Governance & Leadership

Matt Atkinson

Chair of the Corporation, External Member

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.

Phil Eames

Vice-Chair of the Corporation, External Member

Phil now works in internal audit governance and risk management at Bristol City Council, having previously been a freelance assurance and audit consultant after taking early retirement from the Education Funding Agency (EFA), where he was Head of Assurance. He worked for the EFA and its predecessor funding bodies for more than 20 years in assurance and audit roles, dealing with colleges and academies and other education providers. Prior to that he worked for Ernst & Young and the Audit Commission. He was a student at the former Filton College and prior to that at the Royal Forest of Dean Grammar School.

David Withey

CEO & College Principal

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.

Douglas Blackstock

External Member

Douglas is the elected President of President of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) which has members and affiliates in 45 countries in the European Higher Education Area.

He is the former Chief Executive of the UK's independent Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) whose role is to ensure academic standards are maintained and that student learning opportunities are of the highest quality across the four nations of the UK. Douglas held Executive roles there for 20 years and now acts as an international consultant for QAA. He also provides independent consultancy related to higher education and regulation for other clients.

In addition to being a Board member of South Gloucestershire and Stroud College he holds non-executive director roles in education and regulation, including being a member of the Boards of Qualifications Wales, Cilex Legal Regulation, the University of Law, the British University in Egypt, and is an Advisory Board member of Future Learn.

Claire Charlemagne

External Member

Claire joined the Corporation in March 2024 and is currently Head of Languages at the University of Bath, having previously held the role of Safeguarding Manager. In her current role she leads foreign language provision and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programmes for students, faculty, and the wider community. Her focus is on delivering exceptional educational provision that fosters language proficiency and prioritizes student success, well-being, and employability. Her approach is marked by an emphasis on innovation in curricula, pedagogy, and the integration of enriching cultural experiences.

Before entering Higher Education, Claire accumulated over two decades of experience in secondary and all-through schools, both in the UK and abroad. A qualified French and Spanish teacher, she holds a Master's degree in educational leadership and a National Professional Qualification for Headship. She held varied roles in middle and senior leadership across both state and private sectors and led three schools as Head, Principal and Executive Headteacher. Claire is passionate about the profound impact of education on individuals and communities. Her dedication to enhancing the educational experience and outcomes for students is based on her firm belief in the transformative power of learning.

Lynne Craig

External Member

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.

Charmain Eaton

External Member

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.

Andres Garcia-Knight

Staff Member

Andres Garcia-Knight was appointed as one of the Staff Governors from 5th October 2023. Andres has been a corporate staff member since 2018 and has had the pleasure of working with many colleagues from across the College. Being a keen rugby and general sports fan, he is impassioned to see something that he is a part of, do well!

Yusuf Ibrahim

External Member

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.

Dane Marshall

Student Member

Hi there, my name is Dane but I like to go by D, I am 24, a student governor, class representative and. I am currently studying games design level 4. I joined the Corporation on 6 November 2024 and have been thoroughly enjoying being a part of SGS in a way I didn't think was possible! I'm looking forward to this year and what it has to bring!

Dave Merrett

External Member

Dave has worked within the plumbing and heating industry for over 30 years and is the owner and Managing Director of Merretts Heating Services. In 2014, Dave was part of the launch of the new plumbing and heating apprenticeship standard, and he has been heavily involved in the development of that standard. He also now serves on the apprenticeship board, overseeing the new standard.

Irene Molodtsov

External Member

Irene joined the Corporation on 1 November 2021. Irene is a business leader and a serial entrepreneur. She is the former CEO of Sia Partners UK & Ireland (management and data science consultancy) where she led a Business Transformation, Growth & Innovation, Utilities and FS practices. Prior to joining Sia Partners in 2016, Irene co-founded a business transformation firm Molten (which was sold to Sia Partners) which had offices in London, Houston and Moscow. Irene co-founded Molten Technologies (virtual Desktop firm), was a Chairman of Giffords Circus, an NED and Co-owner of Lillingston (bespoke event organisers) and is the NED and co-owner of Lynwood & Co (a Cotswolds Cafe Chain). Irene's specialism is digital and business transformation having developed and implemented strategies and operating models for multinational globally. She knows how to grow and pivot business to be profitable and sustainable. Irene’s passion is Diversity & Inclusion and she has run numerous programmes in this area.

David Nutt

External Member

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.

