Camden Learning, a schools-led partnership between Camden schools and Camden Council, is delighted to announce the
appointment of a new independent Chair.
Jane Roberts, who was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2004 for services to local government, will take up the role of Chair in January.
Dame Jane is rooted in the Camden community, having served as a school governor in three local schools and as former leader of the London Borough of Camden from 2000 to 2005. She has a breadth of experience in education and in children’s services, both locally and nationally.
Dame Jane’s career has focused throughout on children and young people. A graduate of medicine from Bristol University, she trained first in paediatrics and then psychiatry. She worked in paediatric liaison as a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at The Whittington Hospital from 1993 until 2016 and was also medical director at Islington Primary Care Trust.
Outside medicine too, Dame Jane has long prioritised education and young people’s well-being. She has a wealth of experience across different sectors at local and national level, having been Chair of Camden’s Education Committee from 1998 to 2000, a non-executive Director on the Ofsted board from 2006 to 2011 and, from 2006 to 2012, as Chair of the charity, Parenting UK which promoted parenting education and support. She currently chairs Action for Stammering Children.
Dame Jane will take over from Dame Christine Gilbert, who is stepping down as Chair of Camden Learning to take up a new role as Chair of the schools’ inspectorate, Ofsted.
Commenting on her appointment, Dame Jane Roberts said: “I am honoured to be taking up the role of Chair at Camden Learning and to be joining an organisation that is making such a meaningful impact on the children in our borough.
“We have a wealth of expertise, dedication and passion among the staff in all our schools, something I have had the privilege to witness personally, both from my time as a governor in Camden schools and from my son’s schooling in the borough.
“It will be a great privilege to support these schools as we build on the strong foundations already in place to make sure that we make a difference in the lives of every child and young person in Camden.”
Dame Christine Gilbert, outgoing Chair at Camden Learning, said: “Serving as Chair for Camden Learning has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life.
“Over the years, I have had the honour of working with exceptional leaders, dedicated staff and passionate governors, all committed to improving the lives, education and outcomes of the children of Camden.
“I am delighted to hand over to Dame Jane as new Chair; her experience and vision align perfectly with all that Camden Learning represents. I have every confidence that she will bring strong leadership and a genuine commitment to continuing this partnership’s vital work.”
