National Leaders of Governance for further education: current national leaders
Updated 20 June 2025
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2025
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-leaders-of-governance-for-further-education-national-leaders/national-leaders-of-governance-for-further-education-current-national-leaders
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.