Meet the governors

Ruby Parmar 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 including Chair of TOTM and Trustee of Magic Bus. Ruby mentor’s 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, a member of the Search & Governance and Remuneration Committees, SCIoT Anchor Partner Steering Group and Link Governor for Stakeholder Engagement.

Having served Milton Keynes College Group for more than 25 years, Sally Alexander MBE became Chief Executive Officer and Group Principal in October 2022. During her career with the College Group, she has held a range of leadership roles spanning prison education, adult and community learning, and provision for young people at risk of becoming Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).

A passionate advocate for the transformative power of education, Sally has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for people and communities facing barriers to achievement. Prior to becoming CEO, she led the College Group’s prison education provision, becoming a nationally recognised leader in the field and championing the role education can play in rehabilitation, progression and social mobility.

As CEO, Sally has led the continued growth and development of Milton Keynes College Group, strengthening partnerships with employers, community organisations and civic leaders to ensure education remains closely aligned with the needs of learners, employers and the wider community. Guided by the College Group’s commitment to Fairer Futures for All, she is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities that enable individuals, businesses and communities to thrive.

Under Sally’s leadership, the College Group has expanded its impact across the region and beyond, securing recognition as one of the Government’s Digital and Technologies Technical Excellence Colleges (DigiTEC), achieving White Ribbon Accreditation, and continuing to deliver high-quality education that changes lives. Building on the College Group’s long-standing leadership in prison education, she has also championed work that creates opportunities for learners in both custody and the community, helping individuals develop the skills, confidence and aspirations needed to progress. Sally has further strengthened the College Group’s role as a civic anchor through initiatives including the annual College in the Community Day and the development of The Key, a specialist provision supporting young people at risk of becoming NEET.

In June 2026, Sally was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List for services to Further Education, recognising her longstanding contribution to education, opportunity and social mobility.

Jawad is a Level 6 BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing student based on Bletchley Campus. As a Student Governor, Jawad is committed to representing the student body and fostering a supportive campus environment. He is excited to share his experience at the college and happy to help any student in need.

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, a member of the Remuneration Committee and Link Governor for Growth (including Estates).

Ian Bickers 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 attempt DIY, gardening and reading. He also enjoys travelling and spending time on long walks with his wife and dog. Ian is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee, a member of the Curriculum and Quality Group and Link Governor for Safeguarding and Inclusion.

Emily Bousfield is Deputy Head of Business and Digital at MK College Group, where she combines her passion for education with a background in industry. As an MK College alumna, she is committed to supporting both students and staff within her role as a mentor and advocate for personal and professional growth.

Jasmine is a 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. She currently leads a Global Technology & Cyber Risk and Regulatory team at American Express as Vice President. Jasmine is very passionate about mental health, particularly in children and young adults. She lives in Milton Keynes with her family and enjoys live comedy, the theatre and walking. Jasmine joined the Audit and Risk Committee as a co-opted member in March 2023 and is a Link Governor for Cyber Security.

Claire Griffin 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 fifteen 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.

Mark Homans joined the Board in 2025. Mark is Head of Social Impact at Santander UK, with over 15 years’ experience in ESG and community engagement. He started his career in financial services after leaving college at 18 with a GNVQ in Business and later discovered a passion for lifelong learning. Education has played a transformative role in Mark’s personal and professional journey, and he’s committed to helping others access similar opportunities. Outside work, Mark is a proud father of three daughters—two at university and one in primary school—and enjoys spending weekends pottering in the garden. Mark is a member of the Renumeration Committee and Link Governor for Careers and Personal Development Curriculum.

Ajay joined the Board in August 2025. He is a qualified chartered accountant in both India and the UK and is an audit partner with PwC based in Milton Keynes. He brings over 21 years of experience of working in the technology, automotive and banking sectors in the UK, US and India. Ajay is passionate about the positive role of education in creating independence and helping people to achieve their life goals. Together with his wife, he actively supports girls’ education in India. Outside of work, Ajay loves playing cricket with his 10-year-old son and shares his love for Indian music with his 12-year-old daughter. He also enjoys the outdoors, including a trek to the Everest base camp in 2024.
Ajay chairs the Finance Group, is a member of the Audit & Risk Committee and Link Governor for Finance.

Rebecca Myrie was elected as Staff Governor for a second term in September 2026. 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 Nayyar 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 and Link Governor for prison education.

Hiran joined the Board of Governors in September 2025. She is Head of Inclusion & Social Impact at the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team and has previously held senior Inclusion and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) roles across the higher education and banking sectors. Passionate about education, outreach and the power of learning to transform lives and communities, Hiran brings extensive experience in EDI, higher education and organisational culture. She is committed to helping create opportunities for all learners and supporting the College’s strategic ambition of “Fairer Futures for All”. Hiran is a member of the Search and Governance Committee and is Link Governor for People and Culture and EDI. She also has a personal connection to the College, with her son currently studying at MK College. Outside of her professional and governance commitments, Hiran enjoys travelling, keeping fit and walking.

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 40 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 25 years, engaging in local charitable and community groups such as the MK Camphill learning disabilities charity and serves on the Bletchley & Fenny Stratford Town Deal Board. Ian chairs the Search & Governance Committee and is a member of the Curriculum & Quality Group and Remuneration Committee. He is also Link Governor for the Future Academy and The Key.

Neil Sainsbury 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 and Link Governor for the Climate Action Plan group.

Lindsey Styles 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. Lindsey is a member of the Search and Governance Committee, Curriculum & Quality Group and Link Governor for Apprenticeships and SEND.

Stuart is the Operations Director and member of the ELT at Vision Survey, leading national operations, commercial strategy and digital innovation across major infrastructure programmes. He has delivered complex projects and operational transformation across the UK, EU, APAC and US, bringing strong international experience in financial governance, risk management and capital project delivery. As a former MK College student, he is committed to supporting the College’s long term development and ensuring its capital investments deliver lasting value for learners and the wider community. Stuart Joined the Capital Projects Management Group as a co-opted in May 2026.

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, is a member of the Finance Group and a Link Governor for Commercial Activities.

Jez Wilsdon joined the Board in Oct 2022. He is Head of Development at the Grand Union Partnership (a local MAT) and has previously worked in a range of senior roles in further education colleges. 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 established the Milton Keynes branch of The Hygiene Bank, a charity focused on addressing hygiene poverty. Jez is Chair of the Curriculum Quality Group and member of the Finance Group and Link Governor for Curriculum and Quality

Tom Wraight joined the Board in 2023. He is the Midlands Regional Director with Careys (a national construction company), they have had an office in Milton Keynes since 1983 and he is responsible for circa 300 staff working on various projects. At a local level, 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 Capital Projects Monitoring 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.