Meet the Governors
David is the Chair of the Corporation, and Chair of both the Governance & Search Committee and the Appeals Committee. David is also a member of the Finance & Resources Committee.
David Ash
David and his family settled in Worcester in 2001. He has worked as a lawyer throughout his career; he gained a Law Degree at the University of Sheffield then qualified as a Solicitor in 1980. After a few years in private practice, he tried a change of tack and joined the Royal Air Force as a Legal Officer; he signed up for five years but enjoyed it so much that he stayed on for twenty. After leaving the RAF, he was a specialist lawyer in the Higher Education sector; initially he was the Deputy Director of Legal Services at the University of Birmingham and then worked as a freelance Consultant in short-term posts at various other universities.
David has always been interested in sport and currently cycles, runs, walks mountains and skis. In the past he has also dabbled in football, rugby, tennis, rock climbing, windsurfing and snowboarding. His other main interests are contemporary music and watching football and cycling. At times he has been a School Governor, Chairman of a local Community Centre, youth football coach, ski instructor and member of a Mountain Rescue Team.
David was born and raised in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and, unsurprisingly, is a lifelong fan of Newcastle United.
Jane is a member of the Teaching and Learning Committee and the HE Academic Board. Jane is also the Lead Governor for Higher Education.
Jane Britton
Jane is Pro Vice Chancellor Communications and External Affairs at the University of Worcester.
She is a member of the University’s Executive Board and Chair of the UW Enterprises Board, which manages the University’s commercial activity. Her role includes strategic leadership at a senior executive level in many areas across the University with specific responsibility for Student Recruitment, Strategic Marketing and Market Research, Corporate Communications, Admissions and International.
Originally from Canada, she holds a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Calgary and a Master of Arts from the University of Birmingham.
Gaynor is Chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee and a member of the Governance & Search Committee. Gaynor is the Lead Governor for Careers.
Gaynor Cheshire
Gaynor moved to Worcester in the 80’s to do a Bed Degree. In the late 70’s and early 80’s she worked as a dancer, performing in a variety of films and projects. After qualifying she moved into education. Initially as a teacher, then head of faculty, deputy head and headteacher. She has been a head of three secondary schools and prior to her retirement on 2022 she was 12 years as CEO of a multi academy trust. Under her tenure the trust was named as leading edge, won an international schools award and ran a prestigious theatre.
Gaynor has sat on numerous boards. Has been an advisor to the arts council, author of a text book and a variety of education packs. She continues to provide consultancy work for MATs and leadership training to both public and private sector organisation.
Phil is a member of the Audit Committee and is the Lead Governor for Digital Technology.
Phil Colledge
Born and raised in Bromsgrove, Phil returned to his hometown in 2006 after spending several years living in the Black Country. While Phil initially pursued university studies in Biochemistry, his true passion for computing led him to pivot his career towards IT. Joining IBM, Phil embarked on a journey that took him across the globe, with stints in the USA, Middle East, and Europe. It was during this time that IBM commissioned Phil to write a technical book for its’ IBM McGraw-Hill series.
Transitioning from his role at IBM, Phil took on the position of IT Director for two NHS acute Trusts. His tenure involved implementing intricate ICT systems and spearheading organizational transformations within the healthcare sector. Following a successful career in NHS senior management, Phil ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing a management consultancy firm. Specialising in ICT and management consultancy, Phil served both NHS clients and other commercial enterprises. Despite retiring in 2017, Phil found himself craving intellectual stimulation, leading him to engage in periodic consultancy projects to keep his mind sharp.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Phil has a profound interest in effective communication, bridging the gap between complex ICT concepts and everyday language. Enriching his skill set, Phil delved into the realms of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and obtained qualifications as a Hypnotherapist. During his downtime, Phil seeks tranquillity by the banks of rivers and lakes, indulging in the serene pastime of fishing.
Helen Davies
Appointed September 2024 - bio to follow.
Vicki is the Chair of Remuneration Committee and a member of both the Audit Committee and Governance & Search Committee.
Vicki Davies
Vicki moved to Worcester in the 90’s and began her career as a journalist, working for a number of newspapers and magazines, both in the UK and abroad. Moving into marketing communication, Vicki has worked for numerous regulatory, health, education and infrastructure organisations over her career delivering successful marketing communication, transformation, public relations and employee engagement programmes and projects. Recently retired as a Director of Communication for National Highways, Vicki gained a Masters degree from St Andrews University and holds postgraduate qualifications in marketing, internal communication as well as business and personal coaching. She is a Fellow of both the Institute of Leadership & Management and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
Vicki is an associate lecturer at the University of Worcester. Vicki enjoys travel, theatre, swimming and long walks with her miniature Schnauzer. Vicki was born and brought up in Surrey and West Sussex but can occasionally be found watching a game of rugby at Welford Road, supporting Leicester Tigers with her husband.
Michelle is Chief Executive/Principal. In addition as a Governor of Heart of Worcestershire College Michelle is a member of the Governance & Search Committee, Teaching & Learning Committee and the Finance & Resources Committee.
