Jane was invited to join the Governing Body in September 2017, following the merger of Devon Studio School (where she was a Sponsor Governor) with South Devon College. She became Chair of the People & Resources Committee in September 2018 and Vice Chair of the Governing Body in July 2019. In January 2021 Jane was appointed as Chair of the Governing Body. She is also a member of the Remuneration Committee and Honorary Awards Committee.

Jane recently retired (July 2020) as Executive Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Executive at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. She qualified as a nurse in 1985 and specialised in critical care and emergency medicine. Over her 35 year NHS career she has held a range of clinical, management and education roles in the UK and the USA. Jane holds a Master of Science (Nursing) qualification and a Master of Arts (Education) qualification. Her professional interests include quality and safety standards, safeguarding and education. Jane is an Honorary Associate Professor of Plymouth & Exeter Universities.

Graham joined the Governing Body in September 2016 with more than eight years’ experience of being a Governor in Further Education.

Graham is Vice Chair of the Governing Body and currently chairs the Search and Governance and Remuneration Committees. Graham is also a member of the Quality, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Committee and the Audit Committee. Graham was also previously Chair of the Governing Body from July 2019 to December 2020.

Graham relocated to Exeter in 2016 following his retirement as Clerk to the Governors and Company Secretary of St Mary’s University, London. Up until 2010 Graham’s career was spent in higher education administration including Exeter, Plymouth, Southampton Solent, Surrey and Chichester Universities. He then worked for the Higher Education Statistics Agency on two national data-related projects.

In addition to his involvement with South Devon College, Graham is a member of the AdvanceHE national Strategic Advisory Group on Governance. He is Chair of the Board of Trustees of a local charity and is a member of a specialist Scrutiny Panel for the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner.

Laurence Frewin – Principal and CEO

Laurence was appointed as Principal & CEO in September 2019 and is a member of the Search & Governance Committee, the Quality, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Committee, the People & Resources Committee and the Honorary Awards Committee.

Prior to his appointment as Principal, Laurence joined South Devon College as Vice Principal Corporate Services in February 2010, bringing a strong background of strategic leadership and management in the private sector and in school education as a Business Manager in both primary and secondary phases. In 2015 he also became Deputy CEO for the College. During the last 10 years he has led cross college ambitions in sustainability and equality and diversity, as well as College professional and business support areas of Learner Services, Estates, Finance, Human Resources, IT & Systems, Commercial Catering & Retail and Information Services and bidding for additional external funding to diversify College income and enable further responsiveness and success. These bids have included in excess of £30m of new capital grants.

Having achieved a Certificate in School Business Management in 2004, some of his notable achievements at South Devon College have included overseeing the delivery of the £9m University Building; £7m South West Energy Centre, oversight of the funding and development of the £10 million South Devon UTC in Engineering, Water & the Environment; £3m South Devon College Sports Centre; and the new £17m Hi Tech & Digital Centre whilst sustaining the College in Good Financial Health and successful achievement of Investors in People Platinum in 2017.

Rory Gilbert – Chair of the Audit Committee

Rory joined the Governing Body in June 2017 and is Chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Remuneration Committee. He previously served on the People & Resources Committee (2017/18).

Rory is the Financial Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Spirent Communications plc. Spirent is a leading Global Communications company with offices in the USA, Europe and Asia; at the Paignton office they specialise in test and measurement equipment for the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) markets.

Rory has worked in commercial organisations since qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & Young 25 years ago. He has a wealth of commercial experiences and a clear understanding of sound decision making in a competitive environment. He has extensive experience of risk management and internal control as well as a firm grasp of the importance of good corporate governance. Rory completed an MBA with the Open University in 2007.

Rory is a keen supporter of vocational education for young people and adults and is keen to develop people within organisations and organisational growth within our local community.

Philip joined the Governing Body in June 2016 and is Chair of the Quality, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Committee. He is also a member of the Remuneration Committee and attends the FE Academic Board as Designated Governor for Teaching, Learning and Assessment.

Philip is currently a part-time student at the University of Exeter studying for an MA in Creative Writing and is an External Verifier for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. These activities follow his retirement in February 2017 from the University of Plymouth as Associate Head of School (Teaching and Learning), Associate Professor and Academic Director of the University Hotel School in the School of Tourism and Hospitality. Prior to joining the University of Plymouth as a Senior Lecturer in 2000, Philip was Head of Centre, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport at South Devon College.

