Kicking off the new year with a fresh head of the table, South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College announces the appointment of its new CEO and principal.
David Withey joins effective from the end of March 2025, entering the role from his previous role as CEO at the government's Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
He brings a 'wealth of experience' and public service leadership knowledge gained in both the UK and Australia, along with a strong understanding of the further education sector through his time leading the delivery of funding of colleges and skills providers within England.
David will oversee activities and facilities across SGS's six main campuses, which include the Filton and WISE campuses and the SGS Horizon specialist training campus for construction apprentices in North Bristol; the Queens Road campus in central Bristol; the Stroud Campus; and the Berkeley Green campus based within the Gloucestershire Science and Technology Park.
Chair of the SGS Corporation, Matt Atkinson, said: 'David's impressive leadership career and his strong alignment with the values of SGS make him a perfect fit for the college, as we continue to strive for excellence.'
David added: 'I’m looking forward to joining the team at SGS and leading the college on behalf of the communities it serves.
'I‘ve been fortunate to meet some of the brilliant learners, staff and external stakeholders over the past few weeks and I cannot wait to meet more of them once in post.
'I’m also looking forward to joining a wider team of Further Education leaders in the South-West and to working with them, alongside business leaders and local government representatives to ensure the region is equipped with the skills it needs to thrive and remain the best place to live and work in the UK.'
David is set to take over from longstanding principal Kevin Hamblin, who has served as SGS CEO since October 2001.
