Meet our team

Melanie Squires is the Chair of the Cannington Local College Board and brings extensive experience in senior leadership, collaboration and strategic management. She is a skilled facilitator with a strong background in performance management, coaching and mentoring. Mel contributes a people focused and outcomes driven approach to governance and is committed to supporting the College’s strategic direction and learner success.

As a member of the Cannington Local College Board, Patrick Vincent brings extensive experience in environmental management, leadership and workforce development. He is the founder of a long-established conservation management company, with a strong commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. Patrick’s background spans ecology, education partnership working and business leadership, enabling him to contribute a distinctive and informed perspective to College governance.

With extensive local knowledge, civic leadership and business experience, Ian Dyer contributes a strong community perspective to the Cannington Local College Board. Based at Blackmore Farm in Cannington, he and his wife Ann run a well-established hospitality business from their 15th-century Grade I listed Manor House, offering bed and breakfast accommodation, a farm shop and events. Ian is currently Chair of Cannington Parish Council and has previously served as a District Councillor and Chair of Sedgemoor District Council, alongside wider experience in farming, enterprise, Young Farmers, small business leadership and school governance.

Headteacher of Brymore Academy in Cannington, Stefan McHale contributes extensive experience in school leadership, curriculum development and pastoral care to the Cannington Local College Board. Having previously held senior leadership roles at Fairlands Middle School in Cheddar, he brings a strong understanding of education, boarding provision, community engagement and student development, alongside a commitment to high standards, practical learning and supporting young people to achieve their full potential.

Gemma Coombs contributes experience in leadership, stakeholder engagement and careers-related work to the Cannington Local College Board. She is recognised as an effective communicator and problem solver, with a strong ability to consider issues from multiple perspectives. Gemma brings thoughtful, balanced decision-making and a collaborative approach to governance.

Nathan Bastin is a Staff Governor on the Cannington Local College Board and brings experience in supporting students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. He is valued for his fairness, empathy and reflective approach, alongside strong communication and relationship‑building skills. Nathan contributes a calm, inclusive and solution‑focused perspective to governance.

Hannah Jones is a Staff Governor on the Cannington Local College Board and has worked at the College for several years, progressing from Learning Support Assistant to Course Leader. She brings strong experience in Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH), inclusive education and community engagement, alongside deep local knowledge of Cannington. Hannah is passionate about learner success, community cohesion and ensuring that strategic decisions remain locally informed and learner focused.

Denys has had a varied career primarily in the banking sector with senior roles working in strategy and change. In recent times Denys has focused on business consultancy working with the NHS nationally on a number of projects, many of which have been developing leadership teams. He is an experienced chair and holds a number of directorships in the not-for-profit sector.  Denys is Chair of the Full Board and a member of the Finance and General Purposes, Quality and Standards and Building Projects Committees.  He is also a Director of UCSCG Corporate Services.

Andy Berry leads University Centre Somerset College Group, setting strategy and working closely with the Board to deliver high‑quality education and skills. Andy drives continuous improvement and student success through his strong focus on quality, risk, and effective governance.

In June 2024, Andy was awarded a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for outstanding contributions to further education. Andy has also been formally invested into the Chartered Institute for Further Education (CIFE) and, under Andy’s leadership, the College has received the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Education (2023), the AoC Beacon Award for Exceptional Support for Students, and Somerset Business Awards’ Large Employer of the Year (2024). The College is also recognised as a chartered institute of education and holds 3 Star Accredited Football College status. Andy credits these achievements to the collective effort of the college community and remains committed to innovation, partnership, and the highest standards in education.

Lyndon is Chair of the Building Projects Committee and a member of the Finance, Personnel and General Purposes Committees. A Chartered Surveyor, Licensed Property Valuer, and experienced Property Investor, Lyndon is proprietor of Lyndon Brett Partnership, a well-established firm based in Bridgwater.

With a wealth of expertise in property, construction, and strategic estate management, Lyndon Brett brings practical insight and commercial acumen to the Board. As a highly experienced governor, Lyndon is committed to effective governance, supporting the College’s development and ensuring robust oversight of building projects and financial planning.

Mark Cox joined the Board in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from the land-based sector. As Ruminant Director Atlantics at Trouw Nutrition—a leading supplier to the agricultural industry—Mark has developed deep expertise in agricultural supply chains, livestock nutrition, and sector innovation. Mark’s extensive background enables strategic oversight of curriculum and college development, ensuring strong links between education and industry.

As Chair of the Cannington Local College Board and a member of the Quality and Standards Committee, Mark is committed to advancing high standards, supporting student success, and strengthening the College’s role within the rural economy.

Dr Beverley Hawkins is Dean for Taught Students and Professor of Leadership and Organisational Studies at the University of Exeter. An expert in higher education, Beverley brings deep academic and leadership experience to the Board.

Beverley is a member of the HE Senate, Search Committee, and Quality and Standards Committee, where Beverley’s insight supports strategic development, quality assurance, and the advancement of student experience.

Leanne Mills is a member of the Full Board, Safeguarding Link governor and Deputy Headteacher at Haygrove School in Bridgwater.  With a strong background in safeguarding and many years of experience in education, Leanne is known for being fair, caring, a good listener, and reflective in leadership practice.

