Last week I had the pleasure of visiting South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS) with Chris Kirk and spending time with their relatively new CEO, David Withey and Kelly Gillett, Executive Director of People & Organisational Culture. David has joined frontline further education, taking over the role in late March 2025 coming from his previous position as CEO of the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). What struck me immediately was how deeply aligned he already is with the sector’s mission. His focus on students, his clarity of purpose, and his strategic mindset were evident in every conversation we had. 

One moment that stayed with me was standing together overlooking the campus from above. As we looked across the buildings and the flow of student life below us, David spoke with genuine passion about his plans for the future. He talked not just about improving facilities or processes, but about creating the best possible experience for students - a place where they feel supported, inspired, and proud to belong. Where learning is enjoyed. 

Our conversation naturally turned to workforce strategy and professional development -something central to the work of the Education Training Foundation and at the heart of strong, student-focused institutions. We explored how ETF standards can be used not as an add-on but as a continuous thread running through every part of the college: 

  • as a tool for self-reflection, 

  • as a platform for improving teaching & learning practice, 

  • as a driver of career progression and recognition, and 

  • as the foundation for leadership development. 

David was very clear: developing people is essential if SGS is to drive excellence in learner outcomes. His emphasis on leadership, on building a culture of reflection, and on ensuring staff feel empowered and equipped for their roles was impressive - and genuinely uplifting. 

Walking around the campus brought home the real impact that colleges have on their communities. In particular, visiting their beautiful library reminded me of the role these spaces play - not just as study hubs, but as cultural and community anchors. Libraries in colleges hold stories, ambitions, and opportunities. They are places where learners of all ages and backgrounds come together to grow, question, and imagine futures that might once have felt out of reach. 

SGS College is clearly a place shaped by its people - staff who care deeply and students who bring energy, curiosity, and pride. And under David’s leadership, it is also a place with a clear, thoughtful, and ambitious direction. My visit reaffirmed what I see every day across the further education sector: leaders committed to their learners, teams dedicated to professional growth, and colleges that are truly transforming lives and communities.