Governance

Adam is Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences at the University of Exeter, where he is a Professor of French and Comparative Literature. He has lived and worked in Exeter since 2012.

Born and raised in Edinburgh, Adam took undergraduate and post-graduate degrees at Oxford before starting his career in academia at Trinity College, Dublin in 2006. He is the author and editor of several books on the French writer Marcel Proust as well as editor of the Cambridge History of the Novel in French. Adam has published widely in French and in English and his work has been translated into Chinese, Turkish, Persian, German and Danish.

He is an advocate of the arts, a Fellow of the RSA and a trustee and deputy chair of Exeter UNESCO City of Literature.

When not working, Adam enjoys downtime with his partner and their cats, and lifting weights in his beloved garage gym.

John Laramy is Group Principal and CEO of Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, a position he has held since January 2026. Previously, John was the Principal and Chief Executive of Exeter College, a position he had held since April 2016. Prior to this, John was Vice Principal at the college since 2009.

His background in quality improvement has supported the college’s drive for excellence – this was recognised in 2014 and 2022 by Outstanding grades in full Ofsted inspections. John has extensive experience of the full academic and vocational curriculum for 16-19 year olds, including A Levels, International Baccalaureate, BTEC qualifications, Apprenticeships and foundation learning. Exeter College also offers a wide range of Adult and community learning, Higher Education programmes and customised courses for businesses.

John started his career in the construction industry and after teaching Karate in his spare time decided on a change. After undertaking a full-time PGCE at the University of Greenwich in 1996, whilst teaching part-time at North West Kent College, he started as a Lecturer at North Devon College in 1997. Progressing through various roles, John joined the Senior Management Team in 2005. John has spoken nationally on vocational education, Ofsted inspections and quality improvement.

John was a non-executive Director of Pearson Education Limited from 2018-2024 and completed a full term of office on the Local Enterprise Partnership Board (2019-2022). John has been Chair of the Tertiary Colleges Group since 2017 and is a member of the Education Training Foundation steering group for leadership development at the Oxford Said Business School. John was Founding Chair of the Exeter Specialist Mathematics School and a Founding Director of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust – John remains a member representing the college in both organisations.

In June 2022, John was appointed to be one of just seven National Leaders of Further Education (NLFE) by the Department for Education. He has just agreed to continue as a NLFE for a further three years. In August 2024, John was asked to join the independent Curriculum & Assessment Review, chaired by Professor Becky Francis CBE – this group reports to the Secretary of State for Education. In August 2025, Exeter College was selected to be the Construction Technical Excellence College for the South West region, one of just ten nationally.

John holds an MSc in Educational Leadership from the University of Leicester. He has completed leadership development programmes at Oxford’s Said Business School in 2017 and in 2023 completed the world-renowned Executive Leadership Programme at Harvard Business School. He is a full corporate member of the Chartered Institute of Building. John lives just outside Exeter and is married to Donna. They have two children aged 16 and 18 and a fox red Labrador – Bailey! John actively supports Exeter Chiefs, Exeter City Football Club and Liverpool FC.

John was awarded a CBE in 2020, in the New Year’s Honours list, for services to education.

Graham is KPMG’s Director of Workforce for Healthcare, working with public sector clients to design and deliver large-scale transformation programmes.  Previously, he served as Chief People Officer at an NHS Integrated Care Board with a workforce of 23,000, where he led the integration of three organisations to form a £6bn system focused on strategic commissioning.  Prior to joining the NHS, Graham spent over 20 years as a management consultant, including founding his own strategy consultancy, leading a scale-up talent consultancy, and serving as a Partner at global organisational consultancy Korn Ferry. At Korn Ferry, he led the firm’s work with HM Government, including responsibility for executive education for the Senior Civil Service and the delivery of major people and leadership transformation programmes.  Graham is particularly adept at bridging board-level ambition with the practical realities of transforming organisations operating within complex systems. He holds an MBA, a BEng (Hons), and is a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Arts and the CIPD.

A father of three children currently in education, Graham is a former Vice-Chair of Governors at a local school and a passionate advocate for the Devon and Exeter region. He lives in the city and can often be found walking his dog, Paddy, along the quayside.

Richard has worked at the Met Office since joining from university in 1998. Building on a career focused on technology delivery roles, he is currently Director of Services where he is accountable for fusing science, data and digital capabilities with weather and climate expertise to deliver world-leading services across the full portfolio of customers. Outside of the Met Office, Richard previously served as a governor at Petroc College for 4 years. 

