Chair of Members & Trustees, Stanley Learning Partnership

Tom Harpe, was previously Chair of Governors of Greenland Community Primary School, a position that he held from 2004 – 2017. During this time he has continually and consistently held the Head Teacher to account. Since the Infant & Junior Schools amalgamation in 2009, this proactive approach to Governance has driven the school forward to its current position of strength.

Tom, an ex-pupil of the school enjoyed various management and marketing roles but his career was, in the main, spent within the Civil Service and it is here he gained the wealth of knowledge and experience that will lead Stanley Learning Partnership forward.

During his 36 years in the Civil Service, Tom had a wide remit across several Government Departments. As Senior Internal Consultant he advised Senior Civil Servants and Government Ministers on management policy and control, target and performance setting, later going on to be responsible for Manpower Control across the whole of the Civil Service.

Whilst working alongside DSS, Tom led the first major review and overhaul of the Benefit System which became the blue print for closer working links between the Benefits Agency and Employment Service.

In 1995 Tom was involved in designing and implementing a structure to provide the first “joining up of Government Departments” by linking the filed networks of DTI, DfEE, Department of Transport and Department of Environment. He then led negotiations on an independent pay structure for the new Department.

In 1997, following Tony Blair’s famous ‘Education, education, education” speech Tom was appointed by the Department of Education and Employment to review the Schools Directorate and worked alongside the Cabinet Office to design the Prime Ministers Sure Start Initiative.

Since retiring Tom continues to advise on a number of Cabinet Office issues.

Tom is passionate about ensuring our children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence for them to reach their full potential and make a valuable contribution to our community. He sees Stanley Learning Partnership as the way forward and feels this community of schools are now mature, established and advanced enough to make our own decisions for the benefit of our children.