Philip was awarded a PhD in Education from the University of Exeter in 2003 and an MEd in Professional Development from the College of St Mark and St John. He is the author of vocational textbooks and has published many research and conference papers. More recently he has had short stories published as part of anthologies in e-book and hard copy formats.

Philip has lived in Paignton with his family since 1987 and is fully supportive of a College of Further Education that places itself at the heart of its community.

Kate joined the Governing Body in March 2020 and is a member of the People & Resources Committee. She is also Designated Governor for Careers and Lead Governor for Digital.

Kate is the Joint Chief Executive of Cosmic, one of the leading social enterprises in the South West. Kate’s focus on social mobility through education, inspiration and support means that her values align very closely with those of the College.

Kate specialises in the strategic use of digital to transform business processes. She is passionate about ensuring businesses use the full range of digital services available to them to give them the edge they need to thrive, particularly in the rural economy. She regularly delivers lectures across the UK and internationally on digital transformation. Her previous career in Civil Engineering enabled her to work extensively in both the UK and overseas.

Kate is a member of the board at Plymouth Marjon University, a steering group member and digital lead for the South West Cyber Security Cluster and a steering group member of Tech South West. Kate is also a STEM ambassador in Schools and a Qualified Winter Moorland Leader and Outdoor First Aider, leading young people on Ten Tors and Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions.

Kate has won a number of awards for her work including: Finalist for National Women in IT Awards – Inspirational Women in IT and Finalist for Venus Awards – Women in STEM Awards and is listed on the WISE100 Social Leader of the Year.

Jon joined the Governing Body as a Co-opted Member of the People & Resources Committee in November 2017. He became a Governor in September 2018 and was appointed as Lead Governor for Higher Education in September 2019. He serves on the Search & Governance Committee, Audit Committee, Quality, Teaching, Learning & Assessment Committee (which incorporates the HE Committee) and the Honorary Awards Committee. He is also a Trustee for the Friends of South Devon College Students.

Jon is a retired Consultant Physician from Torbay Hospital. He has held posts in education and training at a local and a regional level and was appointed to roles in the Peninsula Post Graduate Deanery from 2006 – including Head of School for Post Graduate Medicine and subsequently Associate Dean. Jon has held management roles at Torbay Hospital and has thus been responsible for significant budgets. In addition to being a staff governor for a 3 year term of office, he has chaired committees and has experience in selection and interviewing up to board level.

Jon has been an examiner and then Chair of Examiners for the PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills) for the Royal College of Physicians for 17 years. During this time, he also contributed to examination standard-setting committees.

Jon has lived in Torquay with his family for more than 25 years. He is keen to give something back to the local community, and in particular, support learners at South Devon College in pursuing the career paths of their choice.

Judy joined the Governing Body on 01 March 2019 and is a member of the Audit Committee and the Quality, Teaching, Learning & Assessment Committee (which incorporates the HE Committee). She is also the Designated Governor for Equality and Diversity.

Judy started her professional career as a university lecturer and later held leadership roles within a range of public sector and commercial organisations. These included posts in the Education Directorate of a County Council, Strategic Services of a London Borough and with a national commercial services firm. She is currently employed by the University of Plymouth, where she oversees a regional leadership development programme for medical consultants and other clinicians. Judy also still undertakes management consulting and executive coaching assignments.

Judy has a wide range of governance experience, having been a Governor at a Grammar school and a Member for a Multi Academy Trust. She is also a Trustee of the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, where she chairs the Governance subcommittee. Judy is keen to facilitate the sharing of information, expertise and good practice.

Judy lives in Torquay with her family and believes South Devon College’s vision is ambitious, exciting and aligns with her own wish to see increased links with local communities, businesses and employers.

Tracey joined the Governing Body on 01 March 2019 and is a member of the Search and Governance Committee.

Tracey has been the Community Development Manager for Torbay Community Development Trust Ltd/Torbay Council since 2005. Prior to this role, Tracey spent 18 years working in international development.

Tracey brings a wide range of governance experience from previous Trustee roles for a number of different charities. In particular, experience of visioning, financial oversight, quality assurance, HR policy-making and project management.

Tracey lives in Torquay with her family and is passionate about the role of South Devon College in transforming the lives of its learners and the area as a whole.