Gary Parsons

Staff Member

Gary joined the College in 2014 teaching A Level History, a role he still undertakes in addition to running the GCSE Plus programme in the Sixth Form at Filton Campus. Gary had previously been on placement at, the then, Filton College whilst undertaking his PGCE in 2011. In the Sixth Form, Gary helps with the day-to-day running and management of the centre in conjunction with the Head of Sixth Form whilst also developing the strategic future direction of the Sixth Form. Gary is also a keen historian and has completed a History MPhil at Bristol University centred around the evolution of governance in Bristol in the 1980s and 1990s.

Martyn Smith

External Member

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 Waterer

External Member

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.

Sam Williams

Student Member

Sam was appointed as one of the Student Governors on February 1st 2025. Sam is based at the Stroud Campus, and has been a part of the SGS student community since September 2022, located in the Stroud Foundation Department, alongside working an Internship in primary education.

Sam's responsibility as a Student Governor is to reflect the values, thoughts, and opinions of SGS Students across the Stroud, Filton, Queens Road, Horizon and Berkeley Green Campuses to the other governors and promote positive change to students’ education at SGS.

David Withey

CEO & College Principal

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.

Judith Saunderson

Deputy CEO & Chief Financial Officer

Judith Saunderson joined the College in 2004 after leaving her role as a Senior Manager at Deloittes.

Judith is responsible for overseeing the financial strategy and performance of the College, its subsidiary companies and trusts. Judith has a Master's degree from Oxford University and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Gavin Murray

Deputy Principal, Curriculum and Quality

Gavin Murray joined the College in August 2008 as a lecturer in law and business.

With 13 years' experience in further education, Gavin has been both a Corporate and a Curriculum Manager, having taught law and business to both academic and vocational learners at all levels.

Gavin also has experience working with the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and two major international awarding bodies, both on curriculum design and development and on the conduct of public examinations.

With degrees in Law and Economics and a higher degree in Legal Practice, Gavin has responsibility for monitoring academic performance and overseeing the College's quality assurance function, libraries and learning resource provision.

Liam Evans

Vice Principal Employer & Adult Engagement

A graduate of Marketing from Manchester Metropolitan Business School, Liam is an experienced senior leader with over 24 years of employment in the education sector, 21 of these at SGS College.

A knowledge base covering many aspects of educational operations, but with a passion and background in marketing, sales, recruitment, commercial contracts, events, management, and the development of people, Liam, as Vice Principal, is responsible for the Marketing, Admissions, Careers, Schools Engagement, Management Information, Commercial Contracts, Customer Experience, Digital, Safeguarding, Apprenticeships, Employer Engagement, Projects, Business Development and Funding functions of the college.

Liam also leads the curriculum management of external adult contracts with this aspect of SGS judged outstanding by Ofsted when inspected in January 2024.

Solutions focused, Liam holds a strong belief in collaborative working with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure the college is well positioned to meet the needs of regional communities and the national skills agenda.

Kelly Gillett

Executive Director of People & Organisational Culture

Kelly began volunteering in the IT Centre at the College in 2000, progressing on to become IT Centre Team Leader, Head of Department for Professional and Financial Services, and then Curriculum Director HE and Adults (Associate Dean), responsible for the adult curriculum, higher education and employability.

During her time at the College, Kelly has completed more than 15 courses, gaining an understanding of the further education experience. Having taken the FE study route, Kelly feels strongly about the opportunities it offers.

Kelly holds an Honours degree in Business and Human Resources and a Postgraduate Teaching Certificate. Kelly is currently studying for an MBA at the University of Gloucestershire.

When not at work, Kelly is with her two children, her friends and family, at the gym or shoe shopping!

Alex Gaiger

Executive Director of Curriculum & Quality

Alex began working as a part-time Barista at the Filton campus in 2001whilst studying a full-time vocational course at the College in Sport & Applied Sciences. Alex progressed on to become a Learning Support Work, Sports Lecturer, Peer Practitioner and Team Leader in Sport.

Alex moved to an alternative FE provider in 2016 for a career progression opportunity where he secured the role of Deputy Head of Department. After a year of gaining key curriculum experiences Alex applied for the role of Deputy Head of Department in Sport in 2017 where he returned to SGS to continue to develop his career; holding the positions of Learning Area Manager of Sport, Head of Faculty of Culture Media and Sport and was responsible for the curriculum delivery for further education, higher education and adult.

During his time at SGS College Alex has completed over 10 professional qualifications which has enable Alex to continue to develop his understanding of the education sector. Alex is passionate about continuing to develop a culture where staff and students can thrive which enables them to work towards their career and education aspirations.