Michelle Dowse
Michelle Dowse has been serving as the Principal and Chief Executive of Heart of Worcestershire (HoW) College since April 2023. She holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Bath and relocated from the south to the West Midlands after completing her studies. Michelle has also studied leadership at both Loughborough University and the University of Oxford.
Michelle transitioned to the Further Education sector in 2008, following a successful 20-year career in the private sector, which included roles in fast-moving consumer goods with Phillips Electronics and Unilever, logistics, Chambers of Commerce, Training and Enterprise Councils and Business Links. She has held director-level positions since the age of 29 and whilst raising her family, ran her own consultancy business, working with large accounting firms and Government Departments. Over the past 17 years, Michelle has gained senior-level experience across nine Further Education colleges in Manchester, Birmingham, London, the West Midlands and Cambridge. Before joining HoW College, she was the Deputy Principal at Cambridge Regional College for six years.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Michelle has won multiple awards for her work in marketing as well as student services and partnership working including a Times Educational Supplement (TES) Award for Community Engagement.
Michelle is dedicated to improving opportunities for others, inspired by her own transformative experience with post-16 education. She believes that colleges play a vital role as anchor institutions in their area and sits on the Board of The Redditch Bid, Worcester Town Deal, Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Local Strategic Implementation Plan (LSIP) and is a member of the Bromsgrove Partnership. Michelle also Chairs the Association of Colleges Student Strategy Group, is a member of the AOC 2030 Strategy Group and The College Alliance. Michelle focuses on delivering sustainable growth that meets regional needs, ensuring students are well-prepared for life, work, and their careers. She is committed to providing the best teaching, learning, and support to enable students to make a positive impact in the workplace and their communities.
Chris is Vice Chair of the Corporation and Chair of the Audit Committee. Chris is also a member of the Governance and Search Committee and Remuneration Committee.
Chris Hallam
Originally from Merseyside, Chris graduated from Loughborough University in 1984 with a BSC in Banking & Finance. Thus began a 42-year banking career which saw him work in London, Oxford and Toronto before putting roots down in Worcestershire 22 years ago. He clearly liked the County so much that he refused various opportunities to move with his work preferring to raise his family in Worcester.
During his varied career, Chris worked for HSBC, Santander and, latterly, TSB. He is experienced in all aspects of banking, business development and general management having led both large and small functional teams across multiple locations.
He was previous a director and Chair of the Audit Committee at the Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company Limited and, more recently, he was Chair of the Worcestershire LEP’s European Structural Investment Fund Sub-Committee which focused on channelling available European funding within the County in support of the strategic aims of the LEP.
Chris has coached grassroots football teams in the County, managed cricket teams from U10s through to U15s and recently qualified as an ECB cricket umpire. During the summer months, most Saturdays and Sundays are spent on a cricket pitch somewhere in Worcestershire either umpiring or watching his sons play cricket.
Chris is also a Governor at a primary school close to his home.
Adam is a member of the Audit Committee and the Finance & Resources Committee.
Adam Hall
Originally from Worcestershire, Adam embarked on his engineering journey at RSRE Malvern as an Electronics Apprentice and diligently progressed through his engineering education at Worcester College of Technology. After successfully completing his apprenticeship, Adam obtained a degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Sheffield. He then returned to Worcestershire to advance his engineering career, specialising in control, automation, and instrumentation and is now a Research and Development Engineering Manager with the global material characterisation specialist Malvern Panalytical.
With an extensive engineering background, Adam is a Chartered Engineer, an engineering leader, an advocate for continuous professional development, and stemming from his own apprenticeship origins an ardent promoter of STEM careers. These passions combine as a champion for Engineering Apprenticeships within his own organisation, driving the establishment of a long-lived apprentice programme, as well as supporting apprenticeships more widely across Worcestershire with close involvement with local training providers.
Routed in a love of rivers and mountains through a lifetime of canoeing, walking, running, and outdoor adventures Adam also has a deep commitment to sustainability and protecting our environment. Professionally this manifests as being a strong promoter for sustainable design through innovation, collaboration, diversity, and education.
Tony is Chair of the Finance & Resources Committee and a member of Governance & Search Committee.
Tony King
Tony is currently Group Treasurer of Sanctuary Group, a Worcester based not for profit housing and care provider.
Following achieving a business qualification from Oxford Polytechnic, he started his career in a London based business information company followed by 15 years in the banking sector in various credit and risk roles which included a period working in Vienna. He joined Sanctuary in 2000 and moved to Worcester when the organisation moved its headquarters here a few years later. He has been involved with the Worcestershire LEP since its inception and is a trustee of an Oxfordshire based children's charity.
Allen is a Governor.
Allen McConaghie
Picture and bio to follow.
Muj is a member of the Finance & Resources Committee.
Muj Rahman
Muj is a highly skilled financial accountant with an extensive background spanning over 23 years in the realms of accounting and finance. With a solid academic foundation, he earned his degree in Business Management and Financial Accounting from Coventry University, which laid the groundwork for his professional journey in financial management and reporting.
