Martin Foulger FRIN, FCMA, CGMA – Chair of Governors and Independent Governor

Martin was appointed as Chair in June 24, having joined South Devon College as an independent governor in December 2023.

A qualified accountant, Martin has gained a wealth of senior leadership experience in complex industrial and technology businesses operating internationally.

In 1998, Martin joined Spirent Communications plc where he led the Torbay headquartered Position, Navigation and Timing Division, initially as Finance Director and as Managing Director from 2003. Under Martin’s leadership, Spirent’s PNT Division become the acknowledged world leader of test solutions for space-based navigation systems, with applications ranging from space vehicle navigation to location enablement in wearables. Martin retired from Spirent in 2023.

Martin is currently Chair of the Membership and Fellowship Committee within the Royal Institute of Navigation and is a past Vice President of the Institute, which is a registered charity.

Martin regards South Devon College as a key landmark organisation for Torbay, and is keen to be part of the team that continues to strengthen what the college contributes within and without Devon.

Laurence Frewin – Principal and CEO

Laurence was appointed as Principal & CEO in September 2019 and is a member of the Search & Governance Committee, the Curriculum and Quality Committee/HE 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 Centre; £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.

Kate Doodson – Vice Chair of Governing Body and Chair of Search and Governance Committee

Kate joined the Governing Body in March 2020 and is a member of the Search and Governance Committee. She has also been Lead Governor for Careers and Digitaland is now Chair of the Search and Governance and Remuneration Committees. Kate served for 2.5 years as a member of the People & Resources Committee.

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.

Avril Bankes-Fay (She/Her) – Independent Governor

Avril joined the governing body in March 2024, is an Independent Governor and also a member of the Curriculum and Quality Committee.

Avril is the Head of Strategic Partnerships at the BUSY Group UK and has a wealth of experience developing relationships and creating collaborative opportunities that bring benefit to our local communities, people and businesses across the UK, working in partnership with a variety of organisations. She is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities and equity, supporting our local economies to grow and thrive. Her role within the BUSY Group focuses on stakeholder engagement, and developing partnerships that can bring positive change, inclusive growth and a more sustainable society. Developing services that are designed to improve and support skills, education, employment and families.

Avril has worked in a number of management and leadership roles within a variety of sectors including finance, pharmaceuticals, employability and skills. With a Masters degree in HR Management, Avril truly believes that our people are the biggest asset to any organisation, and by investing and developing our people this in turn will bring organisational success. Within the governing role, Avril is keen to see that colleagues and students have a positive experience, have the ability to thrive, and achieve their aspirations.

Avril lives in Torbay with her husband and three daughters, one of whom was educated at South Devon College, and is keen to bring her views as a parent to the role.

Professor Paul Brunt – Independent Governor

Paul joined the governing body in August 2024 as an Independent Governor and a member of the Curriculum and Quality, and Audit Committees.

Paul is a retired academic from the University of Plymouth. During his 32 years at Plymouth, he held a variety of senior posts including Head of the School of Tourism and Hospitality, Dean of the Faculty of Social Science and Business, Director of Academic Partnerships, and Academic Registrar. He was awarded a personal chair in 2009 in Tourism Management and has authored textbooks and academic papers. His main research area looked at the linkages between tourism and crime. As Director of Academic Partnerships, Paul was responsible for over 10,000 students studying for a Plymouth award but based in the University’s partnership network. This included institutions in Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Greece, as well as in the region. From 1999, Paul was also active with the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and took part in over 50 reviews as a specialist peer reviewer for the QAA.

Paul has always had strong links with partnerships and worked with South Devon College in the early 1990s to establish one of the first Foundation Degrees in Tourism that also enabled students to transfer onto honours degree programmes. On retirement in 2022, Paul was made an Emeritus Professor of the University of Plymouth and continues to support the university voluntarily.

Paul has lived in Brixham since 1992, and both his grown-up daughters undertook their 16-19 education at the College. He is a passionate believer in the transformative benefits of education, at any age.

Paul Coles – Independent Governor

Paul joined the governing body in July 2024, joining the Curriculum and Quality Committee. Prior to SWBC, Paul was BT Group’s English Regional Director where he was responsible for developing strategic relationships with combined and local authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships, business, education and community organisations to focus on the success and growth of the UK’s regional and local economies.

Paul is based in the South-West and sits on the following external boards:

• Advisory Board member of the South West Cyber Resilience Centre
• Place Leadership Group – Yeovil
• Chair of Torridge Place Board
• Member of the Gravity Business Leadership Group
• Board member Royal North Devon Golf Club.

Rory Gilbert – Independent Governor

Rory joined the Governing Body in June 2017 and is currently an Independent Governor. He is also a member of the Remuneration Committee. From May 2020 to August 2022, Rory was Chair of the Audit Committee.

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 mature 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.

Dr Jon Goldman – Chair of Curriculum and Quality Committee, Independent Governor and Lead Governor for Higher Education

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 became Chair of the Curriculum and Quality Committee in September 2024. He is also a Trustee for the Friends of South Devon College Students and the Torbay Medical Research Fund.

