Decision

The cabinet approved the following nomination as set out below:

Governing Body

Name

Date Effective

The Viridis Schools Federation

Ian Rathbone

8 June 2026

Full Governing Body appointment expected on 4 June 2026 with advice.

For clarity, the Cabinet’s approval constitutes a nomination only. Appointment to the Governing Body remains a matter for the Governing Body at its next meeting.

Reasons for decision

The School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2012 set out the process for the appointment of Local Authority Governors to maintained schools. The Regulations allow for the local authority to nominate a person to fill the position of Local Authority Governor. It is for the Governing Body to appoint that person if the Governing Body considers the person meets any eligibility criteria that it has set.

The Governor nomination in this report is a reappointment.

The Governing Body supports this nomination as minuted at their meeting on 13 May 2026.

Ian Rathbone has extensive experience in school governance, public service, and charity leadership. He has been a school Governor in Hackney for over thirty years so has deep practical knowledge of school leadership, accountability and local safeguarding contexts. Alongside this, he served as a Hackney Councillor from 2002-26 demonstrating strong governance, challenge, and financial oversight skills. In addition, as Co?Chair of Hackney Faiths Network, he has worked across diverse faith and community groups, supporting inclusive engagement in a highly diverse borough. His role as Chair of Hackney Community Law Centre also adds substantial experience. He has a strong attendance record as the current Local Authority Nominated Governor.

The Governing Body will be responsible for confirming that the nominee meets all mandatory eligibility criteria, including the absence of any disqualifying factors under Schedule 4 of the 2012 Regulations.