent Trustee
I have been a senior lecturer at Buckinghamshire New University for over a decade. I have conducted extensive research in education and I am passionate about curriculum development, student and staff welfare. I became a trustee at The Highcrest Academy as I wanted to better understand the requirements of secondary education in the UK, so that I would be in a better position to support my son and other students like him. As a former English teacher myself, I understand the demands of teaching and how important it is to meet the needs of students, and by being a trustee, I aim to ensure that the Academy provides the highest standard of education while also ensuring a safe and flourishing environment for its students.
Ina is the Safeguarding Lead Trustee and also chairs the Standards Committee.