Diane Hallas  

Chair of Governors

Governor Responsibilities: 

Attendance

PSHE & Wellbeing 

English

Having retired from my career as a High School English teacher, I am now volunteering in the local and wider community. I became a governor to maintain my links to education, about which I am passionate.

 
I have three grown up sons who are busy pursuing their careers in various parts of the country; I spend time visiting them as well as pursuing my own hobbies, one of which is photography. I also like to follow gymnastics (a sport I coached to international level) and a number of other sports and I am lucky to have been able to volunteer at a number of major sporting events, including Wimbledon, the Commonwealth Games and (coming up in the Summer) the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.

As a Governor, I hope to work with the school community and support the staff using the experience and expertise I have picked up along my journey in education. As a firm believer in the idea of lifelong learning, I am hoping that the staff, governors, parents and pupils of Adel Primary will enable me to learn many new things too.

David Gilliard 

Vice Chair

Governor Responsibilities:  

Extended Services 

Pupil Voice

Children Looked After 

I retired from my career as a Chartered Surveyor five years ago having worked in nationalised industry, an American oil company, local authorities, private practice and as a university lecturer. 

 
I have two grown up daughters who both did well at school, obtained Cambridge degrees and established themselves in successful careers. I now have the bonus of three lovely granddaughters who I see a lot of. 

My main hobby is my family, but I also enjoy good food, travel and theatre and film and am very interested in politics and current affairs. 

 
I enjoy being with children and, for me, the best part of my role of Governor is the time I spend in school with my link class.  I became a Governor because I am interested in education and feel strongly that, no matter how good the school, there is always scope for improvement. 

Ira Jeffers 

Co-opted Governor

Governor Responsibilities: 

Online Safety including Website monitoring 

My role at Adel is to set the aims and objectives of the school and set and agree policies, along with the rest of the Governing body. As a Governor I will hold the school to account by evaluating performance and progress of our goals. I sit on the resource committee which ensures the school is financially sustainable for the future with the right resources within the school. I am currently allocated to Year 5 and also have responsibility for the PE Premium. 

In my day job, I am Head of HR, which gives me a good understanding of resources, financial and business planning. 

Bob Ubhi  

Chair of Resources Committee 

Governor Responsibilities: 

Health and Safety 

I am a parent to two boys one at a local Primary and the other just started Secondary school. They strive to keep me busy and active and test my patience on a daily basis.  

I have been a Company Director for over 25 years, first within the Petroleum Industry and then moved into the Property Sector where we have continued.   

I am a University Mathematics graduate and enjoy teaching my boys various solutions to complicated questions, although I cannot solve the Rubiks Cube as yet! I am an avid Gamer with my boys and play Golf, when allowed!  

I have been a Governor for over 10 years and have seen many changes and developments over this time through evolving Governments. I am currently the H&S Governor for the school and you will probably have seen me inspecting the premises whilst you were having your lessons. I hope you have seen the many modifications we have implemented and improved for a safer environment for you to learn. I am proud to be a Governor for Adel. 

Ian Smith

Co-opted Governor

Governor Responsibilities: 

Performance Data

Pupil Premium

PE Premium

Governor Training 

I was appointed as a Parent Governor in 2021 and have since become a co-opted Governor. I am proud to be associated with this school and its community.

I have two daughters, one is currently in Year 5 at Adel Primary and one who has since moved on to high school. Unlike when I was their age, they love going to school, which says a lot about the care, development and stimulation that this school provides. I am a governor because I want to ensure that all children continue to receive the support and education that my children have.

I run my own company as a Business Psychologist. My day job is to ensure that organisations select and promote the right people and that employees are the best they can be in their role. When I’m not doing that or spending time with the kids, I enjoy playing as much football and golf as my ageing body allows.

Louise Ellis Jones

Parent Governor 

Governor Responsibilities: 

Early years and Foundation Stage

Sustainability

Equality and Diversity

I became a Parent Governor in May 2023 and currently have two children in School. As a governor I hope to play a role in supporting the further development of an inclusive school community which has at its heart the wellbeing of all the pupils; providing the children with an excellent start to their educational journey and allowing their academic abilities, curiosity and wellbeing to flourish.

I have spent my professional career focusing on environmental and social sustainability, with nearly 30 years experience of working with organisations across education, private and public sector to work in ways which promotes greater equality, social and environmental value and improve their own performance.

I currently run my own business but previously worked at the University of Leeds, I am loving taking what I have learnt from over 18 years’ work in Higher Education, and seeing how this links to primary schools; understanding a person’s educational journey right from its beginning.

Outside work I love sport, especially cricket, walking our dog and of course taxing the kids around!

Georgios Gkiokas

Parent Governor

Governor Responsibilities:

Budget oversight 

Pupil Premium

PE Premium

I was appointed Parent Governor in May 2023 and I have two children in the school, in year 2 and year 4. My main aim for pursuing this opportunity, was to see my children, as well as every pupil in our school, thrive. Getting involved with the school’s governing body, will allow me to support all pupils in achieving exactly that.

I have spent the majority of my professional career in the financial services industry, and more specifically within risk management. This essentially entails supporting my organisation grow in a safe and financially sustainable manner. 

Outside of work and school responsibilities, I usually run after my two little ones, lots of walks and childrens' activities, and I enjoy the odd book, with Lee Child being my go-to author (although spare time for reading books with two small children at home feels like a luxurious commodity nowadays).

Leah Larkin

Chair of Teaching, Learning & Pupil Support Committee

Governor Responsibilities: 

Child Protection & Safeguarding

Special Education Needs & Disability

I work in Social Value, currently in the built environment sector. I think it's really important that businesses have a positive impact on the community they work in, and that people have a voice in plans for their local community. 

I have always volunteered one way or another. Not only is it the right thing to do, it’s a great way to meet people and learn about things you might not have otherwise – and it makes you feel good!

Adel Primary School is a great school and I really enjoy working with the team there, to ensure that everyone is safe and included, so they can focus on making the most of their time in education.