ARK has named Stanley Fink its new chairman. He has been on the board of trustees since 2004 and is the sponsor and chair of governors of ARK’s first academy, Burlington Danes, in Hammersmith, west London. He is also co-chair of ARK’s education charity, ARK Academies. Mr Fink takes over from the founding chairman, Arpad Busson, who has held the post for seven years. ARK is an international charity whose purpose is to transform children’s lives and was founded in 2002 by senior figures in the alternative investment industry. Its aim is to deliver high social returns on philanthropic investment.

Lesley Ward is the new president of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers. She trained as a teacher at Doncaster University in 1975 and spent her entire teaching career at the town’s Intake Primary School before retiring from full-time teaching two years ago. Mrs Ward taught in all years other than reception and at one point held the post of acting deputy head. She is now a supply teacher and associate governor of the school. Her husband, who is also a member of the ATL, is a retired secondary school teacher.

Sue Ramsey has become regional director of Yorkshire and Humber National Skills Academy for Financial Services. Before joining the NSAFS, she was the UK learning development manager for National Australia Bank Group, where she introduced apprenticeships and developed the skills and qualification curriculum. In that role she was a member of the Yorkshire and Humber regional employer board of the skills academy. As regional director Ms Ramsey will ensure that the academy delivers education, skills and training to meet employer needs.

Raincliffe School and Graham School in Scarborough will begin a new partnership this September. Gary Hancock, head of Graham School, will become the executive headteacher while Kevin Dengate will become associate headteacher, as will Mick Jolley, the existing head of Raincliffe School. The federation, which has been planned over the last year, will begin this September. The move will include a newly elected single governing body to oversee the two schools.

Aung San Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi has become an honorary life member of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers. By awarding her membership, the ATL hopes to highlight the detention and oppression of trade unionists, including educationists and teachers in Burma. At its conference in April, members voted to support the movement for democracy and human rights in Burma. Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained for more than 13 years, and recently passed her 5,000th day in detention.