Gaynor Castle grew up in Buckinghamshire before moving to Cardiff for her degree work at the University of Wales.

Her career has developed through telecoms and financial services and the management posts for British Airways with her final role being the Head of Aircraft Interior Design and Development. In that role Gaynor held the accountability for the creation of the overall strategy for the interiors and seating for the British Airways fleet which included securing investment, managing programmes and teams to design, specify and develop technical products.

Gaynor now volunteers locally in the Ministry of Justice and as a governor to support the community in which she lives. Gaynor has seen many colleagues achieve career success and enjoyment through academic, vocational and industrial education, training and experience. She is passionate that students are offered the help and opportunities they need to achieve their goals.

Pat was born in Solihull and went to school and university in the South East.

She has taught in various schools and colleges in the South East and South West and in Neo Liosia, Athens, Greece. Pat was appointed a senior manager at the Isle of Wight College during 1990 and supported preparation for Incorporation. Pat was appointed College Nominee and prepared the college for its first FEFC inspection. During this period, she trained as an FEFC part- time inspector. Pat successfully completed her Master of Business Administration and IPD qualifications.

Pat applied and was successfully appointed Head of Staff and Quality Services at Bridgwater College, Somerset during January 1996. During the period 1996-2003 the college achieved Beacon status and was recognised nationally as one of the most successful further education establishments in England. Pat was appointed College Nominee and prepared the college for a 2002 inspection that resulted in outstanding grades for all areas. Other roles undertaken included Clerk to Audit, Institutional Reviewer for two QAA reviews. Both QAA reviews scored 23 out of the maximum 24 points.

During January 2004, Pat applied for the post of Assistant Principal at South Devon College, meeting the challenges of preparing for an OFSTED inspection and moving to a new inspirational learning environment. Under her guidance and with the support of an exceptional Senior Management team, South Devon College moved from unsatisfactory to good and finally outstanding in December 2008. Pat was appointed Vice Principal & Deputy CEO in 2009.

Pat guided the College to achieve other awards and successes including notably: 2014 Piloted the successful new Ofsted Common Inspection Framework 2011 & 2014 Investors in People Gold and Champion 2011 STEM Assured status 2010 & 2013 Matrix Standard for information/advice and guidance 2010 Sports Focus College Award 2007 & 2010 Training Quality Standard 2007 to 2014 8 Beacon Awards 2009 Beacon Status 2008 & 2009 BECTA Technology Exemplar Status. Pat is a fully trained OFSTED inspector and has undertaken inspections of various colleges and educational institutions!

Following early retirement during August 2015, Following early retirement, Pat continues to work with a wide range of educational institutions. 

Most recently Pat has served as Chair of the Petroc Governing Board up to the point of its merger with Exeter College.

Pat was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2012 for Services to Further Education.

Dr Ashish Ghadiali is an artist, curator and strategist working across climate, culture and health. He is a co-opted member of the governing body of Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, a Non-Executive Director of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, founder and director of Radical Ecology, and Chair of Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange. He also chairs the steering committee for the AHRC’s Early Career Researchers in Cultural and Heritage Organisations programme and is a member of Devon County Council’s Climate Task Force.

Antony is a police Superintendent and the geographic policing commander for North, East and West Devon.  He has served with Devon and Cornwall Police since 2007 and has worked in a variety of uniformed and detective roles during his career. Before joining the police, he trained as an accountant in the financial services sector in London.

He was motivated to join the Board of Exeter College because the places great value on education in enabling individuals to reach their potential. There are also many parallels in the work of the College and the Police in supporting individuals, and local communities, to thrive. He has previously served as a governor at a local primary school.

Antony holds a BSc in Economics and Management Studies from Cardiff University, and he later achieved an MSc in Police Leadership and Management from the University of Warwick.

Antony lives in Exeter with his wife and three young children. Much of his spare time is spent on adventures with his family, but, when possible, he enjoys getting out on his bike or paddle board, preferably in the sun.

Neil was born and educated in Kent before moving across to the South West to complete his degree in economics and statistics at the University of Exeter. He trained and qualified as a chartered accountant with a big four firm in Exeter and after 17 years transferred to PKF Francis Clark in 2009. He is now a director and audit signatory in their corporate team, with clients across the South West and further afield, approximately half of which are not for profit, including some of the highest profile charities in the region. In his role as a not for profit specialist, Neil regularly contributes to the firms sector newsletters and advises clients on governance and risk management related matters. Neil was previously a director of Cornerstone Housing Association and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Neil lives in Cullompton with his wife and daughter. His passion outside of work is music, playing in several bands, and he is involved in community-based music projects.

