Welcome to the Corporation

Matt joined the Corporation on 1 April 2023 and is Managing Director of FE Associates, a provider of specialist consultancy services to the further education and skills sector and has held this role since September 2016. Prior to this he was Principal and CEO of Bath College for 9 years. Matt first started working in the FE sector in 1994 and has worked with several organisations in different parts of the country, initially as a teacher and then a college leader. He has previously served as a non-executive for a number of education organisations in the South West including the Wellsway Multi-Academy Trust, Strode College and the Bath Education Trust. In addition, Matt has contributed to the development of policy and practice at a national level as a former trustee of the Learning and Skills Improvement Service and the Chair of the Skills Commission's review into intervention in the further education sector. Matt's current professional interests are centred around developing leaders for the future and driving innovation in education and skills to better meet the needs of learners, employers and communities.

Lynne joined the Corporation from 1 April 2020 and has been involved in FE for more than 25 years, beginning as a part time lecturer teaching computing and office studies progressing to a full time post teaching on management and teacher training courses. A variety of posts focusing on quality and improving teaching and learning led to her appointment as Vice Principal for curriculum and quality at Gloucestershire College. During her time at the college she helped to improve standards and develop curriculum. Lynne became site Principal for the Royal Forest of Dean College when they merged with Gloucestershire College. As part of this role she led the initial design of the new college campus in the Forest.

As part of her involvement in improving quality Lynne has been an inspector with ALI and Ofsted. Other posts include the chair of the South West Peer Confederation, a member of the LSIS Council and a school governor. Lynne has also been a Trustee for Young Gloucestershire.

After leaving Gloucestershire College Lynne set up her own business as an educational consultant and she has carried out several independent curriculum projects for colleges. Alongside this business Lynne spent five years as an FE Adviser working for the FE Commissioner helping to improve performance in colleges across the country. Since leaving the Commission she has taken on interim senior management roles.

David joined South Gloucestershire and Stroud College as CEO and Principal in March 2025. He previously spent 20+ years as a civil servant, most recently as the Chief Executive of the Education and Skills Funding Agency, the Government body responsible for funding schools, colleges and training providers in England.

David started his career working on the Northern Ireland political process, and subsequently led teams working on public spending at HM Treasury. He spent 8 years in Australia, including as Chief Operating Officer at the New South Wales Department of Education. He also led the COVID Economic Taskforce in NSW. He has a BA(Hons) in History from the University of Nottingham and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

David grew up in Dorset and now lives in Somerset with his wife Carey and three children where he can usually be found watching football and cricket, running (slowly), walking the dog and trying to find more time to read.

Paul joined the Corporation in January 2026 and his background is in the creative industry of the region, having joined the BBC in 1979 and left in 2009 to become a consultant. He directed and produced wildlife and documentary films, multi-camera studio and outside broadcast programmes and interactive productions, and he earned a BAFTA award in 1989 for The Really Wild Show. He was also directly involved in talent development, training and creating work experience opportunities, and joining the College’s Corporation is the culmination of this purpose. He was a founding director of Bristol Media (now Bristol Creative Industries) which represents the industry of the region, as well as a Trustee of the Watershed Arts Centre. In 2019 he was awarded an MBE for services to the creative industries of Bristol & Bath.

He is an advisor to UKRI and Creative UK and has recently become a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts. He has worked with young people throughout his career, most recently as a mentor for Babbasa Youth Empowerment Project, and is an advocate for extending the range of pathways into the industry through apprenticeships, internships and work placements, and encouraging creative microbusinesses to develop their potential as learning centres.

Paul is an energetic team-player and loves working with people with a range of lived experiences. Having lived his dream, his aim is to help people with a creative passion to do the same.

Stevie Barton joined the Corporation in March 2026 as a Staff Governor. Stevie is an experienced lecturer and subject area lead with nearly 17 years’ service across the organisation. Beginning their career at the former Stroud College, Stevie has since taught across most SGS campuses, giving them a strong understanding of the varied realities facing staff and students. With teaching experience spanning Level 1 to Level 6 across FE and HE, Stevie brings valuable insight into curriculum delivery, student progression and the differing pressures at each level. They currently serve as Subject Area Lead for HE Games and Esports at the Bristol Academy of Media, WISE Campus, with a specialist background in Game Art, Design and Development. Stevie is also Chair of the SGS College UCU branch, a role they have held for four years, representing colleagues and supporting constructive dialogue between staff and the wider institution. Known as passionate, collaborative and approachable, Stevie is committed to fairness, staff wellbeing, student success and transparent decision-making, and brings an informed, balanced perspective to the governing body.

Sue joined the Corporation on 4th December 2025 and Sue’s roots are in Gloucestershire where she was born and still lives with her family. She has four children and two step-children, all grown up with families of their own. She is very proud of each and every one of them.

Sue qualified as a social worker in 1992 working in Children’s Services in Gloucestershire until 2009 when she broadened her career and became a senior leader working in many different Children’s Services directorates across the country. This has given her a wide range of knowledge, skills and experiences of services which support, educate and safeguard children and young people.

