Meet the governors

Ruby is an experienced business advisor having worked in professional services for over 20 years including as a partner at PwC from where she retired in 2019. She now holds various roles. These include Chair of TOTM, Non Exec Director of Wells and Co and Twenty3. She is a trustee of Trustee of the Magic Bus and Women Leaders UK. She mentors individuals and supports Diversity & Inclusion, and in her free time enjoys walking her dog, keeping fit, and growing veg. Ruby is Chair of the Board and is a member of the Search & Governance and Remuneration Committees.

Sally Alexander became Chief Executive at Milton Keynes College Group in October 2022. Sally started her career in Education as a teacher, supporting disadvantaged adults to develop both their skills and confidence to better engage with their communities and the world of work. Since then, Sally has worked across the College, joining the senior team 5 years ago.

Since her appointment as CEO, Sally has continued the College Group’s Fairer Futures strategy and delivered numerous initiatives including the first College in the Community Day, extending the existing Prison Education Framework provision to include an additional 10 prisons in Kent, Surrey and Sussex, and was very proud to support the team in achieving an overall ‘Good’ grade at their recent Ofsted Inspection in February 2024.

Richard Bartlett-Rawlings (FCA) joined the Board in October 2019. He is an audit partner at EY Luton, and previously held roles with RSM, KPMG and Deloitte. Richard chairs the audit committee and brings his 20 years experience in Audit to assist the college in managing risk and financial best practice. Richard has a young family and enjoys all things automotive, having qualified as a mechanic at an FE institution prior to starting his career in accountancy. Richard is passionate about the role of FE in enabling people to meet their potential, having started his path to his current role through an Access to Higher Education course at an FE college. Richard is Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee and a member of the Remuneration Committee.

Abbas is a second-year Aeronautical Engineering student based at Chaffron Way.  He previously served as the School Representative for the Innovation and Technology Centre, where he championed student interests.  He values collaboration and the support of peers and mentors and is looking forward to sharing his experiences as a student at Milton Keynes College and contributing to the Board of Governors

Ian joined the board in August 2024. He runs a Criminal Justice consultancy having spent 20 years working for His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. Outside of work Ian likes to run and read and spend time on long walks with his wife and dog. He also enjoys travelling. Ian is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee.

AJ joined the Board in October 2024. As a MK College alumna, AJ knows the College well and what it’s like to be a student. Now a very successful local business owner, recognised for her expertise in marketing, strategic planning, digital transformation, and project management. AJ has made a significant impact by helping organisations streamline their operations and stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving market.

Beyond her professional achievements, AJ is deeply committed to empowering young people. She actively mentors and supports the next generation of leaders, sharing her experience and offering guidance to those looking to make their mark in the worlds of business and technology. Her passion for youth development. AJ is Link Governor for Student Feedback.

Jasmine is a qualified accountant (Fellow Chartered Accountant) who has spent most of her career in financial services having previously worked at Santander, PwC and KPMG in a variety of roles within assurance and audit. She has over 20 years of experience in risk management, internal controls, compliance and navigating change and transformation amidst a regulatory landscape.

Jasmine is an active listening volunteer for the Samaritans Milton Keynes branch and is very passionate about mental health, particularly in children and young adults. She lives in Milton Keynes with her family and enjoys the theatre and walking.

Jasmine joined the Audit and Risk Committee as a co-opted member in March 2023.

Mat joined the Board in May 2019. He is a qualified accountant and Head of Group Financial Accounting & Reporting at Zopa Bank. Previously with PwC and EY, Mat has experience in people management, financial reporting, financial management and corporate governance. He is passionate about social mobility and values education. He enjoys the outdoors and traveling. Mat is a Vice Chair of the Board and he also chairs the Finance Group and is a member of the Audit & Risk Committee.

Claire began her career as a literacy and numeracy volunteer and spent 25 years supporting adults and young people to return to study and reach their potential. Previously she managed the Adult Learning, Music and Youth Services at MK City Council and has been an Ofsted inspector for over ten years visiting many colleges and apprenticeship training organisations each year.

Claire joined the Curriculum and Quality Group as a co-opted member in May 2024.

Nathan is a Level 2 Media student based at Chaffron Way.  Being a co-opted member of Curriculum and Quality Group, he is looking forward to sharing his experiences as a student and learning the skills and qualities required in his role.

Leroi Henry joined the Board in 2023. He is Academic Portfolio Lead for Human Resource Management in the School of Marketing and Management at the University of Greenwich. He has undertaken extensive research, training and consultancy in Equality Diversity and Inclusion in the public and private sectors. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, an academic member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, a Chartered Business Educator and a Fellow of the Institute for Educational and Social Equity. Leroi is a member of the Curriculum & Quality Group.