Alex hold an Honours degree in Sports Education and a Postgraduate certificate in Education. Alex has also been affording the opportunity to complete a Level 5 in Leadership and Management which has supported him to develop his practice.

Outside of work you will find Alex at the gym, running, on the bike or constructing Lego Batman sets. Alex and his family enjoy visiting new countries to experience different cultures whilst also finding to rest and relax.

Sarah Stephens-Lewis

Assistant Principal for Apprenticeships, Adult and Employer Engagement

Sarah began working for SGS College in 2008 as a work based learning assessor, quickly progressing to a Course Leader role and then into Employer Engagement. Sarah then taught Business Management for 2 years before moving into a Coordinator role for apprenticeships, followed by Head of Department for Professional and Financial Services then Head of Faculty for Apprenticeship Provision.

Sarah has always had a passion for work based learning and apprenticeships having started her career in a management training programme for one of the UK's premium department store groups. Alongside her ethos for workplace learning, Sarah studied a skills-led diploma, facilitating her progression within SGS College and graduated in 2018

Outside of work, Sarah is usually found with her husband and two children, eating good food, enjoying holidays and weekends away, and spending time with friends!

Katie Bone

Assistant Principal Vocational (Filton Campus)

Katie joined the college in 2006 as a Health and Social Care Lecturer, progressing on to Head of Department, Cross Site Head of Department following merger and most recently Head of Faculty for Construction. From 1st August she will Assistant Principal Vocational for Filton Campus.

Prior to working in education Katie worked in social care for 10 years in a variety of social work roles and was Associate Lecturer for the Open University delivering on the Social Work degree programme.

When not at work Katie is with her teenage children, at the gym or enjoying a good film.

Amanda Lowery

Assistant Principal, Bristol School of Art, Creative Adult Learning and UAL Quality

Amanda has had a varied career working as a practising artist, facilitator, tutor and lecturer in adult, further and higher education and manager in participatory arts, arts in health and education.

Amanda began work at SGS college as printmaking and fine art tutor 15 years ago and soon after became head of department at Stroud School of Art and Learning Area Manager for Stroud and Bristol School of Art; Wise Campus. Amanda then became head of faculty for creative. Amanda feels privileged to work with her team and students and to have had these roles, to be the custodian of art school education.

Amanda is passionate about the opportunity's further education can provide its community, through various access points, at all levels offering steppingstone progression into chosen vocational creative industry pathways.

Amanda holds an Honours Degree in Fine Art from University of East London; a master's degree in Printmaking from Chelsea School of Art; UAL and a postgraduate diploma in education.

Amanda is an external moderator for UAL examining body and a UAL Advisory committee member.

When not at work Amanda is with her four children, her family, friends and when she can, she can be found in her studio or visiting galleries.

Debra Burton

Assistant Principal SEND & Equality of Opportunity

Debra joined SGS College (previously Filton College) in November 2003 as a part time Assessor, supporting part time Teaching Assistant qualifications. It wasn’t long before she started teaching within the Business department and became Course Leader for full time Business qualifications. Both roles gave Debra the opportunity to develop skills and experience in both adult and 16-18 curriculum.

During this time, she achieved a Post Graduate Teaching Certificate (PGCE) in Lifelong Learning, a Level 5 Management qualification as well as various relevant CPD courses.

Debra was successfully appointed to Head of Department for Professional and Financial Services before progressing further to Head of Sector for Employability and Progression. This role included Higher Education, Apprenticeships, Adult and SEND curriculum giving a breadth of opportunity to develop skills in all of these areas.

Debra is passionate about supporting high quality teaching and learning with the aim of improving outcomes for those learners with disabilities or difficulties, whether this is onto further education, employment or independent living.

When not at work Debra loves spending time with her grandchildren, walking and her new hobby of open water swimming.

Hazel Budd

Director of Quality & Sixth Form

Hazel joined the college in 2001 as a lecturer in Sport and Physical Education, she then progressed to hold a number of leadership and management roles in various subject areas before moving into the Quality department to focus solely on the quality of teaching and the student experience.

Hazel is passionate about the FE sector and how it can raise aspirations and transform lives with outstanding teaching at the heart of this.

Matt Grannan

Director of Finance

Further information coming soon.