Sue is currently the Executive Director of Children’s Services in Slough where she is leading services on an important and challenging improvement journey.

Charmain joined the Corporation 1 March 2024, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience as an accomplished Safeguarding Lead. Her career journey includes serving in various educational capacities, such as Pastoral, Behaviour, and Safeguarding Lead in diverse school environments. Currently Deputy Head at Bredon School, Charmain also possesses substantial leadership and strategic expertise as well as ensuring the well-being of students.

Charmain's passion lies in working collaboratively with children, young people, parents, and staff. She is driven by a desire to elevate standards and strive for excellence, ensuring that everyone in the educational community feels not only safe but also valued, respected, and understood. Charmain believes in creating an environment where individuals have a sense of purpose and belonging, emphasising the importance of responsibility.

Charmain's dedication to creating a positive, inclusive, supportive, compassionate, and kind culture resonates not only in her professional endeavours but also in her personal interests. Her leadership and strategic experience make her a valuable asset, capable of steering organisations towards success and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Margaret joined JCQ from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), she was previously interim Chief Executive and Chief Regulator at the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland (NI).

As CCEA’s Accounting Officer with direct reporting responsibilities to the Department for Education in NI and NI Assembly, responsibilities covered qualifications regulation, the statutory curriculum, and statutory assessment.

She joined CCEA in 2018 as Director of Education with a specific focus on supporting the delivery and monitoring of the NI skills-based curriculum for learners aged 4-16, statutory assessment at key stages 1, 2, and 3, and optional computer adaptive tests at key stage 3. As CCEA’s awarding organisation Responsible Officer she also led CCEA’s work on GCSEs, AS, and A levels, including the introduction of the new GCSE grading scale and reformed AS and A levels. Before CCEA, Margaret worked at UCAS and led programmes such as the New Tariff, Progression Pathways, and the UCAS’ policy team, and qualification information profile (QIP) services for learners and teachers. Before UCAS Margaret worked at KPMG, having joined from QCDA. Responsibilities were wide-ranging over the 15 years spent at QCDA, QCA, and SCAA and included GCSE, AS, and A-level qualifications reform, the 14-19 Diploma Support Programme, and KS3 English Test delivery.

Margaret has been a school governor several times, was Chair of the charity Futureversity supporting young people at risk of being NEET, a Board member of London Metropolitan University, and is currently a member of the Scottish Education and Skills Reform Ministerial Group. Margaret joined the Corporation in January 2026.

Yusuf Ibrahim is an Assistant Principal at Cardiff and Vale College. He is passionate about enhancing the leadership prospects for people from all walks of life, particularly those from under-represented and under-privileged backgrounds. Yusuf has worked at national level, contributing to the design and delivery of the adapted assessment model during the pandemic. He is currently leading the Anti-Racism Materials Project across the FE sector as well as leading significant curriculum areas within the college. A digital transformer, Yusuf is determined to ensure that new technologies are an enabler for positive change for all, allowing more people to access opportunities to learn and progress.

Yusuf began as Religious Education & Psychology teacher and quickly progressed to lead on designing a new KS3 Skills Based Learning programme. With over fifteen years' experience, Yusuf's career has seen him work as a middle, senior and executive leader in London, Bristol and Cardiff. Working within the schools and FE sectors, Yusuf's experiences have seen him hold a variety of leadership positions at middle, senior and executive level. A values-based leader, Yusuf believes in building supporting teams that work in effective systems to meet the needs of learners, staff, communities and businesses.

Paulette was appointed Staff Governor from 1st August 2025. She has dedicated 18 years to SGS College. She began as a lecturer in Early Years then, 16 years as a Learning Area Manager (LAM). Although, she refers to herself as the "Black Sheep," paving her own way and encouraging others to do the same. Colleagues often remark on her ability to engage in conversation (a polite way of saying she talks too much), but she also listens to improve herself and support others, fostering positive relationships, transparent communication, and mutual support.

Her experience spans across Filton, Stroud, and WISE, where she participated in cross-college committee groups. Additionally, she holds the Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert certification, which underscores her commitment to integrating technology in education. She is also a first aider and mental health first aider. Her background includes experience in Outdoor Education, two private schools (primary and secondary), three FE Colleges (including HE), and a Sixth Form College working in Bahrain and London.

Charmaine Lawrence joined the Corporation in April 2025 and brings over a decade of experience in youth and community development. She is currently CEO of Full Circle Docklands, a leading Bristol charity providing vital services to children, young people, and families. Alongside this role, she serves as Deputy Chair of the East Central Youth and Play Partnership, championing the work of the youth sector and diverse communities, and promoting collaborative working across the sector.

To date, Charmaine has spent her career designing and delivering impactful programmes that support young people’s personal growth, well-being, and future opportunities. With a strong strategic mindset and a flair for creative ideas, she has led initiatives that empower individuals while strengthening the resilience of communities. Her expertise spans service delivery, organisational leadership, partnership development, and strategic planning, particularly within culturally diverse and dynamic environments.

