Governing Body & Leadership Team

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 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.

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.

Dr Louise Bright, Director of Research and Business Engagement at USW, has undertaken secondments to Welsh Government and The Leadership Foundation for Higher Education (now Advance HE). Louise continues to be an influential colleague in various fora and continues to influence policy and practice in higher education by virtue of membership on boards and committees of external (and influential) organisations. These include being a peer reviewer for the HR Excellence in Research Award; University of South Wales representative on the Welsh Crucible programme; lead for the Wales Women in STEM Network; and was a key member of the Chief Science Advisor for Wales Task and Finish Group which wrote a report considering women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Medical research in Wales.

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 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.

Sophie joined the Corporation in March 2018. Sophie has been the Managing Director of a social care organisation for over nine years. Sophie previously worked in project management at BT Global Services. Sophie has a Master's in Business Administration and recently completed a Master's in Social Care Law at Cardiff University. Sophie has a particular interest in disability law and practice and is embarking on a PhD at Bristol University on Human Rights in Adult Social Care.

After graduating from the University of Bristol, Mike joined the accountancy firm Ernst & Young, where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1986. Mike was a Senior Manager at the Learning & Skills Council and its successor organisations from 2001 to 2014. There he worked with a number of FE colleges, sixth form colleges and academies in the South West of England on financial plans, capital project funding, mergers and financial management and governance reviews. After a spell as a consultant in education finance with RSM, Mike now undertakes interim roles, most recently internal audit reviews at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust.

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 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!

Kevin Hamblin was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Principal in September 2015, having been appointed Principal and Chief Executive of South Gloucestershire and Stroud College in February 2012. Prior to this, Kevin was the Principal and Chief Executive of Filton College since December 2001.

On completion of his degree, Kevin worked as Commercial Manager and then Commercial Director of a private training company, before becoming Head of Open Learning at Swindon College in 1997. This led to a role as Head of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering at Swindon, before becoming Vice Principal at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire in 1999.

Namrah joined the Corporation from 1 August 2024 and is a student at SGS College studying maths, economics and politics. She has just finished year 12 and is hoping to apply for university to do an economics degree. As elected student governor, Namrah wants to provide an opportunity for all students to share their opinions and be comfortable and thriving at SGS.

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.

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 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.

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.

Sarah joined the Corporation in March 2024 and is a Director and Co-Owner of AMBITIOUS, one of the South West's largest independent strategic communications agency.

A core sector for the agency is education. Clients include Lifetime Training, the UK's largest provider of apprenticeships. The agency has also worked with University of Bristol, Access Creative College, Cabot Learning Federation, Wellsway, City of Bristol College, ASDAN, Digitech School Studio and supported UCAS move into apprenticeships.

AMBITIOUS works with many organisations that represent the key economic pillars of the region including technology, professional and financial services, built environment, creative industries, healthcare, engineering and innovation.

Prior to AMBITIOUS, Sarah owned a PR agency in Hong Kong with offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Singapore. Sarah began her career in London at world's largest PR agency, Edelman. Sarah holds a BA Hons in Public Relations from Bournemouth University.

Kevin Hamblin was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Principal in September 2015, having been appointed Principal and Chief Executive of South Gloucestershire and Stroud College in February 2012. Prior to this, Kevin was the Principal and Chief Executive of Filton College since December 2001.

On completion of his degree, Kevin worked as Commercial Manager and then Commercial Director of a private training company, before becoming Head of Open Learning at Swindon College in 1997. This led to a role as Head of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering at Swindon, before becoming Vice Principal at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire in 1999.

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 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 is a marketing graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University's Business School. He joined the College in 2003, having worked as International Marketing Manager at a regional FE provider.

Liam has day-to-day responsibility for all aspects of SGS College's marketing, learner recruitment, enrolment, schools' engagement, careers, customer experience, commercial event income, data, funding and admissions, adult education and community engagement whilst also providing marketing and media support for the SGS Group.

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!

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!

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.

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 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 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.

Rich Aitken joined the College in 2018, following 20 years at the University of Bristol within a variety of diverse financial management roles.

As Head of Finance, Rich leads the College's Finance team in all areas of finance operations, accounting and reporting, and finance systems and process development, as well as supporting the Chief Finance & Resources Officer / Deputy CEO with areas of financial strategy, performance, compliance and risk.

Rich is an Associate Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA).

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.

'A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.'
Brad Henry

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 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.

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 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!

I joined the college in 2009 as Head of Grounds at WISE campus where I was responsible for developing and maintaining the class leading outdoor sports complex and building a grounds team to manage them before moving into the WISE Campus Manager role, then Head of Estates (Bristol), Head of Estates (SGS) and now Director of Estates and part of an amazing Senior Leadership Team. I manage and work with a superb team of Estates and Facilities staff and I am responsible for the college estate.

I began my working career in 1980 and enjoyed a wonderful twenty-two-year teaching career for Sandwell MBC in the West Midlands before moving into a corporate management role at Millfield School in Somerset as Deputy-Head of Grounds.

I am passionate about working to provide here at SGS College the highest quality facilities and environments which support our outstanding teaching and learning.

Coming soon

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.

Tom’s educational philosophy centers on engaging students through dynamic, subject-focused lessons that foster curiosity and active participation. He brings a wealth of experience from a diverse teaching career, having held roles such as Head of Creative Arts at Cirencester College and various teaching positions across multiple school types. His broad expertise is complemented by his entrepreneurial background as the co-founder and Sales Director of The Beeswax Wrap Co., where he developed a leading sustainable homewares brand.

Tom is passionate about collaboration and ensuring that all stakeholders are involved in the learning experience. His extensive experience in both education and business management makes him a versatile leader, committed to driving forward innovative educational practices at SGS Create.