Governance & Policies

Julie is an Independent Education consultant having previously worked in school improvement for 13 years in a local authority with strategic responsibility for Leadership Development and Governor Services. Prior to this Julie taught in both secondary schools and in Further Education: at a Sixth Form College in Brighton where she was a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

She has experience of teaching on a range of both vocational and academic programmes. Throughout her career in education she has served on a range of school governing boards developing a wide skillset. Julie is passionate about governance and has provided support to Boards and senior management teams in areas such as board effectiveness, preparing for inspections and development of strategic plans.

Julie became Chair of the Board in July 2020. She completed her degree in History at the University of Sussex and then went on to complete a PGCE at Homerton College, Cambridge followed by a MA in Education at the University of Sussex. Julie is also a member of the Search and Governance Committee, Finance Task and Finish group and Remuneration Committee. Julie brings her enthusiasm for the FE sector, land-based provision and education together in her role at Plumpton.

Originally from West Sussex, Jeremy grew up on a small holding, where his love of the countryside and interest in wildlife and animals began. 

He went on to study Animal Science at Reading University, and it was after a short period of employment within both the animal and agricultural industries, that he decided to forge a career which would combine his passion for the natural environment with education. Having previously worked at other land-based colleges, including Brinsbury and Hadlow, Jeremy was appointed as the head of Cannington College in 2008, a successful land-based college in Somerset, and was known amongst his peers as the driving force behind its success. 

Jeremy took over as Principal of Plumpton College in October 2015.  He sits on the boards for Landex and the National Land Based Colleges, is the Vice Chair for the SELEP Skills Working Group and is also part of the Management Advisory Group for WineGB, in addition to chair of the WineGB Education and Training Group. 

Helen has a range of experience in Higher Education practice and policy, Managerial Accounting and Hospitality; she has an Honours degree, an MBA and a PhD. She started work as a clerk at Barclays Bank, also worked as a Hotel Management. After achieving her degree in Accounting and Finance, she qualified as a management accountant working for Eriksson Telecommunications.

She invested the remaining 30 years of her career at the University of Brighton, lecturing in accounting and leading in quality assurance and enhancement initiatives. Her leadership roles at school and Faculty culminated in a pan-university role of Director of Education, working with the Pro Vice Chancellor to enhance learning and teaching practices across the whole organisation. She has a passion for learning and experience as a school governor. She joined Corporation in September 2019 to volunteer her skills and experience in support of Plumpton’s aspirations and continued development.

I’ve been at Plumpton College since September 2022. I had previously attended from 2013-2019 staring on a 14-16 Level 1 Animal Care course then went full time for Level 2 and 3. I’m now studying Animal Behaviour and Conservation at Degree Level. My hobbies include nature walks, watching to and films and reading. I’m interested in conservation and how we can apply it to college life. I’d also like to see how we can make college life even more enjoyable for students

Sarah has lectured in Countryside and Environment department for nearly five years. During this time at the college she has worked as Program Manager, Advanced Practitioner and taught at both FE and HE levels.  Although qualified in Countryside Management and Ecology, Sarah has a background working in IT education and training in both educational and commercial settings. 

Sarah is passionate about the delivery of quality lifetime education and is inspired by the difference she sees this make to people of all ages.  Being an active cyclist, Sarah can often be seen arriving at Plumpton on two wheels.  Sarah is also a keen horse rider,  has three children and plays an active role in her family business.

Doug joined the board of governors in 2019.  Doug is NFU Mutual Senior Agent and NFU Group Secretary in Kent and East Sussex.  Prior to this Doug worked as a business consultant specialising in farming, rural and food businesses. 

Doug has been Chairman and Treasurer for Sussex Young Farmers’ Clubs, was an officeholder for South East YFC and was National Agriculture and Rural Affairs chairman, council member and was co-opted to the board of management for NFYFC. 

Doug has served as a trustee for the South of England Agricultural Society and continues as a council member, Chief Pig Steward and Chairman of the Sheep, Pig and Goat Committee. Away from work Doug is active in bonfire (Commercial Square and Newick) and enjoys spending time at home with his two dogs, tortoise, wife and daughter.

For the past 10 years, Hilary has worked as a local food and drink consultant working in both the public and private sectors. She manages the Sussex Food and Drink Network which encourages collaboration between food and drink businesses with the aim to help them grow.  Hilary is a director of Natural Partnerships CIC a not-for-profit company, delivering projects which support the agri-food community across the region including the Sussex Food and Drink Awards. Formerly manager of ‘A Taste of Sussex’ Hilary has worked extensively in the food and drink sector throughout her career, in manufacturing, marketing, retail and event catering and has wide-ranging experience of the local food and drink sector.

Hilary has been a Sussex resident for over 40 years.  Hilary has been a Governor since January 2021.

Gill worked for Barclays Bank for 15 years in various roles, from Typist to Senior Corporate Manager’s Secretary and then PA in Private Banking (now known as Premier Banking). After having her children, Gill moved into the education sector as Bursar at two primary schools before moving on to PA to be the Principal at Uckfield Community College and later at Chailey School. Gill also worked as Exams Manager at both Uckfield and Heathfield Community Colleges.

Gill joined Plumpton College in September 2017 as PA to the Vice Principal. During her five years at Plumpton College, Gill has worked across several areas, including, Registry, Exams, Apprenticeships and Student Services as a Bank Warden.

Gill became Support Staff Governor in September 2021. In September 2022, Gill decided to reduce her hours and now works as a part time Registry Administrator.