Governing Body
The Board of Governors is the supreme governing body of UKCBC. It holds ultimate responsibility for the College’s strategic direction, financial sustainability, academic integrity, risk management and regulatory compliance.
The Board operates in accordance with the CUC Higher Education Code of Governance and the Office for Students Public Interest Governance Principles. Independent governors form the majority of the Board at all times, safeguarding the independence of governance oversight.Â
The Board is supported by three standing committees: the Audit and Risk Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Nominations and Remuneration Committee.
Further detail on the Board’s responsibilities, composition and delegated authority is set out in the Corporate and Academic Governance Framework.
Board of Governors
Professor Rob Campbell
Chair of the Board
Professor Rob Campbell is a former Pro Vice Chancellor and Emeritus Professor of Philosophy of the University of Greater Manchester. He has been involved with UKCBC in different capacities since 2015, including membership of the Governing Body and as Director of Higher Education. He is also a trustee of the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing, a charity based in the North West.
Smitha george
Director and Shareholder
Smitha George holds a Master of Commerce and has extensive experience in charity, retail, and business operations. A shareholder since 2007 and majority shareholder since 2020, she has led UKCBC with a strong focus on academic excellence, student wellbeing and sustainable growth. Her leadership style is collaborative, empathetic, and driven by a commitment to student success. Smitha continues to actively guide the UKCBC Executive Team, ensuring the institution remains a trusted pathway for students to build confidence, develop skills and
transform their lives.
Claire Blanchard
Independent Governor
Claire Blanchard has worked in higher education for over 30 years in a number of roles and has wide experience of higher education, institutional development and the management of standards and quality within a university environment, acquired in many contexts and across many cultures. She has a profound interest in good governance and believes in maintaining academic standards and in acting in a consistent and strategic way to improve the student experience for all students.
Dr John Revill
Independent Governor
Dr John Revill is a values-led, energetic education leader with a strong track record in delivering inclusive, career-focused post-16 provision. He builds person-centred cultures, brings regional partners together, and is committed to improving life chances for learners of all ages through education and skills.
David Blake
Independent Governor
David Blake is Chair at East Coast College and is passionate about education being an integral part of the community. David is a Chartered Accountant who has worked in many parts of the world as a Chief Financial Officer. He is based in Cambridge, where he works as a CME Futures Trader.