Transparency data

National Leaders of Governance for further education: current national leaders

Updated 20 June 2025

Applies to England

Overview

National Leaders of Governance (NLGs) are experienced college governors, governance professionals and clerks with a strong record of supporting college improvement. They provide mentoring and improvement support to governance boards.

NLGs can determine the best way to support the needs of the college(s) they are working with.

The NLG programme operates alongside the National Leaders of Further Education programme. It is part of the active support for colleges outlined in the guidance on college oversight support and intervention.

National Leaders of Governance

Name Role College
Charles Buchanan Chair EKC Group
Lesley Davies Chair designate Cheshire College South & West
Elton D’Souza Chair West Suffolk College
Cristina George Governor Huddersfield New College
Rob Lawson Chair Education Partnership North East
Andrew McConnell Chair Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Rachel Nicol Governance professional The Bedford College Group
Sandra Prail Chair South Hampshire College Group
Wendy Stanger Governance professional East Coast College
Catherine Sykes Governance professional Hull College
Catherine Vinall Governance professional Chichester College Group
David Wright Chair Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College

Information and queries

Colleges seeking support from a National Leader of Governance should contact the Office of the Further Education Commissioner at FEC.OPERATIONS@education.gov.uk.

The application process is currently closed to become a National Leader of Governance. If you would like to get in touch regarding future applications, email FE.Commissioner@education.gov.uk.

If you are interested in becoming a National Leader of Governance, further information and an application form is available in the National Leaders of Governance for further education guidance.