Passionate about ensuring that opportunity is accessible to all, Charmaine is committed to building inclusive spaces where every young person can thrive. She believes in the power of generous leadership — unlocking potential, driving collaboration, and creating environments where innovation and community spirit lead to real, lasting change. Her entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a deep dedication to social impact, ensures she brings energy, vision, and a results-driven approach to her governance role.

David joined the corporation on 1 April 2025. He is a Chartered Member of the CIPD and a Level 7 qualified HR professional with over a decade of experience in HR and leadership roles across several sectors including manufacturing, construction, and hospitality. David is currently HR Manager for a global manufacturing organisation and is recognised for his strategic approach to people development and his commitment to building inclusive, high-performing workplaces.

He is passionate about supporting individuals to reach their full potential and has an established relationship with SGS College, having successfully placed multiple apprentices across multiple campuses.

I am Sadie-May, I am a driven and passionate student who is currently studying Level 3 Sports Coaching; I am a very committed rugby player and sports coach. I care very deeply about health and wellbeing and making sure that students' voices feel heard. I’m also a part of the learner leadership team, so I understand how to represent student views and take action. I believe that SGS is more than just a place to learn; it's a space where people can thrive mentally, physically, and socially.

Sadie-May joined the Corporation from 1 November 2025 as one of the Student Governors.

Gill joined the Corporation from 1 August 2025 and brings a deep understanding of further and higher education, a global perspective, and a passion for inclusive, high-quality learning environments that enable people to thrive.

Gill is an experienced Organisational Development consultant and former Director of Employability & Partnerships at Hartpury University and Hartpury College. She has more recently focussed on strategic people related initiatives, working with commercial and education sector clients to build and embed culture and values aligned with business strategy. With an MBA (Distinction), she blends commercial insight with a strong commitment to education, and brings valuable experience from both UK and international contexts.

At Hartpury, Gill taught and researched in the area of organisational behaviour and personal development and led University business curriculum areas and short professional development provision. She has also worked with a range of international education providers, supporting transnational partnerships and talent development programmes across Europe and Asia. She is currently working with a long term client in the US tech sector.

Her wider portfolio includes public, private and third-sector collaborations, commercial and cultural change management, and involvement in national steering groups and bid consortia. Gill is known for her ability to build strong relationships, deliver results, and navigate complex organisational structures with clarity and purpose.

Toby joined the Corporation in January 2026 and brings extensive experience in leadership and local and regional government. Born and bred locally, he served as Leader of South Gloucestershire Council from 2018 to 2023, where he oversaw major infrastructure, education, and community development projects. He was a founding member of the West of England Combined Authority and served as Deputy Mayor from 2019 to 2021. During his tenure, Toby championed education standards and initiatives to improve skills provision and strengthen partnerships between local authorities, businesses, and education providers.

Currently working in consultancy providing strategic advice to organisations in the public and private sectors, Toby has a strong interest in governance, policy development, and creating opportunities for lifelong learning. His recent work includes advising on major sports and leisure projects, including new stadium plans for Gloucestershire County Cricket Club.

Toby is passionate about ensuring education and training meet the needs of learners and employers, supporting inclusive growth across the region. He brings a wealth of experience in stakeholder engagement, strategic leadership, and policy implementation, making him an enthusiastic contributor to the Corporation’s vision and objectives.

Martyn joined the Corporation on 5 December 2024 and his background is in finance. After a degree in Natural Sciences, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Touche Ross (now Deloitte) in Bristol. He subsequently qualified as a Corporate Treasurer and obtained an MBA. He has worked in a variety of finance roles in a number of public and private companies across several sectors. He currently works as a consultant.

He has a wide range of national and local not-for-profit governance experience, including as Chair of Elim Housing, President of the Association of Corporate Treasurers, as finance trustee of Lilian Faithfull Care and Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum and as a member of the audit committee of Clare College, Cambridge.

Carl heralds from Gloucester and is an accountant by trade who joined the Corporation on 1 November 2024. Having attained a degree in Accountancy Studies, he qualified with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in 1991. Carl achieved Fellowship status with CIMA in 2022.

During his career, he has worked in various industries, including construction, telecoms, and engineering. He is currently the Group Finance Director for a family-owned business headquartered in Stroud, Howard Tenens Limited, which provides commercial warehousing facilities and logistics solutions across the UK.

Carl is also qualified as a Chartered Director and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors.

Born and raised close to the SGS Stroud Campus, Ben is the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS), a UK Government owned nuclear transport and logistics business. With a career rooted in operations, commercial, and strategy, Ben is an experienced Board level executive and entrepreneur who operates globally.

Ben has several Board level positions here in the UK and overseas. He is very passionate about driving change in organisations and supporting the leadership teams he works with to thrive and grow. Ben was delighted to join the SGS Corporation Board in November 2025.