Jon is a retired Consultant Physician from Torbay Hospital and member of the Royal College of Physicians of London. 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.

Roger Knight – Chair of the Audit Committee

Roger was appointed to the Governing Body on the 08 March 2021 and became Chair of the Audit Committee from 01 September 2022. Roger is also a Member of the Remuneration Committee and during 2021/22 served as Vice Chair of the People & Resources 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. He also holds a directorship in South Devon Biomas Ltd and is a Trustee of The Friends of Diptford School.

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.

Steve Parrock – Independent Governor

Steve was appointed to the Governing Body on 01 September 2022 and is a Member of the People & Resources Committee.

Steve has recently stepped down as the CEO of Torbay Development Agency (TDA) and alongside this role was CEO of Torbay Council from 2013 to 2020. He brings with him a deep understanding of the skills needs of the local economy as well as the strategic importance of ensuring these needs are met by South Devon College. As well as being a professional asset and project manager, Steve has a strong background in business development and of working with local businesses. He is inspired by helping others reach their potential.

For Steve one of the most important aspects of improving outcomes for Torbay’s residents is the quality and accessibility of further education. He is particularly keen to support the College’s journey back to Ofsted ‘Outstanding’. His personal commitment to the world of education is evidenced by his 12 years’ service as a School Governor during which time he chaired the Buildings and Grounds Committee. He is also a volunteer for the National Trust.

Steve lives in Paignton, has two grown up children, and enjoys badminton, playing chess and table tennis.

Dave Wildman – Staff Governor (Academic) and Lead Governor for SEND

Dave was appointed to the Governing Body as the Staff Governor (Academic) in November 2017 and is a Member of the Curriculum and Quality Committee. He also serves on the Audit Committee. Dave was re-appointed for a second term of office in November 2021 after a competitive staff governor interview process. He is a Trustee for the Friends of South Devon College Students.

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.

Louise Barlow – Staff Governor (Professional Services)

Louise joined the Governing Body in February 2024. She actively contributes to both the Curriculum and Quality Committee and the Audit Committee. Additionally, she works as the Lead Coordinator for Marketing, Events, and CRM at the college.

With over 15 years of experience in Marketing and Events within the education sector, Louise possesses strong communication skills and a comprehensive understanding of the college’s recruitment, retention, and progression processes. She is dedicated to enhancing the student journey and fostering robust relationships with local businesses and community stakeholders.

Louise lives in Paignton with her husband and two children. In her free time, she enjoys walking on the beach and reading plenty of books!

Alastair Campbell – Co-opted Member

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.

Ryan Cooper – Co-opted Staff Governor (Professional Services)

Ryan joined the Governing Board in February 2024 as a Co-opted Member of the People and Resources Committee as Professional Services Staff Governor, alongside his role as Head of IT Services. With a background in management, Ryan brings experience in budget oversight and managing change to the board.

Passionate about our local community, Ryan is dedicated to supporting the College’s mission and also ensuring people develop the digital skills to give them the edge they need to succeed.

Ryan lives in Teignmouth, has two young children, and enjoys collecting records, watching Exeter City, and visiting National Trust locations with his family.

Lynsey Mizen-Shaw – Co-opted Staff Governor (Academic)

Lynsey was appointed to the Governing Body as a Co-opted Staff Member on 01 January 2022 and is a Member of the Search and Governance Committee.

Lynsey joined the teaching staff at South Devon College in September 2017 after completing her two-year Diploma in Education and Training at the College. Lynsey teaches across different levels and age groups, including GCSE, A Levels and Learning Opportunities. She is passionate about the college and as a member of staff, brings a strong sense of the mission and values of the college to the role.

Prior to joining the College Lynsey worked for the NHS in general practice for 14 years. This management role involved the recruitment of staff, the experience of which she brings to the Search and Governance Committee. When not working, she is a keen reader and member of 2 book clubs and enjoys travelling with her family in her 1977 VW camper van.

Judy Ravenscroft – Co-opted Governor and Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Judy joined the Governing Body on 01 March 2019 as a Governor on the Audit Committee and the Curriculum and Quality Committee. Judy is now a co-opted member of the Curriculum and Quality Committee and also the Designated Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

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. 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.

Caroline Giles-Medhurst – Head of Governance

Caroline was appointed as Head of Governance on 2nd January 2024. She began working in education in 2014, supporting senior management teams before adding governance support to her portfolio in 2017. Prior to joining South Devon College, Caroline worked within a multi-academy trust in Paignton, supporting its merger with a larger national multi-academy Trust in September 2023.

She holds the Level 3 Certificate in Clerking of Schools and Academy Governing Boards (NGA), the Level 4 Certificate of Academy Governance (Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland) and will be undertaking the relevant FE Governance Professional training to enable her to best support the South Devon College Governing Body.

When she is not at work, she is busy running around after her two children, her husband, potentially thinking about going to the gym or for a run but more likely attempting to find time to sit down and read a good book.