Governance & Leadership

Appointed August 2019. Robert is a qualified accountant with over 30 years’ experience in commercial financial roles, covering retail, manufacturing and hospitality, based in London, Belgium and the south coast and for the last 20 years in Cornwall. He has three children in education and has held governor roles in primary and secondary schools. He is a reluctant part-time runner and enthusiastic petrol head.

Appointed August 2014. Sarah is a conference and events consultant with over 25 years experience in the business communications/corporate events industry. Sarah has a diverse range of interests and is currently a trustee of Concerts Penzance and a member of the Camborne Show Executive Committee. She has two children who both completed the IB programme at the College in 2013 and 2017 respectively.

Appointed October 2012. Linda graduated in law from the University of Nottingham and has since lectured on numerous academic and professional law courses. She joined Truro College on opening in 1993 with responsibility for the Law Team’s delivery of various full and part time law courses. In 2004 she received a teaching fellowship award from Plymouth University to undertake a review of development and delivery of foundation degrees in partner colleges. She retired from lecturing in 2008 but retains educational and legal interests. Linda is also the safeguarding lead governor at the College and acts as the link between the governing body and the designated officer.

Staff Governor. Appointed September 2020. Roland returned to work at the college 5 years after he left as a student. He currently works for the Learning Services (Support and Transition) Team and enjoys supporting students across all programmes of study. He is excited to take on the role of staff governor and hopes that he does his colleagues across the college the justice they deserve! In his spare time, Roland enjoys all things creative and theatrical; he is currently the Honorary Secretary for Redruth Amateur Operatic Society Trust.

Appointed in December 2025, Heather is an Accountant with over 25 years’ experience as a Finance Director working with companies primarily in Cornwall. More recently Heather ran the Access to Finance Programme in Cornwall and the West Midlands supporting SMEs with accessing finance and funding. She has five grandchildren in education and is a keen believer in affordable education for all.

Ken was appointed in January 2025, having been a co-opted member of the Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee since 2023. Ken is a chartered accountant, working mainly in financial services in the City of London, originally in audit and assurance in PKF Littlejohn and Deloitte and later as CFO/CEO for a number of companies operating in the Lloyd’s insurance market, including a FTSE250 listed company. Since retiring from full time executive work, Ken acts as an independent Non-Executive Director for two general insurance businesses as well as his involvement with the college.

Liam attended Truro College a couple of years ago and is now in his second year at the University Centre where he is continuing to develop his knowledge and skills in education. Alongside his studies, he works in a local primary school as a teaching assistant, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the classroom. He is currently working towards becoming a qualified teacher and is passionate about supporting young people in their learning and development. Liam is excited to take on the role of Student Governor and looks forward to contributing positively to the college community. 

Aoife is a student at Penwith College and serves as a Student Governor on the Quality of Education and Skills Committee. Through this role, she contributes to discussions that help shape the College and ensure the student voice is heard. She is currently studying A Level Biology, Environmental Science and Photography and is particularly interested in animal conservation and theatre. As a Student Governor, Aoife is keen to support a positive student experience and help the College continue to develop opportunities for its learners.

Appointed October 2023. Olaf is a renewable energy professional, currently working on strategic workforce development for the floating offshore wind industry. His work on future energy skills intersects with further education across the county. Olaf has a background in renewables engineering and a keen interest in local industrial heritage and the rich history of engineering and innovation in Cornwall.

Tamsin Merritt retired from Truro College after a 27 year career in Special Education. She began teaching students with High Needs within the Foundation Studies Department, becoming Deputy Team Leader before taking on a cross college role as Programme Team Leader in Learning Services. Tamsin was responsible for all students with High Needs cross college, reviewing Educational Health Care Plans, liaising with the Local Authority and healthcare professionals and helping prepare students for moving into adulthood. Alongside her administrative post, Tamsin lectured and trained in Autism Awareness. Tamsin is now putting to good use her vast experience in SEND as the SEND Lead Governor for the College.

Lowenna studied the IB at Truro College until 2016, before studying PPE at Oxford University and joining the Civil Service Faststream. Following roles in the Home Office and Forestry Commission, she is currently a Senior Strategy Advisor for Skills England.

Appointed July 2024. After completing a Business degree at Plymouth Polytechnic, Kay embarked on an international HR management career working in a number of sectors such as utilities, engineering, manufacturing, retail and logistics, operating largely at HR Director level for multinational organisations. Her specialisms have been in talent management, training and development and change leadership. She bought her house in the east of the county to be near family and having completed a long executive career, is keen to contribute to the development of the talented people of Cornwall. She has been a Board Director of a number of organisations in the public and private sectors for over 30 years.

Appointed in January 2026. Graham is a retired Chartered Surveyor with over 35 years experience in operational management and strategic leadership roles, managing and developing public sector property portfolios, with the last 15 years working in the South West. He keeps active walking his two Cocker Spaniels, is a keen hillwalker and enthusiastic cook.

