OUTSTANDING - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Lead Governor HR and Talent Acquisition Applications
Alex has worked in the NHS for over 25 years across the Southwest and has lived in North Somerset for over 20 years. A Fellow of the CIPD, currently the Deputy Chief People Officer for University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, where she is involved in the integration of Weston Hospital, managing large teams within the HR community to support the delivery of the Trusts strategic objectives, and ensuring staff experience is at the centre of delivery excellent patient care, every day.
"I am very proud to be part of the extraordinary outcomes that Weston College continues to deliver for their learners."
I am an ardent supporter for all learners getting the best experience during their time at Weston college and enabling them to achieve their full potential
Job Titles:
- Group Director / Deputy Principal - Prison Education, Human Resources and College Reputation
Andrea's current portfolio of responsibility includes oversight of all human resources, management development, recruitment and staffing matters across the Weston College Group..
She also has responsibility for the Prison Education contract and oversees the PEF Senior Management Team, providing vocational education services to prisons across the South West and South East regions. She also works closely with the Commercial Division and has led on recent key projects with the Port Authority. Andrea is also the College lead for all internal and external local reputational matters..
She is CIPD qualified and a graduate in International Business and Modern Languages, working in Germany and the Middle East before establishing a career in the recruitment and HR sector.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Governing Body ( Including Key Committee Chairs )
Andrew has a diverse background all worked within the IT and accounting world, from leading the education division for the UKs largest computer manufacturer, to the ICAEW, looking after accountancy students. Recently developing his own businesses within the IT world and selling them to global companies.
Job Titles:
- Vice Chair of Curriculum and Quality Committee
Ann has been a resident in North Somerset for over 30 years. Until 2012 she was part of the Weston College academic staff as a Lecturer in Education/Teacher Training. She has been a governor since 1991, across all phases of education.
I am immensely proud to be a governor of Weston College. Over the past 20 years it has grown not only in size but also reputation. Being a governor means that I can continue to influence the strategic direction of the college, drawing on over 30 years experience in governance, ensuring that we continue to provide an excellent further and higher education for all our learners.
Job Titles:
- Vice Principal - Curriculum Audit Development and Compliance
Darran currently leads on compliance, audit and international education within the Group as well as supporting the Chief Operating Officer on key project developments.
Darran started his working life as a Royal Marine Commando where he served on operational tours in Kosovo and Afghanistan. After leaving the Royal Marines in 2002, he started a career in education as a Lecturer in Sport at Coleg Gwent in South Wales. He also spent two years teaching undergraduate students as a Visiting Lecturer with the University of Wales, Newport before taking up a Lecturer in Public Services post at Weston College in 2006.
Within the Weston College Group Darran later progressed to Lecturer in Charge of Public Services and then Curriculum Manager in Sports and Public Services. Further progression to Deputy Head of Faculty Service Sectors, and Head of Faculty Service Sectors followed. Darran has also held Executive Director and Associate Principal posts and spent a significant amount of time as an interim Principal of a local school that was attached to the College Group.
Darran's educational achievements include first class honours in Sports Science, a Masters Degree in Health, and a PhD in Education. Darran's doctoral thesis centred on learning/learner motivation and emotional capital.
Job Titles:
- Group Director / Deputy Principal - Curriculum
Dave's portfolio of responsibility includes the development and implementation of the 16-19 curriculum, the whole development of student services including support for learners, the improvement of teaching, learning and assessment practice and the effectiveness of learning resources (including LibraryPlus facilities).
Dave's background is in Sport Science with teaching experience in both the secondary and further education sectors. His management experience is extensive, and he secured his first post within the FE sector in 1999 and enjoyed a rapid rise to his current role of Deputy Principal over the last twelve years. He has a strong track record of systems development most recently allied to the development of T Levels, but including significant experience in quality improvement.
After graduating from Brighton University with a BSc (Hons) Sport Science and a PGCE, Dave started his teaching career in the secondary sector as a PE teacher.
He demonstrated his management potential as a Head of House and was quickly promoted gaining valuable management experience as a Head of Year. He secured his first post within the FE sector in 1999 and has since then developed extensive management experience in a range of roles including Curriculum Manager, Head of Faculty, Head of Quality and Interim Head of Student Services. Committed to developing the student experience, Dave has established a strong track record of quality improvement at both curriculum and College level resulting in a significant rise in student attainment.
Job Titles:
- Lead Governor for EDI and Mental Health
Fiona is our non-teaching Staff Governor and has worked at Weston College for over 30 years, currently as College Registrar, and formerly within Student Services. Fiona represents the Personal Development and Safeguarding at Priory Community School: An Academy, with specialist responsibility for mathematics and pastoral services.
I have the opportunity to work on the governing body to set the strategic direction for the College and to uphold and promote our mission, values and ethos.