Wilf has spent most of his working life in and around post sixteen education and training. He taught science and mathematics at five large FE colleges, before his last college role which was as Assistant Principal at Exeter College.

He left Exeter in 1993 to join the inspectorate and spent the next 25 years as an HMI working across England. During his time as HMI he inspected colleges, primary and secondary school, training/apprenticeship providers and was responsible for several years for the training programmes for new and part time inspectors. As well as leading national survey, for example into mathematics, he also led a team of inspectors and industrialists on a visit to South Korea to compare their education and training with the UK system.

When he retired fully in 2016, he joined the Board of The Cornwall College Group and spent 8 years undertaking a range of roles, including chairing the Quality and Curriculum Committee. He resigned from the Board in 2024.

Wilf has lived in Newton Poppleford for around 40 years. As well as playing golf very badly, he enjoys reading, walking and trying to keep up with the activities and adventures of his children and grandchildren.

Rob is a qualified management accountant. He is now semi-retired, but has previously worked in finance and assurance roles in public sector organisations. Rob supports the West Devon Council audit committee through his role as an "independent person".

He was formerly the Head of Devon Assurance Partnership, where he held responsibility for delivering internal audit, risk management and counter fraud services to the partners and a wide range of other clients.

He has managed large finance teams delivering finance support and advice, for example adult social care functions of a local Council and Health Authority (combined gross budget of circa £60m).

Rob’s depth of experience matches the diversity of the clients he has supported with audit and assurance work including Key Financial Systems, Social Care, Planning, major ICT undertakings and specialist projects.
Rob aims to use his experiences of Risk Management, Internal Audit, Project, Programme and Consultancy reviews to help the Audit and Governance Committee, and wider College, deliver consistently effective assurance arrangements.

Over the winter Rob undertakes assignment work in the fields of audit or finance, whilst in the summer he takes time out to enjoy outdoor activities including football, cycling, walking and surfing.

Harrison has spent 16 years working in secondary education, teaching Business and Economics and taking on various senior posts in schools. During a nine year period teaching in inner London, Harrison led a nationwide initial teacher training programme for one of the UK’s largest academy trusts. He has also developed and implemented models of instructional coaching for teachers in different settings. A passionate advocate for raising the attainment of economically disadvantaged young people, Harrison is currently Headteacher of an Exeter secondary school.

Harrison also brings experience of the third sector and local government, having served as a board member of a large national UK campaigning organisation and charitable trust, as well as a local councillor. He has also served as a governor at two primary schools, including one in Exeter.

Harrison graduated from Exeter University with a first class degree in Philosophy and Political Economy. He lives in Exeter with his wife and son. When not in school, Harrison can be often found on the allotment, cycling, or on coastal walks with the family.

I have worked at North Devon College since 1992. I was a learner between 1990-1992 studying Business Administration and Customer Service. Shortly after completing my qualifications, I received a call from one of my lecturers asking if I would like to cover an administrative role within the Business Studies Department on a temporary basis. The temporary role evolved into a full-time position and I worked within that department until 1999 when I moved into the Examinations Manager role. Staff development opportunities enabled me to achieve qualifications in Team Leading and a CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management.

I have seen education and assessment evolve constantly over the past 26 years with the phasing in and out of many qualifications, along with the introduction and growth in the use of technology in assessment. Whilst the world of education is constantly changing I love getting my teeth into the challenges it brings. I have had (and still have) the pleasure of working with so many amazing people, including colleagues and literally thousands of learners.

Outside of work I love attending live events – live music, musical theatre, stand- up comedy.

I’m a firm believer that laughter is the best medicine.

Carol McCormack retired as a partner and Head of Projects and Infrastructure at Michelmores LLP in October 2024 having been a partner there for 20 years. Carol worked in the City at a major law firm for 20 years before relocating to Devon . Carol is now a Consultant at Ashfords LLP. During her career Carol worked nationally and internationally.

Carol is highly experienced property and construction projects and joint ventures. She has acted for major public sector bodies in a wide range of sectors including health and education. Following completing a number of high profile transactions Carol was awarded the OBE for legal services to HM Treasury and the Home Office in recognition of her exceptional commitment to the delivery of legal services.

Carol has a small holding of pigs and Highland cattle.