Appointed in December 2025, Jasmine Rose is an environmental sustainability professional with experience across local government, housing, energy and major infrastructure. She has led and supported initiatives delivering carbon reduction, biodiversity enhancement, environmental compliance, and green skills development, working with a wide range of public and private sector stakeholders. Jasmine holds an MSc in Sustainable Development and a BSc in Marine Biology and Oceanography, and brings a strong interest in climate action, environmental governance, and workforce transition to a low-carbon economy. Jasmine has in-depth knowledge of Cornwall’s environmental challenges, developed through extensive fieldwork across the protected terrestrial and marine sites in Cornwall. Jasmine also serves as a charity trustee and EDI committee member and is involved in international research on microplastics to include fieldwork in Antarctica. 

Aoife is a first year attending Truro College, and she acts as Student Governor for students of the Truro campus as a member of the Quality of Education and Skills Committee. She is able to communicate student voice on matters affecting student life, allowing for actions taken by the Board of Governors to adequately reflect the best interests of students. Aoife studies A Level Law, Modern History, and English Literature, and aspires to pursue a legal career in the future. As a student governor, she hopes to maintain a positive environment for students of Truro and Penwith College.

Appointed September 2021. Frances is Professor of Applied Mineralogy at Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter. She has a BSc in Geochemistry and a PhD from the University of London and worked at the Natural History Museum in London before coming to Cornwall in 2007. She is a former Head of Camborne School of Mines, currently leading and taking part in large research projects on technology metals, circular economy, digital transformation and regional development, as well as teaching geology and mining and serving in various roles such as chair of the British Geological Survey Science Advisory Committee, trustee of the Camborne School of Mines Trust, Cornish Institute of Engineers and the Royal Geological Society of Cornwall. She was recipient of the William Smith Medal of the Geological Society in 2019 and nominated one of the 100 Global Inspiration Women in Mining 2016. She has two children who attended Truro College.

Appointed March 2024. Chris graduated in Natural Sciences from the University of Bath before completing his PGCE. He took up his first teaching position at a primary school in Bath for 10 years before moving to Cornwall as Headteacher of Fowey Primary School. Following 8 years in Cornwall, Chris and his family took the opportunity to move internationally. He spent 7 years as a Headteacher in China and the Netherlands, working in British international schools. Chris is pleased to be back in Cornwall, having taken up the role as Headteacher at Wadebridge Primary Academy.

Appointed in November 2025, Christopher Weavill is the Founder and CEO of Hertzian, an award-winning AI company. As a recognised AI pioneer and entrepreneur, Chris leverages over a decade of experience to successfully build and scale innovative AI products to global recognition. Chris is a regular speaker on AI adoption, workforce skills, and well-being. He also serves on the Workforce Skills Board at Cornwall Council (focusing on Digital and SME sectors) and is an active SEND Champion and Apprentice Ambassador, having also previously served as a Trustee with the YMCA for three years.

Lisa strives to maintain and enhance the College’s exceptional student experience while continually working to help students achieve their highest possible potential.

Lisa joined the Senior Management Team in August 2021 having spent the previous 25 years working in Further Education across the UK. Lisa’s responsibilities include leadership of Admissions, Student Services, Learning Support, Learning Services and the Day Nursery while being the College’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Lucy is the College’s Chief Finance Officer and Sustainability Lead, responsible for ensuring strong financial management and supporting the long term financial and environmental sustainability of the organisation. She joined the College in 2021 and became part of the Senior Management Team in 2024.

She brings a wide range of experience from sectors including hospitality, education, mortgage services and finance compliance. After completing a Secondary Maths teaching degree, Lucy went on to qualify as a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) and spent over a decade in practice, providing accounting, audit and governance support for organisations across Cornwall before moving into education sector finance leadership in 2018.

Lucy is motivated by helping students and staff to thrive. She believes that by working together and approaching change positively, the College can achieve the best outcomes for its community.

Lucy is the Director of Quality, overseeing everything that goes on from the student experience to the premises team. She was part of the senior management team that launched the now very successful, Callywith College, and she has led a highly successful curriculum area and managed the student services team at Truro and Penwith College.

She brings a wealth of experience in managing a team of staff to ensure that all students can access the outstanding provision offered by the college and provide a quality service that raises student aspirations and supports them to achieve their full potential.

Hayley McKinstry is the Director of Business Partnerships and Skills at Truro & Penwith College, a dynamic and successful strategic leader with a strong track record in building impactful employer relationships and driving skills development. She joined the Senior Management Team in August 2021 and brings extensive experience in apprenticeships, occupational and vocational learning programmes, and quality assurance. Previously, Hayley was Programme Team Leader for Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, and Hospitality, as well as Quality Development Manager at the College.
In her current role, Hayley is responsible for building strong partnerships with existing employers and identifying new employers to provide sustainable employment opportunities for learners. She leads on apprenticeships, employer partnerships, adult learning, employability, and manages curriculum areas including Construction, Engineering & Motor Vehicle, and Business & Professional courses.
A values-driven professional, Hayley is passionate about apprenticeships and their vital role in workforce readiness and inclusive career progression. She brings deep knowledge of careers and learner development and is committed to ensuring all learners have access to meaningful opportunities that prepare them for their next steps and contribute to a skilled, inclusive workforce.

Vicky joined the Senior Management Team in August 2020 having previously worked as the Programme Team Leader for Sport and Public Services at Truro College. Vicky was previously the Programme Team Leader for Sport and Public Services and has worked across both campuses since 2008. Vicky supports and maintains the high quality of teaching and learning across the Truro and Penwith sites. She is based in the White building at the Truro Campus and the Porthcurno building at Penwith.