Zenab Mumtaz

Current Position and Organisation:

Socio-Economic Development Manager

Professional Background/Experience:

Zen Mumtaz, Socio-Economic Development Manager at Lendlease, has over 12 years’ experience working within the built environment sector as a Social Value professional spanning across both Construction and Development leading ESG, Community Development, Social Value and Socio-economic strategies. Driven by a passion for sustainable urban regeneration and social mobility and committed to creating inclusive spaces that generate long-term socio-economic benefits. Overseeing social impact across the Lendlease development portfolio, including two major urban regeneration projects in East London: Silvertown in the Royal Docks and Stratford Cross on the QEOP, Stratford.

Zen is a trustee for Inspire Education Business Partnership and also a member of the London Prosperity Board, an innovative cross-sector partnership established by the Institute of Global Prosperity (IGP) to rethink what prosperity means for London.

Why Learning and Skills for those age 19+ important to you?

• There is currently so much opportunity coming to Newham in the form of regeneration, green and data skills to name a few, with a huge skills gap within these industries there is a real need to support connect people to opportunity and help to develop the right skillset.
• Through my work within the borough, I’m a huge advocate of the community wealth building work. A huge part of this is ensuring that economic benefits are felt by local residents particularly with the influx of regeneration within the borough. Ensuring residents have the right skills needed for local jobs is a key part of this.
• Businesses have a huge role to play within supporting learning and skills particularly in the context of EDI and supporting those with more barriers into the labour market. Providing opportunity is only good if someone has the skills to take this up, therefore we need to address this to support social mobility and equity for residents.

Vision for the Newham’s Learning and Skills Advisory Board:

• Creating stronger links with local stakeholders including, business, academia, public sector, community to collaborate and share resources and efficiencies whilst highlighting opportunities for people.
• Creating a service that supports its residents and local partners, with the ongoing cuts and resource constraints within councils we need to think strategically about how we avoid replication of other council services and create something that is needs led but feeds into the overall offering of council services/strategy.

Can Onal

Current Position and Organisation:

Customer Care Leader VP at Barclays Bank UK PLC

Professional Background/Experience:

Degree in Business Studies and Marketing with 18 - 20 years experience in financial institutions. Received the British Citizen Award in 2025 for services to the community.

Why Learning and Skills for those age 19+ important to you?

• Financial literacy and awareness is something that is lacking from the traditional curriculum in the UK with our role at Barclays to engage with our local community and upskill them with the information they require to be financial savvy.
• I believe that continuous development and improvement can lead to greater opportunities in the workplace with learning when 19+ key to unlocking full potential in individuals.
• Important life skills can sometimes be missed during early years education. It is never too late to learn and grow.

Vision for the Newham’s Learning and Skills Advisory Board:

• To work as one for the betterment of the local community.
• To share ideas, plans and skills to create an atmosphere of support and trust among our community.
• To have open minds, demonstrate authentic listening and drive each other to success.

Rena Rani

Current Position and Organisation:

Senior Management Consultant

Professional Background/Experience:

A seasoned management consultant working within the further education sector, I specialise in quality and curriculum, and support project delivery. I started my career as a biology teacher and soon moved into STEM team management and then later into senior management. Aside from my experience in education, I have worked at board level with charities supporting their strategic oversight and sustainability efforts.

Most recently I have become a Co-founder and COO of a software company, called Lycerix, that specialises in digital solutions from software development to AI integration and design.

Why Learning and Skills for those age 19+ important to you?

• It is important that individuals never stop learning and never stop being curious. Learning allows us to grow and develop the skills we need to both understand, and engage in, the ever-evolving world we live in. This is important to help individuals interact with their support network and integrate within society.
• Learning allows individuals to get into employment or upskill and get a promotion which brings with it financial gain, either way it can support individuals to become economically active and independent.
• Learning new skills later in life can allow individuals to retrain, change careers and do something different. Learning new skills allows individuals to get into a different sector of work which they may enjoy far more.
• Learning something new keeps us healthy too!

Vision for the Newham’s Learning and Skills Advisory Board:

In my capacity of Vice Chair for the Learning and Skills Advisory Board, I will be using by expertise to provide strategic oversight of the following:

• A responsive curriculum which aligns with the needs of the labour market and equips learners with the skills needed to engage in employment.
• A holistic student experience which allows learners to reach their potential in their chosen field of interest and improves their quality of life.
• Active partnership working and collaboration with stakeholders within the local region.
• Promotion of a thriving community in Newham that is inclusive and recognises the value of diversity.

Nathan Nagaiah

FIMA FIPM FRSA FRSPH CIPFA(affil)

Current Position and Organisation:

• Lead of UK Centre for Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector & Data Economy Lead at Newham Council
• Teaching Associate in Maths (for Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science) at the University of Oxford
• Chair of UK Cyber Security Programmes and Council's Board Director/Trustee at UK Cyber Security Council
• Visiting Fellow (Artificial Intelligence & National Security) at the University of East London
• Scotland Yard Corporate Advisor RIAG at the London Metropolitan Police

Professional Background/Experience:

Experienced and results-driven professional with a proven track record in driving transformational change. I bring a robust background in strategic planning, service transformation, stakeholder engagement, and policy implementation to empower communities, learners, and businesses alike.

With extensive experience across local and central government, I am passionate about reimagining public services and adult learning through AI, data, and digital innovation, ensuring that education systems are inclusive, future-focused, and responsive to the changing world of work.

My expertise in data-driven decision-making, combined with a strong ability to collaborate with government agencies, businesses, and educational institutions, enables me to lead initiatives that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for society.

Expertise in: Local Government, Economic Strategy, Partnerships, Inclusive Growth, Place Making, Public Finance, High Streets Strategy, Community Wealth Building, Data, Digital, AI, Cyber Security, Inward Investment, Employer Partnerships, Skills Strategy, Adult Education, Children’s Services, Social Care, and Business–Workforce Development.

Why Learning and Skills for those age 19+ important to you?

• Access to high-quality adult learning and digital skills empowers individuals from all backgrounds to participate in the innovation economy, driving upward social and economic mobility.
• Lifelong learning and reskilling foster collaboration between education providers, employers, and industry, ensuring that adults are equipped for emerging sectors such as AI, data, and green technologies.
• Skills innovation and continuous learning enhance creativity, confidence, and well-being, enabling adults to adapt, lead, and contribute to a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.

Vision for the Newham’s Learning and Skills Advisory Board:

• Ensure equitable access for every Newham resident, regardless of background or circumstance, to high-quality, post-19 education and future-focused skills programmes that empower success in an innovation-led economy.
• Foster strong partnerships with employers, educational institutions, and industry leaders to build a collaborative ecosystem that meets the diverse needs of Newham’s residents and positions lifelong learning as a driver of inclusion, innovation, and opportunity.
• Champion a culture of lifelong learning across Newham, inspiring individuals of all ages to embrace continuous personal and professional growth, pursue their passions, and contribute to a thriving, forward-looking community.