Leanne’s commitment to student welfare and inclusive education particularly supports the Board’s work in safeguarding and quality assurance.

Nick Skyrme brings extensive leadership experience as a former Director of Finance and Estates at Bridgwater College, where he played a pivotal role in strategic financial planning and estate management. Nick’s expertise spans governance, resource optimisation, and operational oversight, ensuring robust financial stewardship and sustainable development.

Nick Chairs our Finance, Personnel and General Purposes Committee and is a valued member of the Quality and Standards Committee.  Nick also leads as Chairs of the Taunton Local College Board.

Mike began his career as an engineering apprentice in the nuclear industry, sparking a lifelong passion for technology. He represented the UK in Design Engineering at WorldSkills in Japan and won two national gold medals. After five years as a Mechanical Design Engineer, Mike led international project teams across Oil & Gas, Energy and Pharmaceuticals. Today, he heads a global strategy team for Autodesk’s education experiences group and holds advisory roles in manufacturing and education.

Former Chair of the UK Government’s T Levels Engineering & Manufacturing panel, Mike is an Honorary Professor at the University of Warwick and a Fellow of the RSA. He is a member of our Quality and Standards Committee, Audit & Risk and chairs the Bridgwater Local College Board.

Ros is valued member of our Full Board and District Councillor for Draycott, Rodney Stoke & Westbury sub.  She has a background in UK and overseas commercial operational management, a two-term board Chair of Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust, and was a former Leader of Mendip District Council.

Ros is highly respected within the County through her support and promotion of a diverse range of Somerset community projects from architectural heritage, landscape protection, multi-user paths, to promoting dark skies in her community and saving the village shop with a Community Interest Company (CIC).

Andrew Fowler is a highly organised and driven professional with extensive leadership experience and works within UCS College Group as course leader for A-level studies.  As staff governor, Andrew draws on his experience as Chair of a primary school governing body and professional experience from holding several senior global roles in multinational corporations.

With expertise in careers and senior-level marketing, Andrew brings strategic insight, effective communication, and a commitment to collaborative governance.  Andrew is a member of Full Board and Quality and Standards Committee.

Emma Hawkes is a dedicated staff governor known for her calm, professional, and objective approach. Reliable and conscientious, Emma excels in communication and listening and has a keen eye for detail. With expertise in inclusivity, stakeholder management, and SEND, Emma is committed to supporting students and staff, fostering a positive and inclusive college environment.

Emma is a valued member of the Full Board and Quality and Standards Committees.

Samuel Witts is our Higher Education Student Governor who brings energy, commitment, and a willingness to push boundaries for the benefit of others. Samuel is approachable, a good listener, and always ready to step out of his comfort zone to support the college community. With a focus on personal growth and inclusivity, Samuel is passionate about representing student voices and driving positive change.

Samuel is a member of the Full Board, Quality & Standards Committee and the HE Senate.

Dr Tim Rideout is a highly experienced senior leader in the UK healthcare system and a well-regarded and long serving school governor. He has a background in data-driven decision making, forensic analysis, and strategic planning.  Tim is a qualified accountant (CIPFA) and has held a number of senior positions in the NHS and private health sector at Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer level. Tim has also worked in the Department of Health as a senior civil servant. He is currently employed as the Chief Executive of Towards, a private mental health therapy provider.

Tim supports the group board with analytical insight and a commitment to continuous improvement.  Tim leads the Strode Local College Board as Chair and is member of the Full Board and Quality and Standards Committee.

Craig is a member of the Full Board and Link Governor for Safeguarding. An experienced senior educator and pastoral leader, he plays a key role in shaping a safe, consistent, and aspirational environment for around 950 students within a complex residential school setting. His oversight spans behaviour, wellbeing, safeguarding awareness, and the systems that support students academically and pastorally. He brings strong pastoral leadership, combining a deep understanding of adolescent development with fair, balanced judgement.

Strategic, discreet, and quietly influential, Craig strengthens systems, supports colleagues effectively, and consistently helps bring out the best in others.

Mel Squires is an experienced senior leader, skilled facilitator, and strategic manager. With a focus on collaboration, performance management, and coaching, Mel is team-oriented and people-focused. Mel’s expertise in careers and strategic management supports the board’s work in driving college improvement and fostering a supportive environment for staff and students.

Mel is Vice-Chair of the Cannington Local College Board and a member of the Full Board and Quality and Standards Committee.

Liam is Head of Public Affairs and Deputy Chief of Staff at the University of Bristol. Previously, he managed public affairs for a UK tertiary education and research sector body and for a national not-for-profit investing in and advocating for the creative industries.

An experienced communications leader, Liam specialises in public affairs, public relations, policy engagement, content marketing, corporate communications, and crisis management. He collaborates with a wide network of colleagues across the tertiary education and research sector and provides strategic counsel to the University’s leadership team to advance institutional objectives.

Dr James Freeman is Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Bristol. He leads on education strategy, academic quality and standards, curriculum oversight, and student outcomes. A political historian, he brings extensive experience of governance and quality assurance with the QAA, including work on college partnerships and degree awarding powers.

James offers strong insight into the strategic challenges facing further and higher education, with particular interests in data, learning analytics, and the responsible use of AI in teaching and assessment. His work with the college sector complements the Board’s focus on quality, student success, and strengthening regional progression pathways.