Members of the corporation - Newham College

Members of the corporation

The Corporation comprises 18 members, one of whom is a member of staff (elected by the staff), two student governors and the Principal and Chief Executive who is also a governor.

The external members (those other than the Principal and staff member) are drawn from a wide variety of community, business and professional interests.

Toggle collapsibleRowPaul Jackson
Role: Independent Member & Chair of the Corporation (from February 2023)

Committees: Finance & Resource, Remuneration & Search
- Paul brings extensive executive and non-executive board-level experience across media, local government, and education sectors.
- As Chair of Governors at Kingsford Community School and through his leadership at EngineeringUK, he has supported the College in delivering science and engineering careers events, such as the Big Bang Fair.
- A chartered engineer with early career experience in humanitarian mine clearance research, Paul later led professional operations at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Europe’s largest professional body for science, engineering, and technology.
- He has also been involved with the Council for the Parliamentary and Scientific all-party group and served as Pro-Chancellor at the University of Essex.

Toggle collapsibleRowJamie Purser – Principal and Chief Executive
Committees: Finance & Resources, Curriculum & Quality, HE Oversight Board and Search.
Audit & Risk and Remuneration (by invitation).
- Jamie Purser, brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the Further Education (FE) sector.
- Under Jamie’s leadership, Newham College has consistently ranked among London’s highest-performing FE institutions in achievement rates since 2018.

Toggle collapsibleRowDanny Ridgeway
Role: Vice Chair of the Corporation (Independent Member)

Committees: Curriculum & Quality (Chair), HE Oversight Board (Chair), Finance & Resources, Remuneration & Search
- With over 25 years in Further Education, Danny began his career as an ESL teacher in Brixton.
- He has 10 years’ experience as a part-time Ofsted inspector.
- Former Principal of Bexley College (2010-2016).
- Currently enjoying retirement.

Toggle collapsibleRowDerwent Jaconelli
Role: Independent Member
- Derwent founded and successfully ran his company for 30 years, developing the ‘earn while you learn’ scheme for Licensed Taxi Drivers.
- Former Director of Women’s Football at Leyton Orient FC, he spent 23 years mentoring young people in football.
- Awarded for peace and conflict resolution work in Ukraine and serves as Logistics Lead for the CB and Ireland Rotary Club Ukraine Task Force.
- Actively involved as an East London Enterprise Advisor, encouraging young people to take advantage of opportunities in the area.

Toggle collapsibleRowFemi Olatidoye
Role: Independent Member

Committee: Finance & Resources
- Femi is a senior HR professional with over 20 years of experience, having led HR functions in both private and public sectors.
- His expertise spans organisational review, M&As, TUPE, leadership coaching, employee relations, and pay negotiations.

Toggle collapsibleRowGeoffrey Makstutis
Role: Independent Member

Committees: Curriculum & Quality & HE Oversight Board
- Geoffrey is a seasoned academic leader with over 20 years of experience in developing and delivering higher education programmes across design, media, architecture, and more.
- Currently Head of KLC School of Design at West Dean College of Arts & Conservation.

Toggle collapsibleRowIrfan Umarji
Role: Independent Member

Committees: Chair of – Finance & Resource, Remuneration & Search
- A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Irfan has held senior finance roles in both commercial and not-for-profit sectors.
- He is currently Executive Director of Finance and Business Services at the National Housing Federation.

Toggle collapsibleRowJane Lofthouse
Role: Independent Member
- Jane has dedicated her life to education, working across Special Educational Needs, GCSE, A-Level, and Higher Education.
Currently a Councillor for Plaistow South, London Borough of Newham, and Deputy Cabinet Member for Education, Children, and Young People.

Toggle collapsibleRowJohn McMahon
Role: Independent Member

Committees: Curriculum & Quality & HE Oversight Board
- John brings over 20 years of experience in the Education and Skills sector, with expertise in stakeholder engagement, apprenticeships, and curriculum design.
- Currently Learning & Improvement Manager at Deloitte.

Toggle collapsibleRowLalage Clay
Role: Independent Member

Committees: Audit & Risk
- Lalage is an experienced marketing professional with a strong background in commercial and not-for-profit sectors.
- Formerly Director of Education and Talent at London & Partners, she is currently Deputy Director of Portfolio Marketing at King’s College London.

Toggle collapsibleRowMichael Magbagbeola
Role: Independent Member
- Michael is a Trustee of the Redeemed Camp charity and founder of ‘Save the King,’ supporting the homeless and vulnerable.
- He has previous FE experience and currently serves as Director of People at Barts Health NHS Trust.

Toggle collapsibleRowMubin Ahmed

Toggle collapsibleRowSarah Thomas
Role: Independent Member

Committees: Finance & Resources
- Sarah is a Partner at DLA Piper with over 25 years’ experience in major infrastructure projects, advising on all stages from design to operation.
- She has developed bespoke construction models for a range of international projects.

Toggle collapsibleRowDr Tom Flynn
Role: Independent Member

Committees: Audit & Risk & Student Voice
- Tom is an experienced leader in education and the charity sector, holding degrees at all levels, including a PhD in political science from the University of York.
- Currently CEO of Girls’ Learning Trust and a trustee of two charities, he brings over 15 years of senior experience in education.