Meet the Governors

Paul joined the Board in January 2023. Paul was appointed as Chair in April 2025 and is the Chair of the Finance and Resources Committee and is also a Board Director of RES Ltd.

Jason Austin is CEO and Principal of the RNN Group. His experience incorporates 30 years of teaching and managing in the Further Education sector.

Carol joined the Board in October 2021. She is an Independent research and policy consultant having established her own business in 2018.

David currently works as a senior consultant in the areas of economic growth and skills development, and has extensive experience of managing large economic growth programmes both regionally and nationally.

Debbie joined the Finance and Resources Committee on 17th October 2022. She is a highly motivated and results driven Head of Finance with over 20 years post qualification experience.

Donna joined the board in October 2021 and is a civil servant working for Ofqual leading on the implementation of the Government’s qualifications and funding reforms.

Bio coming soon.

Ian has been part of the RNN Group for five years, during that time he has experienced working within a number of roles before taking up his current position within the Information Governance Department.

Janet joined the board in December 2019. She is a member of the Finance and Resources Committee.

Katie joined the board in October 2021 and is a Curriculum Leader for Hair and Media Makeup.

Kay is a highly motivated and experienced NHS Director of Estates and Facilities and is the National Estates Operations Director for NHS England leading operational effectiveness of hard and soft FM, productivity, digital transformation, and workforce. 

Louise is an experienced Higher Education leader and practitioner, specialising in inclusive curriculum development, education enhancement and quality assurance, staff development and recognition for learning and teaching, and associated regulatory bodies and policy.

Margaret joined the Board in October 2021. Whilst she is now enjoying retirement she was formerly employed by the ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency) as a Head of Territory within the FE sector.

Sally is highly motivated CEO with experience, skills and qualifications gained within a place management, marketing and economic development environment.

Sharron joined the Board in October 2021 as a Governor and chaired the Audit and Risk Committee for 12 months from September 2023. In October 2024 she stepped down as a Governor but has remained a Co-opted Governor on the Audit and Risk Committee.

Shirley joined the board in August 2021. She currently works as an Executive Coach and consultant, both within and beyond the education sector.

Simon works in the Further Education and Skills sector as Assistant Principal for a large national training provider.

Bio coming soon.

Stephen joined the board in December 2019. He is the IT Manager at UNICUS, which is part of the Accommodation and Commercial Services department at the University of Sheffield.

Fatima joined Dearne Valley College in September 2023 on the Level 2 Public Services Course. Fatima plans to go to Sheffield Hallam University on the Police Constable degree apprenticeship and join the Police Force.

Jack has been at North Notts College for two years studying T Level Computer Science. After finishing next year he is planning to go to University to study for an integrated MA in AI. 

Sarah is a governance professional with 20 years’ experience in governance across General Further Education, Sixth Form and Higher Education governance.