Simon Kay

Director of Digital, Professional Development & Exams

Simon started life at SGS College as a PGCE trainee teacher in 2006. He taught in both the Business and IT departments, moving into various cross-college roles supporting teacher and staff development, eventually becoming Head of Teaching and Learning in 2014. Over the years Simon has developed a focus on digital technologies and is passionate about finding new ways to support and develop both student and staff experiences.

Penny Chislett

Director of Education Support Operations

Penny joined the organisation in 2001 as a Learning Support Worker. Penny has held a variety of support and management positions over the last 15 years. Having worked for the College at many different levels, Penny has a great understanding of the FE sector and the life-changing impact education can have on young people's lives. As Head of Learner Services and Support, Penny and her team are committed to providing an outstanding support service to all learners at SGS College.

Pez Perrin

Director of Wellbeing Services & DSL

My degree is in Social Policy. My first job was in Cardiff working with young people in Care who were being sexually exploited. I am passionate about how we can improve our support for our most vulnerable young people in society.

I am a qualified Youth Worker and have run different projects in the Inner-City areas of Bristol. I became one of the first Learning Mentors to work in schools as part of the DFE 'Excellence in Cities initiative'. Bristol was one of the first to introduce this initiative into secondary schools. I worked in a socially and economically deprived area of Bristol and the role encompassed becoming a Child Protection officer. I left working in school to join SGS College in 2015. I am proud of the inclusion agenda that we have in FE.

I have been safeguarding in education for many years now and my practice is always reflective and collaborative. I have read enough serious case reviews to know that failures are avoided by working better together. I am always reflecting on lessons learnt and apply these to the next situation. In my role I always strive to work collaboratively to improve opportunities for young people, reduce social isolation and support the learner voice.

Jo Kear

Director of Higher Education

Jo joined SGS College in 2000 as an Art History lecturer. Since then, she has occupied a variety of roles including Course Leader and Head of Department of the Bristol School of Art, Queens Road. She has taught on a variety of FE and HE courses both at SGS and at other institutions. In 2016 Jo joined the College-wide HE management team and became Head of Department and then Head of Faculty for HE Curriculum, Standards and Development. These roles required leading on the development of new curricula and ensuring the quality of existing programmes.

Jo is deeply committed to College-based Higher Education and believes whole-heartedly in the exceptional, person-centred approach that colleges offer their degree students. Jo started her own academic journey studying A levels at a sixth form college and describes the experience as transformative. The opportunities she accessed at her college fostered her ambition to study at university which eventually culminated in her achieving her PhD at the University of Bristol.

When not in work Jo enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She can often be found either in an art gallery, gaming, walking in the countryside or with her head in a good book. Sometimes she manages to do all four of these things in one day!

Pete Barrett

Director of Estates

Pete joined SGS in 2015 to work with local stakeholders to deliver the development of Gloucestershire Science & Technology Park at Berkeley. In 2025 he became Director of Estates with responsibility for estates and property matters at all SGS's campuses. He directs the college's large team of Estates Assistants, Administrators and Managers.

As a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, he has a wide range of experience in both the private and public sectors. Specialising in the acquisition, development and management of commercial, education and energy assets. Pete is passionate about delivering the best possible estate experience for our students and staff across our diverse range of campuses.

Originally from Cornwall, Pete has a BSc(Hons) in Valuation and Estate Management from UWE Bristol. Now based in Stroud, he can mostly be found trail running along the Stroud Valleys or undertaking some DIY to a moderately acceptable standard.

Aaron Hope

Director of IT

Aaron Hope brings over 27 years of experience in IT support at SGS college.

After studying Software Engineering at university, Aaron joined the college as an IT technician, quickly advancing to IT Team Leader, IT Infrastructure Manager, and now Director of IT.

Aaron is skilled in IT management, with a strong focus on cybersecurity and strategic technology planning. Backed by his experience and in-depth knowledge in Microsoft Windows Server environments, Office 365 administration, and multisite networking. His expertise also extends to virtualization through Hyper-V, the implementation and management of campus-wide Wi-Fi.

Aaron’s long-standing tenure is a testament to his dedication to advancing technology in education and fostering a robust IT environment that supports the college’s mission.

Thomas Beer

SGS Create Headteacher

Tom Beer is the Headteacher at SGS Create, a specialist 14-16 direct entry provision at SGS College, Stroud that he established in September 2023. With nearly 90 students enrolled, Tom has successfully built this educational institution from the ground up, embodying his core beliefs about effective teaching and learning. His leadership has already garnered praise from OFSTED, who noted that the school\'s achievements in just 15 weeks are what many schools take five years to accomplish.