Whilst Tracey believes the College already aligns its provision well to the needs of the community, and has strong engagement with local businesses and stakeholders, she believes its excellence and scale of activities could stimulate the area to even greater aspirations.

Adam was appointed to the Governing Body on the 1st November 2020 and is a Member of the People & Resources Committee. He is also Designated Governor for Health and Safety.

Adam was a Royal Navy Officer for 26 years and is now Head of Tor Bay Harbour Authority. He is a chartered engineer and has extensive experience of managing people, budgets and organisational change – he brings with him a wealth of experience from the public sector, including the Ministry of Defence.

Adam has experience of governance from his elected position on the national committee of the UK Harbour Masters’ Association and as secretary for the South West Regional Ports Association. He has also has recently received a Level 3 Certificate in Health & Safety and so is well placed to support oversight in this particular area of good governance.

Adam was inspired to apply for this position so that he could contribute meaningfully to the community in which he works. He is particularly keen to inspire others to develop and fulfil their potential.

Adam is an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute and enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities, including triathlons, mountain-biking and camping.

Roger was appointed to the Governing Body on the 08 March 2021 and is Vice Chair of the People & Resources Committee. Roger is also a member of the Remuneration Committee.

Roger is a chartered accountant, specialising in audit and related services. He was a Partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers for over 20 years, including in Hong Kong from 1994 until 2010. He then became a Consultant for Assurance, Risk & Quality. He continues to provide audit and related expert services to accountants and their legal advisers, and to regulators, in Hong Kong. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

In addition to the above, Roger brings to the Board wide-ranging governance experience. In particular, since 2016 he has served as a Trustee for the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust where he is Chair of the Business and Finance Sub Committee and a member of the Development and Governance working groups. He is also a Trustee of Children’s Hospice South West (since 2018) where he is a member of the Investment and Finance Committee and a member of the Care Committee.

Roger was born and grew up in Torbay and returned to live in South Devon in late 2015 after more than 40 years away. He has early memories of South Devon College as primarily a catering college and so recognises how much it has changed over time – this change has encouraged him to want to play an active part in the ongoing and future development of the College.

Dave Wildman – Staff Governor (Academic)

Dave was appointed to the Governing Body as the Staff Governor (Academic) in November 2017 and is a Member of the Quality, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Committee. He also serves on the Audit Committee.

Dave joined the College as a teacher in 2012 following a PGCE placement during 2011-12. Since 2015, Dave has been the Programme Co-ordinator for A-Levels at South Devon College. He teaches across different age groups and levels, from GCSEs and A levels to foundation degree. This means he is well placed to support the work of the Governing Body in ensuring high standards of academic performance.

Dave is passionate about the College and, in particular, supporting students and staff to achieve the best that they can. Before teaching Dave worked in numerous areas of employment, including customer service, before returning to education in his mid-twenties. Away from the classroom, Dave completes research into local history projects and enjoys geocaching on the moors with his dogs.

Matt Green – Staff Governor (Professional Services)

Matt joined the Governing Body in January 2014 and is a member of the People & Resources Committee and the Search and Governance Committee. He is also Lead Governor for Sustainability and served on the Governing Body’s Audit Committee from 2014-2018.

Matt is Head of Commercial Services at the College and has a wealth of experience in the catering and hospitality industry. After completing an advanced GNVQ in Hospitality & Catering at City College, Plymouth, Matt progressed to work at the prestigious Michelin starred Gidleigh Park in Chagford, Devon.

Prior to arriving at South Devon College, Matt worked for a National Leisure Company as a Brand Manager where as part of a team he developed concepts across 50+ Leisure Centres in the UK and wrote standard operating procedures that were implemented across the group. He then took up the role of Regional Food and Beverage Manager in which he was responsible for key sites in different regions including the South West.

Matt lives in Paignton with his wife Sarah, and son, Noah. He enjoys participating in sport and playing the guitar. He is also an FA coach and manages the Stoke Gabriel U13 Football Team. He is a keen Torquay United supporter.

To be filled September 2021.

Higher Education Student Governor

Howard was appointed as a Co-opted Member of the QTLA Committee on the 19th April 2021.

Howard has been a member of the Devon and Cornwall Police Force since 2001. He is currently Sector Inspector for Paignton and Brixham and a qualified Tactical Firearms Commander. He also provides cover for response policing as critical incident manager.