Throughout his career, Muj has had the privilege of working with an array of clients across multiple sectors, providing insightful guidance on the intricacies of financial statement preparation, tax compliance, and effective budget management. Muj upholds the highest ethical standards in all aspects of financial practice. His sharp analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail play a crucial role in maintaining the accuracy and transparency of financial records, empowering clients to make well-informed business decisions based on reliable data.
In addition to his finance role, Muj serves as the Business Improvement District (BID) Manager for Redditch, where he plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and enhancing the vitality of the local business community.
In his role as BID Manager, Muj is responsible for devising and executing a range of initiatives aimed at promoting local businesses, attracting visitors, and enhancing the shopping experience throughout Redditch. His expertise in relationship-building enables him to cultivate strong connections with diverse stakeholders, including business owners, local authorities, and community groups, ensuring that their perspectives are acknowledged and their needs are effectively addressed.
Muj's innovative mindset and dedication to collaboration empower him to lead numerous projects and events that highlight the distinctive charm and character of Redditch. His passion for community development drives him to seek out new opportunities for growth and engagement, ultimately making Redditch a lively and appealing destination for both shoppers and tourists alike.
Under Muj's visionary leadership, Redditch BID continues to flourish, embodying his aspiration for a cohesive community where businesses thrive, and residents take pride in their town. His relentless dedication to positive change is evident in every initiative he champions, solidifying his reputation as a pivotal figure in the local landscape and a true advocate for the community he serves.
Steve Smith
Appointed September 2024 - bio to follow.
Steve is a member of the Remuneration Committee and Teaching & Learning Committee. Steve is also the Lead Governor for Safeguarding.
Steve Stanier
Steve commenced his NHS career in 1987 working as an Admin Apprentice at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch. Once he realised his passion for working with people, he commenced his professional training and undertook his personnel qualifications at what was Worcester Technical College in the early 90s. He is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and has an MSc in Organisational Development from the University of Wolverhampton. Steve has worked at several NHS providers within Worcestershire, Birmingham and the Black Country including Birmingham Women’s Hospital and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. He is currently HR Operations Senior Manager at Black Country Integrated Care Board and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Committee.
Steve has two grown up daughters one being a primary school teacher/special educational needs co-ordinator in Worcestershire and the other just embarked on a Degree Apprenticeship in Diagnostic Radiography within the NHS. Steve is passionate about people, the people agenda and people of all abilities developing their skills and maximising their potential.
Steve used to be an active member of a local amateur dramatic society and has tread the boards in several productions. He is keen to support local arts and theatre groups and enjoys attending amateur and professional live theatre events.
Paul is the Staff Governor for Business Support and is a member of the Finance & Resources Committee.
Paul Hine
Paul is the team leader of the facilities department working cross campus and has been with the college for 6 years.
Before coming to the college, he was a Police officer working as a response officer for 20 years in Hereford and Malvern, where after retiring served 20 years as an Animal Welfare officer for Malvern Hills District council and Worcestershire Regulatory Services.
Outside of the college campus he is a busy grandad and can usually be found in his garden, in his workshop or relaxing beside a lake fishing.
Julie is the Academic Staff Governor and is a member of the Teaching & Learning Committee.
Julie Hurlston
Julie was born in Germany in an RAF hospital close to where her parents were posted. She came to England at the age of two and has lived locally since that time.
Julie came late to Higher Education, having raised a large family of six children. She undertook an Access to Higher Education course at Kidderminster College and from there went on to gain an LL B (Hons) at the University of Birmingham. Julie then gained a training contract and qualified as a Solicitor in 2004. During her time in Education, Julie was Student Governor at Kidderminster College and was elected to the Senate at University of Birmingham.
Julie continued to work in Law, managing a team in the Birmingham office of a large International Business. Julie has also worked in Probate, Fraud and Housing Law. Making the decision to follow a more altruistic path, Julie went to work for St Basils, which works with young homeless people, and at Fircroft College of Education. It is from these roles and the people that she encountered, that she saw the value of education for all. Julie gained a PGDE from University of Warwick in 2016. Whilst on the course Julie was delighted to have the opportunity to teach at a school in the heart of Ghana. Conditions there were very different to those we have in the UK, but it was a wonderful experience and had a profound influence on the way that Julie teaches and on her understanding of the value of an accessible and inclusive educational offering, that is known by for its excellence.
Having joined the college as a trainee teacher, Julie has taught in a number of departments including Health and Social Care, English, Law, Business and has now settled into a role in Management and Professional.
Julie now lives with her husband in Bromsgrove. She is currently undertaking an MA in Character Education with University of Birmingham and her studies take up much of her spare time. When she does have time on her hands Julie enjoys craft activities, knits, bakes and sews. She enjoys spending time with her 7 grandchildren and her close family. Julie loves a holiday, the theatre, books and poetry.
Henry is the Student Governor for Bromsgrove and Redditch.
Henry Nwelue-Kelechi
Picture and bio to follow.
Sarah is the Student Governor for Malvern and Worcester.
Sarah Warwick
Picture and bio to follow.
