Meet the Governors

Governance

Our governance structure brings together experienced leaders and governors who provide strategic direction, oversight, and accountability, ensuring Hull College delivers high-quality education, strong leadership, and positive outcomes for students and stakeholders.

drone shot of the hull college campus with tower block and wilberforce statue

Executive Leadership Team

 

 

Debra Gray CBE, Principal & CEO at Hull College

Debra Gray CBE

Principal & CEO

Debs is Principal and Chief Executive of Hull College. She was awarded a CBE for services to Further Education in 2026, having previously received an MBE in recognition of her contribution to the sector in 2020. Debs leads the strategic direction of the College, driving transformation, innovation and civic impact.

Under her leadership, Hull College has moved from a period of significant challenge to becoming a nationally recognised leader in digital innovation, green skills and inclusive practice, winning multiple national awards and securing sustained improvements in quality and financial resilience.

A passionate advocate for Further Education, Debs believes colleges are anchor institutions with the power to transform lives and local economies. She is committed to ensuring Hull College is industry-informed and learner-led, equipping students with the skills employers need and the confidence, creativity and digital capability to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Debs holds two Master’s degree’s in Education Leadership and Criminal Justice and is currently completing a Doctorate in Education, focusing on the readiness of English Further Education colleges for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, she is also a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and serves on a number of regional and national boards, contributing to policy development and championing the vital role of Further Education in driving social mobility and economic growth.

Ranjit Singh OBE, Deputy Principal at Hull College

Ranjit Singh OBE

Deputy Principal Education & Impact

Ranjit is Deputy Principal Education and Impact at Hull College. He was awarded an OBE for services to further education.

He provides strategic leadership for quality, curriculum and learner experience, securing sustained improvements in achievement, attendance and teaching standards.

The college has received national recognition for quality improvement during his tenure. He holds a Masters in Education, NPQEL and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Liz Ridley Vice Principal Education and Impact at Hull College

Liz Ridley

Vice Principal Education & Impact

Liz joined the College in August 2022 as Executive Director of Adults and Employability. Liz was promoted to Vice Principal Education and Impact in November 2025.

Prior to joining Hull College she had been at Selby College working in a range of roles focussed on Curriculum and Quality across all key provision types; and also worked closely with the board and FEC with the merger with Wakefield College to create the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group.

During her time at Hull, she is proud to have lead the growth and quality improvement of our adult provision which resulted in our Ofsted Outstanding grade.

Liz is a proud Hullraiser and her fantastic ESOL team have been at the forefront of innovation with AI and digital resources to accelerate learning and rapidly progress in education and employment.

Adrian Clarke Vice Principal Corporate Services at Hull College

Adrian Clarke

Vice Principal Corporate Services

Adrian is a highly experienced senior leader in the Further Education sector, with more than 30 years of dedicated service. Throughout his career, he has held a wide range of strategic and operational responsibilities, developing a strong track record in delivering organisational excellence and sustainable growth.

As Vice Principal – Corporate Services, Adrian leads a diverse portfolio that includes Management Information Systems (MIS), Examinations, Funding and Compliance, IT Services, Estates, and Campus Facilities. He provides strategic oversight across these functions, ensuring robust systems, funding compliant, and high-quality learning environments that support both staff and students.

Adrian has successfully led numerous large-scale capital and transformation projects from concept through to completion. His achievements include campus mergers, major estate redevelopments, and the creation of a dedicated Higher Education Centre. He has extensive experience in complex, multi-partner bidding and delivery models, securing investment and driving collaborative initiatives that enhance institutional capability and learner opportunity.

A passionate advocate for Further Education, Adrian is particularly proud to be a product of general FE himself. His personal journey underpins his deep commitment to widening participation and supporting learners to realise their potential. Over the course of his career, he has witnessed – and contributed to – the life-changing impact that colleges have on individuals and communities alike.

nicola dimond is vice principal of HR at hull college

Nicola Dimond

Vice Principal of HR

Nicola joined the College in May 2022, bringing extensive experience in HR, Operations, Change Management and Compliance.

As a CIPD-qualified professional with a Master of Business Administration, she transitioned into the Further Education sector to apply her expertise to enhancing the experience of both learners and staff, while making a meaningful real-world impact on the community the College serves.

Bev McNaughton Vice Principal Finance at Hull College

Bev McNaughton

Vice Principal Finance

Bev is a CIMA qualified accountant who joined the college in May 2022 and was appointed Vice Principal of Finance in November 2025, following her previous role as Financial Controller.

Bev brings extensive financial leadership experience across several sectors. In her current role, she oversees strategic financial planning and operational performance along with other senior colleagues.

Bev is committed to college wide improvement that supports excellence for learners and staff.

Catherine Sykes

Catherine Sykes

Vice Principal Governance & Compliance

Catherine was appointed Director of Governance in 2023 and promoted to Vice Principal – Governance & Compliance in January 2026, she leads the College’s governance, regulatory compliance and legal assurance functions.

