Our Governors

Will Abbott (Chair)

External Governor, Chair of the Board of Governors

Partner, Randall & Payne LLP; Director, White Horse Training Ltd; Chartered Accountant

I joined the Board at Gloucestershire College as I believe training the next generation is essential for the development of society and for economic growth. Gloucestershire College offers opportunities to a broad range of students from a wide range of backgrounds, giving opportunities for all and hope for the future. I am delighted to be a part of shaping the strategic direction of the College.

Jessica Buckland

Staff Governor

Student Support Adviser

In the years since I first joined GC in 2015, I have held a number of roles within Student Support. In all of these roles, I have focussed on putting students at the heart of all that we do at the College.

As a Staff Governor, I look forward to having an impact on College-wide decision-making.

Matthew Burgess

Principal of Gloucestershire College, Ex Officio Governor

Matthew was appointed Principal of Gloucestershire College in September 2013. He is a Chartered Accountant. He joined in 1998 as Vice Principal with responsibility for Finance, Management Information Systems, IT & Business Development. Matthew is committed to putting GC at the heart of its community. 

Peter Carr

Head of Employment & Skills, Gloucestershire County Council

Director of Employment and Skills, GFirst LEP

I joined the Board of Governors of the College to use my experience of further and adult education, online learning, business development and links with the local business community to help the College provide the skills and support necessary for its students to succeed.

Lyn Dance

External Governor

Former teacher and head teacher in Special Schools in Surrey, Hounslow and Gloucester. Former CEO of SAND Academies Trust 

I am passionate about education, preparing teenagers for adult life and enabling adults to further their skills. I have over 40 years’ experience in education, particularly special educational needs and disability and wish to share this to support the College to meet the needs and aspirations of young people and businesses in Gloucestershire. 

Anthony Dover

External Governor

Principal, iRisk.co

I joined the Board of Governors to contribute my specialist knowledge as a qualified auditor with experience in audit, governance and risk. As a local business owner, I firmly believe in the importance of the role of Further Education colleges in supplying the skills needed for local businesses to succeed.

Mark Fabian

External Governor

Solicitor in private practice for 40 years. Formerly Head of Real Estate at Harrison Clark Rickerbys and Managing Partner at Rickerby Watterson 

Having been the College’s solicitor for many years, I have the greatest respect for the leadership of the College and all that the College achieves, particularly in relation to the personal development of young people and the positive impact that this has in the local business and wider community. 

Scott Harvey

External Governor

Chartered Manager; Retired Company Director with both private and public sector experience; Experienced Governor in Higher and Further Education, Secondary and Special Needs Provision; Gloucestershire First Ambassador

I started my working life as an engineering apprentice, part-studying in a technical college. Years later, having switched careers several times and worked my way to board level, I want to use my experience to help where my career started.

Peter Lachecki

External Governor

Former Chairman, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Currently Managing Director of Lachecki Consulting Ltd.

I believe that, together with health, a good education is at the core of being able to lead as fulfilling a life as possible. I feel that my experience as a school governor, and in significant roles in both the public and private sectors, will enable me to be a strong contributor to the success of the College and the wide range of people it serves. 

Mary James

External Governor, Vice Chair of the Board of Governors and Designated Safeguarding Link Governor

Former Head of Vocational Publishing for Heinemann; Former Head of BTEC (Product Management) for Pearson

I strongly believe in vocational education and want to offer my skills and experience of working for awarding bodies within this sector to support the College in its vital role of providing further education for the benefit of the local community and the economy.

Dr Heather Moyes

External Governor

Deputy Director, (Policy Development and Student Experience), Student and Academic Services, UWE Bristol

With 20 years’ experience in teaching and professional service roles in UK universities, I am passionate about the power of good education to transform lives. The relationship between further and higher education providers is important and evolving. I hope to be able to bring my knowledge of higher education to the Board to ensure the College is well placed to deliver for its students and for the region.

Amie Nutbrown

Staff Governor

Head of Commercial 

Over the last 12 years at the College, I have developed a strong understanding of the College’s strategic objectives, the Ofsted framework and the College’s self-assessment processes. I am a member of the Wellbeing Committee supporting staff and learners with their mental health and wellbeing and hold qualifications in Safer Recruitment Practices in Education, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Mental Health.   

I have a passion for ensuring that our all learners are afforded the opportunities to succeed and am keen to contribute my enthusiasm and experience to our college community.