Gemma Day - Managing Director
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Lead Governor Student Experience and Careers
Gemma is Managing Director of an enabling developer with significant expertise in construction and capital investment. She has a background in HR and recruitment.
Being a governor is a privilege that carries the collective responsibility, ensuring an appropriate strategy, the right leadership, teaching and procedures to meet the needs of all learners.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Finance Committee
Grahame has had a varied career in financial services, higher education and health, with deep experience of influencing high-level strategies that drive change across a range of complex commercial markets. He has a broad insight of end to end operations, with experience in IT, finance, governance and processes in both the public and private sector .
Currently Grahame is Chair of Somerset CCG finance & performance committee with accountability for the budget allocation of £840m and the performance of key providers to improve the value and efficiency of healthcare services in Somerset. Previous posts include Chair of an NHS acute Trust which resulted in identifying a merger opportunity with University Hospitals Bristol, steering merger efforts and supporting due diligence to successfully merge in 2020 and Chief Operating Officer of a London based college seeking to widen participation in further and higher education.
As a Governor I am able to share the successes of our fabulous learners whilst helping to steer the Corporation toward further achievements
Chair of the Finance Committee
Job Titles:
- Lead Governor Health & Safety / Sustainability
Ian is a Town Councillor and has significant links with the local business community. He previously chaired the North Somerset Planning Committee and supports the Corporation regarding construction and planning matters.
Job Titles:
- Lead Governor HR and Talent Acquisition Systems
Jacqui works at Bristol Airport leading public and media relations, community & charity engagement and social media strategies. Jacqui is a Chartered PR professional and was one of the first 150 members in the UK to gain Chartership Accreditation. Previously held a variety of roles with experience in recruitment; team and individual development; change and innovation programmes; event planning and management.
The Clerk to the Corporation is responsible for the preparation of agenda and papers; for ensuring that meetings are minuted and that the Governing Body and its Committees operate within the requirements of the Instrument & Articles of Government.
You can contact the Clerk via email to enquires@weston.ac.uk or call 01934 411411 and ask to speak with Jill.
I provide practical support which can ensure the effectiveness of the governing body
Job Titles:
- Member of the Remuneration Committee
- Vice Chair of the Governing Body ( Chair Curriculum Committee )
Jo is Registrar & Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of the West of England (UWE). She leads all student facing services, people and organisation development functions with a staff team of more than 1000. Jo is also leading a number of strategic, large scale change agendas.
I am passionate about the power of education to transform lives and believe deeply in the ethos of Weston College
Job Titles:
- Group Director / Deputy Principal - Business Growth, Innovation and Higher Education
After moving to Bristol in 2005 to join the Higher Education Funding Council, Jo has spent the last twelve years focused on improving the skills system to meet the needs of employers and learners in the West of England in further and higher education.
After moving to Bristol in 2005 to join the Higher Education Funding Council, Jo has spent the last twelve years focused on improving the skills system to meet the needs of employers and learners in the West of England in further and higher education.
As a Group Director at Weston College since 2014, Jo has led teams to secure large skills contracts with employers and public funders. Jo sits on a number of Boards, including the European Structural and Investment Fund Committee and the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership's Skills Planning Group. She has a breadth of experience and insightful nature that is crucial to the advanced strategy of the College in terms of growth and development. Her current responsibilities include supervision of apprenticeships, business growth and higher education development.
As a Group Director at Weston College since 2014, Jo has led teams to secure large skills contracts with employers and public funders. Jo sits on a number of Boards, including the European Structural and Investment Fund Committee and the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership's Skills Planning Group. She has a breadth of experience and insightful nature that is crucial to the advanced strategy of the College in terms of growth and development. Her current responsibilities include supervision of apprenticeships, business growth and higher education development.
Job Titles:
- Vice Principal - Curriculum Delivery and Technical Innovation
Jo initially worked in Weston-super-Mare for a local multi academy trust where she attained the position of Vice Principal of the academy. She joined Weston College in December 2018 taking on the role of Clerk to the Corporation as well as other responsibilities. She is now Vice Principal Technical Education and Governance, with oversight of Engineering, IT and Computing as well as Building Services, Construction, Motor Vehicle and Civil Engineering (Construction Professionals).
Jo studied Engineering at Cranfield University both at Undergraduate and Post-Grad levels. She went on to develop her skills and knowledge both in industry and also HE establishments including the University of Illinois before moving into teaching. She has always had a passion for widening participation, supporting those from disadvantaged backgrounds including under-represented groups such as women in STEM subjects, as well removing barriers to learning so all young people and adults have the opportunities to succeed in education in order to progress into their chosen career paths. Jo is actively involved in charitable activities, having previously been a director of a national charity.
Job Titles:
- Vice Principal - Finance and Business Planning
Joe started working at Weston College in 2010 following completion of an advanced apprenticeship with the NHS where he gained a range of experience and qualifications in accountancy.