With a strong sector and national profile, she advises the Board and Executive on strategy, risk and statutory duties, strengthening accountability, ethical oversight and effective decision-making across the organisation.

Governance

The Corporation consists of governors including staff and student governors from a wide variety of backgrounds and their experience and strategic skills make a vital contribution to the continuing development of the College.

Rob Lawson OBE

Rob Lawson

Independent (Chair of Corporation)

Rob Lawson has been Chair of Hull College since August 2022. A National Leader of Governance for the Department for Education, he brings extensive FE governance experience, having previously chaired a large FE group, alongside strong communications and strategic leadership expertise.

Ally Brooks

Ally Brooks

Independent (Vice Chair of Corporation)

Ally has over 25 years’ senior leadership experience across the military, public services, further education, and policing. Currently a senior leader at the College of Policing, he brings strong expertise in governance, safeguarding, strategy, and board development. Ally serves as Vice Chair at Hull College.

David Flatters

David Flatters

Independent (Chair of Finance & Resources Committee)

Prof Colin Raban

Prof Colin Raban

Independent (Chair of HE Advisory Committee)

Colin is an Emeritus Professor with extensive senior leadership experience across UK higher education. A specialist in academic governance, quality assurance, and widening participation, he has held senior roles at several universities and brings deep expertise in academic review, partnerships, and regulatory oversight.

Helen Kemp Taylor

Helen Taylor-Kemp

Independent (Chair of Audit Committee)

Helen is a Chartered Director and Chartered Public Finance Accountant with extensive board-level experience from a senior career in the NHS. A local resident, she brings strong expertise in audit, risk, governance, and professional development, supporting effective challenge and continuous improvement as a Governor at Hull College.

Joey Greenwood

Joey Greenwood

Independent(Vice Chair of Corporation & Chair of Standards Committee)

Joey brings 25 years of senior leadership experience from a distinguished military career, followed by roles in education and organisational development. Vice Chair of Hull College Corporation, he chairs Quality, Standards, and Remuneration Committees and contributes strong expertise in governance, work-based learning, quality assurance, and educational innovation.

Jo Masterson

Joanne Masterson

Independent (Safeguarding Link Governor)

Jo joined Hull College Corporation in 2022 as an External Governor and serves on the Audit Committee, Higher Education Advisory Group, and as Safeguarding Link Governor. She brings extensive experience in membership, marketing, and business operations within the higher education sector, alongside strong organisational and governance expertise.

Debra Gray CBE, Principal & CEO at Hull College

Debra Gray MBE

Principal & CEO

Debra Gray CBE is Principal and Chief Executive of Hull College and an ex-officio member of the Corporation Board. A nationally recognised leader in further and higher education, she brings extensive experience in skills policy, digital transformation, governance, and improving outcomes for learners and communities.

External Governance Review

As detailed in the DfE’s External Governance Reviews: Guide for FE College Corporations and Designated Institutions, it is a requirement that all Further Education Corporations undertake an External Governance Review every 3 years.

The External Board Review (EBR) for Hull College, conducted between December 2023 and May 2024, evaluated the Board’s effectiveness across three core dimensions: Composition, Structure, and Interaction.

The review found that Hull College’s governance is robust, with significant strengths in leadership quality and business acumen.

However, the Board needs to focus on enhancing ethnic diversity and student engagement to ensure it fully represents and serves the community.

Key recommendations include recruiting a student governor, improving the diversity of the Board ,and enhancing the scrutiny of risk management practices.

The overall conclusion is that Hull College’s Board is highly effective, making a consistently positive impact on the College’s strategic goals and outcomes.‍

How to Become a Governor at Hull College

Are you interested in shaping the strategy and character of your local Further Education college? Here at Hull College, we are always interested in hearing from members of the community who wish to serve on our Board of Governors.

A Governor is a voluntary, unpaid role but there are many rewards that come with it – the opportunity to gain Board level experience, to share your expertise and perspective in a meaningful and rewarding environment and to develop new skills that will benefit your own career.

We welcome all applications but are currently particularly interested in individuals with experience or knowledge in Engineering, working with young people (including SEND) and LGBT+ Communities.

 

Instruments and articles of Government

The Corporation, or Governing Body, is responsible for the mission and strategic direction of the College, determines policy and monitors the performance of the College.

Standing Orders

Policies & Code of Conduct

The key policies governing Governor’s meetings and decision making can be found below, as well as their Code of Conduct and requirement to make relevant declarations of interest. The College’s Governors conduct themselves in accordance with best corporate governance standards and the Nolan Principles of Public Life.

Reports and Financial Statements

The Corporation’s Report and Financial Statements for the last four years can be found below. Please contact the college if you require these documents in an alternative format.

Meeting Calendar & Business Cycle

corporation minutes