GILBERT KNIGHT – VICE CHAIR
Responsibilities: Finance & Staffing, Premises, Health & Safety Committees
Key Areas: Governor Training, Barnet Schools Forum

I am a Retired Chartered Surveyor (FRICS) - I was an Associate in major international firm of surveyors 1981-1995. I specialised in commercial property management for pension funds, UK and international investors. Department of 45 staff financial control of income in excess £40 million 1995 figures, property value approximately £900 million (1995). I co-wrote Health and Safety manual for Chartered Surveyors. I project managed first computerised Estate Terrier for international corporations incorporating plans and photographs with automatic translation of system, values and areas into either the local or HQ language, currency and imperial or metric.

I am married with two daughters the youngest with Angelman’s Syndrome. I fought and won Tribunal case against Barnet 1998-99. I set up Children’s Action Group to assist other parents with SEN and disability matters with the assistance of Barnet Mencap. I was asked to participate in various committees dealing with disabled young people. I was invited to join with others to form Barnet Voluntary Partnership in 2000 to liaise with senior council officers – I am currently Chairman. I have been a member of the Inclusion Strategy Group since 2003, Transition improvement group since 2006, Choice Board 2007-2012, and various working groups on specific topics.

I have been a School Governor at Oakleigh since 1999, Parent Governor for 2 periods then Community Governor. Chair since 2007/8 to 2017. I am a Member of the Barnet Schools Forum since 2007 and Chairman for the last 7 years.