Professor Julie McLeod is currently a Trustee for Shireland Academy Trust. She was a Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching) at Birmingham City University since 2020. Prior to that, Professor McLeod was interim Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) at Bucks New University and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) at Oxford Brookes University since 2014.

Professor McLeod had an academic career in Biomedical Science and research related to immune ageing.

Professor McLeod has been a QAA assessor and was an assessor for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) subject plots for the Medical Health subject panel. She has worked with the Department of Health in implementing Modernising Scientific Careers and was an executive member of the Heads of Biomedical Sciences. She has been invited to speak on a range of aspects related to enhancing the student experience.

She lives with her family in Bristol and is a supporter of Bath Rugby.

Tom is a Tutorial Area Manager (TAM) for two faculties including Health-Science, Education and Public Services, and Cyber, Digital and Technology at Exeter College. Within this role, he works closely with students, teaching teams, support services, and senior leaders to promote positive outcomes, wellbeing, attendance and engagement. As well as being a TAM, Tom teaches Health and Social Care at Level 2 and Level 3.

Having previously been a student at Exeter College, Tom has a strong personal connection to the college and understands the lasting impact that education, opportunity and the right support can have on a young person’s future. He is proud to now work for an organisation that puts learners at the heart of what it does. Prior to working at the college, Tom progressed through his studies here to achieve his Level 3 in Health and Social Care, his BSc in Health and Social Care, and his PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education.

Tom has experience across different areas of the college, including spending a year working within the boarding house. This gave him a broader understanding of the college community, and the important contributions made by staff across different teams and departments.

In his spare time, Tom enjoys long walks with his dog down the beach and enjoys reading a good thriller.

Damion was born in Exeter and is a proud alumnus of Exeter College, has deep roots in East Devon, where he has resided throughout his life. With a career spanning 26 years in the IT industry, Damion has honed his expertise within a prominent local family retail business based in Axminster. His tenure has encompassed pivotal roles in technical, data, digital, cyber, and change management arenas.

Beyond his professionalism endeavours, Damion has demonstrated a profound commitment to community service, having served as a Special Inspector for Devon and Cornwall Police Special Constabulary. Through this role, he gained invaluable insight into the intricacies of local law enforcement and fostered a deep understanding of community dynamics.

Damion’s interest includes cycling, photography, and travel. He finds fulfilment in exploring new landscapes and capturing moments of beauty through his lens.

Alisha is a Year 13 student studying A Levels in Business, Economics and Mathematics with a strong interest in the environment and sustainability.

Alongside their studies, they have actively developed their leadership and communication skills through involvement in a range of pursuits including being part of the Learner Leadership Team, tutor representation and student councils. These experiences have given them the opportunity to represent the views of others, contribute to relevant discussions and work collaboratively to help bring about positive change within the community.

Ayomide is a driven advocate for student representation and active governance. Having previously served as the FE Student Governor during the 2023/24 academic year, she gained valuable insights into the governance process and played a key role in promoting the student voice at Exeter College.

Currently, Ayomide is an apprentice pursuing a Level 5 apprenticeship course at the college, which allows her to bring a unique perspective to the Board, particularly in representing adult learners and apprentices.

In her new role as a co-opted member on the Quality and Standards Committee, Ayomide is committed to influencing decision that enhance the student experience and ensure that student voices are heard and acted upon. With her strong commitment to excellence and innovation, she actively promotes student voices, ensuring their concerns are integral to decision-making processes. This strong advocacy, combined with her leadership experience, makes her a valuable contributor to the Board.

Outside of governance, Ayomide enjoys writing, cooking, volunteering and spending quality time with loved ones. These interests allow her to stay grounded and maintain a balanced, fulfilling life while continuing her commitment to education and student advocacy.

After qualifying with a PhD in Biochemistry, Cynthia worked in the global Pharmaceutical Industry for nearly 30 years. During this time, she had leadership roles in a variety of areas including Research and Development, Quality, Manufacturing and Global Supply Chains.

She then spent a number of years in Management Consulting in the Life Science Industry.

Cynthia has two sons and has lived in a small village on Dartmoor with her husband for over 15 years.

Neil Sherman is an experienced finance professional and is a fellow of both the ACCA and AAT.

He currently works for Environmental Resource Management, a Global sustainability and environmental consultancy, as their Global Director of Finance Operations based in their London office.

Neil has deep experience of financial controls, finance operations and finance transformation having worked extensively in this field across multiple industry sectors

My name is Aimee Taylor and I am one of the student governors representing the NDC student body.

I am very involved with college life and I am excited to be part of the ENDC board.