Gillian is an experienced leader in further education, with over 35 years’ experience across finance, education and organisational leadership. She is CEO and Group Principal of the Windsor Forest Colleges Group, a £50+ million four college organisation delivering a wide curriculum including 16–19 study programmes, adult education, HE, 14–16 provision, apprenticeships and commercial programmes such as Skills Bootcamps, where it is the largest provider in Berkshire. Since leading the successful merger of BCA into the Group in 2021, Gillian has overseen 30% growth in turnover and a financial recovery set to return the Group to break-even in 2024/25, with a surplus projected for 2025/26.

Her leadership is shaped by her early career as a Chartered Accountant with Arthur Andersen and senior roles at Bunzl PLC and PepsiCo. A qualified teacher, she brings strategic financial insight and a deep commitment to quality, inclusion and innovation across the sector. Gillian will be stepping down from her position at The Windsor Forest Colleges Group in May 2026 to take up the position of Deputy Further Education Commissioner.