Since joining the College, he has played a key role in the transformation of finance ensuring robust systems are in place and that financial performance is maximised. Bespoke systems have been developed across a range of disciplines from automated financial statements to costed curriculum planning models.
Joe studied Business and Management with the University of West of England Bristol achieving a first-class grade and since that time has also taken further professional examinations in the field of accountancy. He is recognised as a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and is responsible for finance and business planning across the entire College Group.
John is the CEO of Visit Somerset the official destination management organisation for the county of Somerset. He is also a Chartered Marketer with the Chartered Institute of Marketing holding the position for 12 Years.
Currently John is studying with London Business School in the Business of AI whilst also studying remotely in other Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning processes with EDX and Edinburgh University. This whilst supporting a new appointment as Industrial Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Innovation at the University of Bath.
Previously John has studied in Teacher Training, having successfully passed through his Diploma and Preparation in Teaching and Lifelong learning, whilst championing FE lecturing at Bath College in Professional Marketing with the CIM and Business studies at BTEC level.
I am the CEO of Visit Somerset and a Chartered Marketer
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Audit Committee
- Chairman of the Audit Committee & Parent Governor
A highly successful local retailer, Mark sits on North Somerset Council and the Town Council. He provides an important community link in his role as a Governor.
I provide an important community link as my role as a Governor
Maxine is an academic staff governor and undertakes valuable work in the College as a Curriculum Co-ordinator for Access to Higher Education and Animal Management.
Being a governor gives Maxine a greater insight into the external influences which bring about change within the college group, which helps her in her role as a manager of a team.
Paul has over 30 years of experience working within the aerospace sector, ranging from production activities, team leading, and currently within the realm of training and development for apprenticeships. Pauls day job is heading up UK apprenticeships for a global tier one aerospace supplier. As a wider role Paul also sits on the aerospace employer working group. This group sits at the forefront of the development of apprenticeship standards for the aerospace sector.
I have over 30 years of experience working within the aerospace and apprenticeships sector
Sir Paul has overseen a dramatic transformation at Weston College since being appointed Principal in 2001.
He has driven the College from below-average academic results and a poor financial standing to Ofsted Outstanding status and a national reputation for excellence.
Under his leadership, the College has won a wealth of prestigious awards, including TES College of the Year and Overall FE Provider of the Year numerous Association of Colleges Beacon Awards and the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2018.
Sir Paul has also received extensive recognition for his individual efforts and achievements. In 2011 he was awarded an OBE for his services to further education and the voluntary sector, followed by a CBE in 2017 for his work in further and higher education. Most recently, Sir Paul was named FE Leader of the Year at the 2019 TES FE Awards.
Sir Paul has experience in industry and all fields of education, including university, secondary and further. His work in Further Education has spanned over thirty years and he has a wealth of experience and a history of academic excellence in maths, economics, law and statistics. This is complemented by his work as a NLFE for the Government alongside inspection experience in both England and Wales.
His responsibilities for the Weston College Group include the overall management of the College and the strategic direction of the organisation, which has seen its annual turnover increase from £9 million in 2001 to more than £60 million. The Group is now spread across five key sites, including a University Centre - one of the first of its kind in the UK, the latest edition of which is a flagship Institute of Technology for the West of England.
Sir Paul's work is extensive in the sector. He has been appointed to the role of National Leader in Further Education (NLFE) - one of just seven national appointments - and to the Advisory Board to the FE Commissioner. He represents South West colleges regionally, as well as being a member of the National Board, and also writes for some of the leading national journals in education.
Sir Paul's work has been recognised by both Bath Spa University, where he received an honorary Doctor of Letters, and the University of West of England, Bristol which awarded him a Doctorate in Education.
Sir Paul's great interest - the SEND agenda and inclusivity of learning - led to the College being the first in the UK to open an autism spectrum residential training facility, which won a Beacon Award in 2018. Similarly, his vision for a university centre within an urban town model and development saw the College achieve Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework assessment.
Sir Paul also represents the Principals' Professional Council in the South West and is an active supporter for the sector, known for his robust approach and always placing the learner first.
Job Titles:
- President
- President of the Student Union
- Student Union President FE and Student Governor
I am Sophie, President of the Student Union and Further Education Student Governor. I study A-Levels at Loxton Campus in Psychology, Law and Fashion. A strange mix, I know! I could not decide what I wanted to do as a career path so I chose subjects I thought I would enjoy. I have found a passion for psychology, especially concerning mental health so that is where I want my future to go. I enjoy exercising, mostly going to the gym to release endorphins and I also play for the college netball team which I love too. I have two dogs called Noodle and Ned who are big, fluffy and a bit crazy... but I wouldn't swap them!
I'm the President of the Student Union and Further Education Student Governor