Rebecca was elected as Staff Governor in September 2023. She has worked at the College since 2016 in a range of roles and is currently Head of Community Engagement. In this role, Rebecca provides a link between the College and local organisations, including schools and community groups, as well as individual stakeholders, such as our Friends and Allies’ Network and MKCG Fellows.

Amit joined the Board in September 2023. He is a partner at Shoosmiths LLP where he specialises in mergers and acquisitions, providing strategic and commercial advice to clients across a range of sectors including education and technology (including cutting edge EdTech). Amit lives in Milton Keynes with his wife and two children and is an international class cricketer…in his dreams. Amit is a member of the Audit & Risk and Remuneration Committees. 

Angela Novell joined the Board in 2022. She is CEO of the disability charity MK SNAP which was awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2020. Angela brings her experience in values-led strategic leadership, business planning and community education to the Board. She is also a member of several organisations that support women and girls. Angela is a Vice Chair of the Board and also chairs the Curriculum and Quality Group and is a member of the Remuneration Committee.

Ian joined the Board in 2021 and is CEO of MK Community Foundation, managing 100+ charitable funds to award grants to over 180 organisations each year. He has 30+ years’ experience working with local, regional and national bodies and in the South London where he led local community engagement projects with the diverse communities and refugee groups and then the major redevelopment project in Milton Keynes. Ian has lived in Bletchley for 20 years, engaging in local Charitable and community groups such as the MK Camphill learning disabilities charity. Ian chairs the Search & Governance Committee and is a member of the Curriculum & Quality Group.

Sufian Sadiq the Director of Teaching School at Chiltern Learning Trust, with responsibility for overseeing two regional Hub areas in the South East of England. Chiltern Teaching School are one of the largest providers of CPD to the sector nationally. He is a passionate activist within the educational landscape around race, equity and inclusion. He is a Fellow and Board Member of the Chartered College of Teaching, as well as a Fellow for the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors. He plays an active role in numerous charitable organisations as a Trustee and also holds key governance roles within educational organisations. Sufian is also currently serving as an Ofsted Inspector. Sufian is a coopted member of the Curriculum & Quality Group.

Neil joined the Board in 2019. By profession, he is an urban designer and town planner with the Property Consultancy,  Lambert Smith Hampton where he advises clients on their assets and unlocking further land value. Outside of work, Neil enjoys outdoor activities such as cycling, running, hiking and skiing. Neil is Vice-Chair of the Capital Projects Monitoring Group.

Lindsey joined the Board in August 2024.  She was previously the Group Director Inclusion before she retired from the College 2 years ago.  She joined the College in 1991, so has extensive knowledge of FE.  Lindsey is also a fellow of the College as well as being a Trustee and non-executive director of Ride High Milton Keynes and Chair of Husborne Crawley Charity Trust.  Lindsey is a member of the Search and Governance Committee.

Jay was elected as Staff Governor in June 2024.  He has worked at the College since 2022 as a Course Team Leader in Engineering.  His journey at the College started as a student, giving him a unique perspective on the college’s impact and the needs are learners.  Jay is also a scout leader where he helps enrich and develop young people.

Manish Verma, who is a Senior Manager with Santander,  (ACA and entrepreneur) joined the Board in May 2019. He has worked globally, in financial management, programme management, consultancy, and advanced technology. He is a Milton Keynes City Councillor, a Parish Councillor, School Governor, and MKBLP member. He enjoys philanthropy, education and cricket in his spare time. Manish chairs the Capital Projects Monitoring Group.

Jez Wilsdon joined the Board in Oct 2022. He is Head of Development at the Grand Union Partnership and has worked in senior further education roles. Passionate about learning and its power to transform lives, he enjoys playing tennis & golf and being outdoors. He is also a member of a church group that has established a Milton Keynes branch of The Hygiene Bank. Jez is a member of the Curriculum Quality Group and Finance Group.

Tom Wraight joined the Board in 2023. He is the Midlands Regional Director with Careys (a national construction company), where he is responsible for circa 300 staff working on various projects. At a local level, Careys work with the College’s apprenticeship team so Tom brings a good understanding of local skills needs. Tom is also involved with Careys’ internal programme for developing its people. Tom is a member of the Curriculum & Quality Group.

Sam joined the College in 2021 and prior to that was a Customer Experience and Digital Channel Manager at Milton Keynes Council.  As the Governance Partner, Sam supports the governance professional in ensuring governance effectiveness, compliance and good practice.

Karen joined the College in 2010 and prior to that she was a senior Learning Consultant with the Royal Bank of Scotland. As the governance professional, Karen is directly accountable to the Board of Governors and her role is to provide support and guidance ensuring a high level of Board effectiveness.