Howard has a wide range of relevant professional experience to bring to the Board, from ensuring compliance for HMIC inspections to assessing risks, re: vulnerable people, staff and organisations and putting in place the necessary mitigations. In his current role as Sector Inspector, Howard has responsibility for performance, buildings, vehicle fleet, administration and Covid security.

Howard attends multi-agency tactical meetings across Torbay including for child exploitation, Torbay Councillor advocates and the Public Safety Advisory Group. He has responsibility for neighbourhood policing and manages the welfare and wellness of a team of 17 officers. He is the Citizens in policing champion as well as single point of contact for both hate crime and environmental/sustainability issues.

Howard is also a fitness enthusiast and currently training for his first ironman. In 2020 he completed a Level 2 YMCA Gym instructor qualification at South Devon College.

Howard’s first-hand experience of learning at South Devon College along with his central role in the local community promises to bring a fresh perspective to the work of the QTLA Committee.

Alastair joined the Governing Body as a Co-opted Member of the Audit Committee in October 2020.

Alastair is an experienced internal audit and risk management professional who has worked with the further education sector and wider public and not for profit sectors for 25 years. He is a Chartered Accountant and Head of Risk Assurance and Internal Audit at Bishop Fleming.

Throughout his career, Alastair has worked with boards, audit committees and senior/junior management teams within organisations to provide training and related support for their development of risk management, assurance and wider governance practices (including South Devon College). He has also been involved in due diligence reviews for FE college mergers, sat on client project/programme boards, and managed the external audit for a number of further education and charity clients.

Sally joined the Governing Body as a Co-opted Member of Project Board in September 2018. From January 2019 she was also appointed as a Co-opted Member of the Search & Governance Committee.

Sally trained and qualified as a solicitor in Edinburgh, before qualifying in England and joining Michelmores in 2003 where she has been a partner since 2008.

In her role as a transactional lawyer, Sally’s work for local authorities includes regeneration schemes (residential and mixed use), infrastructure projects, funding agreements and the securing of loans and grants. These transactions involve her working with project teams comprising instructing officers and other professional consultants and require her to find practical solutions, negotiate with the private sector and deliver key objectives within what are often challenging timescales.

In addition to her role as a transactional lawyer, Sally is part of the trainee recruitment team at Michelmores. She regularly presents to law students attending open days, interviews trainee applicants, mentors and supervises the firm’s trainees. She has also been instrumental in setting up a work experience programme for A Level law students attending a local Academy.

In 2017 Sally launched WIN (Women with Impact Network) which aims to provide a forum in the region for organisations and businesses to exchange ideas with a view to developing good practices and a strong employer brand in the South West which attracts, develops and retains high calibre talent in the region.

Dave joined the Governing Body as a Co-opted Member of the Audit Committee in June 2020. From 1st September 2021, he was appointed as a Co-opted Member of the People and Resources Committee.

Dave is a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Certified Accountant and a Partner at Thompson Jenner LLP where he is Head of Audit. He has a wide range of internal and external audit experience within the commercial, charitable and educational sectors.

Dave also has current experience of governance as a Trustee for Headway Devon and as a Director of Kingsmead Academy Trust where he sits as a Governor on the Finance, Strategy & Personnel Committee. Dave is also a Director of Factor P Community Interest Company – a ‘Think Tank’ where he shares the directorship with two psychologists from the corporate and clinical sectors.

Lisa Keay – Head of Governance

Lisa was appointed as Clerk to the Governing Body in April 2016 having clerked school governing bodies for more than five years. During this time she supported and advised governors in a wide range of settings including a church primary school and nursery, a special school, an ‘all through’ Academy, a community college and a pupil referral unit. Before taking up this post, Lisa was also Company Secretary for the SENtient Trust.

From January 2012 to January 2016, Lisa served a four year term of office as a parent governor for her local federated primary school. She therefore appreciates the world of governance from a governor’s and a clerk’s perspective. She is passionate about promoting good governance as she believes this is key to sustained improvement within the education sector.

Prior to developing a professional interest in governance Lisa was a Research Officer employed by the Dartington Hall Trust. Prior to that she was a Junior Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham where she taught and supervised undergraduates in the Philosophy Department whilst completing her PhD in political philosophy at the University of Leicester.

In her spare time Lisa enjoys reading, cycling, running, hiking and holidaying with her family.