Celebrating our volunteer governors this Volunteers' Week

This Volunteers’ Week, we’re proud to celebrate the dedicated members of our Governing Board, made up of 15 Governors from across the local community who volunteer their time, expertise and experience to help shape the future of the College and support our learners to succeed.

Our Governors bring a wide range of professional backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences to the Board, including representation from staff and students. Together, they play a vital role in supporting the College’s strategic direction, ensuring accountability and championing opportunities for learners across Oxfordshire and beyond.

To mark Volunteers’ Week 2026, we asked some of our Governors to reflect on why they volunteer and what the role means to them.

For many, becoming a Governor is a way to give back to education and the local community.

Alan Bark, Chair of the Finance and General Purpose Committee, shared:

“I have known the College for over 15 years through my work, so when I retired, it seemed a nice way to continue my close relationship with the College and give something back to the community.”

Alan recently took early retirement from Barclays Bank after a distinguished 41-year career. During his time at the Bank, he served as a Corporate Relationship Director, managing a portfolio that included Further Education Colleges, Independent Schools, Local Authorities and national charities. He was also Barclays’ regional lead for FE College clients across the South and worked closely with Abingdon & Witney College as the College’s bank manager for a decade. Alongside his role at the College, Alan continues to support governance within local schools and is passionate about helping educational organisations grow and succeed.

Jessie Weavers-Medina’s route into governance began as a student at the College:

“I first volunteered as a Student Governor whilst studying at the College, as I'm passionate about diversity in governance and wanted to help represent the student experience and contribute to discussions shaping the college community.
After finishing my course, I decided to stay on as an External Governor because I felt strongly about giving back to an institution that had played an important role in my own development.”

Jessie is now Operations Manager for the Nuffield Department of Medicine at the University of Oxford. After completing a Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship at Abingdon & Witney College with First-Class Honours, she continued her governance journey as an External Governor, bringing a strong passion for inclusion, representation and supportive educational environments.

Graham Caleb highlighted what he find’s rewarding about being a Governor:

“The most rewarding part for me is meeting the students, seeing them in action and hearing their enthusiastic feedback about the college and how it’s helping with their development.”

Graham has had an extraordinary career spanning professional football, international technology leadership and entrepreneurship. Having held senior roles with organisations including Dell, Asda and Kingfisher, he now dedicates much of his time to mentoring, teaching and supporting innovation and leadership development. His passion for investing in young people continues through his work with the College.

Governors play an important role in supporting the College’s leadership team, while also providing independent oversight and challenge.

One Governor explained:

“I think the external involvement, scrutiny and professional challenge is an important part of the role of Governor. It allows a different and varied perspective from those who are not involved in the College in their day-to-day operations.

Alan Bark added:

“The Governors support the Senior Management Team who steer and run the College for the students on a day-to-day basis. The Governors act as independent and critical friends to the SMT, providing strategic oversight, constructive challenge and support.

This balance of support, challenge and accountability helps ensure the College continues to deliver high-quality education and opportunities for learners.

Reflecting on the wider value of volunteering in education, Helen Brown (staff governor) said:

“It’s a meaningful way to make a real difference to people’s lives. Education shapes opportunities, confidence and futures, and volunteers play an important role in strengthening that impact.”

Helen has worked in education since 2005 and is currently Head of Learning and Development at the College. Passionate about teaching, learning and inclusive education, she is particularly interested in using digital technologies to support and inspire learners to achieve their full potential.

Our Governors reflected on the pride they feel supporting both learners and the wider Oxfordshire community.

One Governor shared:

“…Abingdon & Witney College is a strong performing College with a real sense of how it fits within the Oxfordshire community and how it supports students and their futures.”

Jessie Weavers-Medina added:

“I’m proud to volunteer as a Governor because it has given me the opportunity to support students, champion inclusion and representation, and help shape a College community where people feel able to be themselves and thrive.”

Thank you to all our Governors.

Jacqui Canton, Principal and Chief Executive, added:

“Our Governors give so generously of their time, expertise and experience, and their contribution is invaluable to everything we do. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for their continued commitment. The depth of knowledge and insight they bring is vital in shaping our strategic direction, ensuring we continue to thrive and make a positive impact on our College community and our students’ futures.”

This Volunteers’ Week, we extend our sincere thanks to every member of our Governing Board for the time, dedication and expertise they bring to Abingdon & Witney College. Their commitment strengthens our community, supports our students and helps create opportunities that change lives.