Governance
The Devon & Cornwall Training Providers Network is led by Chief Executive, Sharron Robbie MBE, who is supported by a Board of Trustees. This page contains details of our Trustees and how you can join our Board.
The Devon & Cornwall Training Providers Network is a newly established Charity that promotes the advancement of education and skills across Devon and Cornwall.
We are dedicated to the promotion, development, enhancement and advancement of education and training across all age groups in order to improve access and participation in work-based learning, vocational and technical training for everyone.
We work with key partners to promote and provide collaboration in support of work-based learning and vocational and technical training. In addition, we aim to promote the value of vocational and technical education, supporting people into work or further study, via education, training and skills.
We actively campaign to improve opportunities for those furthest from the job market and to support social mobility and levelling-up across our communities. We offer impartial and accurate information and signposting to those living and working within our communities, including individuals, employers, schools, colleges, and other key stakeholders.
If this is something that interests you and you have the time to support our work we would love to hear from you. This is a real opportunity to make a real difference!
Why apply?
Our mission is to promote education, training & skills no matter the age group in order to improve access and widen participation in work-based learning, vocational and technical training.
Becoming a Trustee with DCTPN is an important and rewarding opportunity to shape the future for young lives, and older members of the community. Trustees are key to the strategic direction of the charity and oversee its vision and values, capturing the impact of the work of the charity. If you think you have the skills to help us deliver on this then do get in touch.
What are we are looking for?
DCTPN is growing its Board of Trustees and is encouraging applications from a wide range of backgrounds. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive Board.
We are looking for ambitious and passionate candidates who want to make our mission and objectives a reality; leading us closer to our ambition in bringing together the skills, knowledge and expertise of the post-16 education, training and skills sector to actively facilitate the advancement of education and skills.
We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with a background in digital, law, HR and marketing, who have the time and expertise to help us make a difference.
Additional Information
Trustee positions are voluntary. Any expenses incurred in relation to fulfilling your duties can be reimbursed, for example, travel.
Training will be provided with a thorough induction to the Charity.
The time commitment will be varied, but will likely equate to 4 hours per month. The Board meets six times per year, with a mix of in-person and virtual meetings. Meeting dates are set at the start of each year and may take place in locations across Devon & Cornwall.
Trustees are appointed for an initial 4-year term, which can be extended to 8 years.
Eligibility
This position is open to people who have leave to remain the UK or UK citizenship. We cannot accept applications from people who are currently seeking asylum or are under the age of 16.
Candidates must not have been previously disqualified as a Trustee or company director, have an undischarged bankruptcy or individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) or have unspent criminal convictions for an offence involving dishonest or deception (such as fraud). For further information on the disqualification criteria, please see Why some individuals can’t act as charity trustees.
All appointments are subject to two satisfactory references being received.
Further information
If you would like to discuss this role further, please contact Kim Smith, Clerk to the Trustees, via e-mail at Clerk@trainingprovider.com. Alternatively we can arrange for you to speak to one of our current Trustees to find out what it is like to join the DCTPN Board.
Apply now
Please complete the Expression of Interest Application Form – available to download as a pdf or as a Word doc. You are also welcome to send a CV in support of your application. Please email all applications to Kim Smith, Clerk to the Trustees, via e-mail at Clerk@trainingprovider.com
What happens next?
As vacancies arise the Board will consider applications that have been received. Following Board approval applicants will then be invited to attend interview with the CEO and Trustees, with references and checks being carried out as part of the process.
The Devon & Cornwall Training Providers Network is a newly established Charity that promotes the advancement of education and skills across Devon and Cornwall.
We are dedicated to the promotion, development, enhancement and advancement of education and training across all age groups in order to improve access and participation in work-based learning, vocational and technical training for everyone.
We work with key partners to promote and provide collaboration in support of work-based learning and vocational and technical training. In addition, we aim to promote the value of vocational and technical education, supporting people into work or further study, via education, training and skills.
We actively campaign to improve opportunities for those furthest from the job market and to support social mobility and levelling-up across our communities. We offer impartial and accurate information and signposting to those living and working within our communities, including individuals, employers, schools, colleges, and other key stakeholders.
If this is something that interests you and you have the time to support our work we would love to hear from you. This is a real opportunity to make a real difference!
Why apply?
Our mission is to promote education, training & skills no matter the age group in order to improve access and widen participation in work-based learning, vocational and technical training.
Becoming a Trustee with DCTPN is an important and rewarding opportunity to shape the future for young lives, and older members of the community. Trustees are key to the strategic direction of the charity and oversee its vision and values, capturing the impact of the work of the charity. If you think you have the skills to help us deliver on this then do get in touch.
What are we are looking for?
DCTPN is growing its Board of Trustees and is encouraging applications from a wide range of backgrounds. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive Board.
We are looking for ambitious and passionate candidates who want to make our mission and objectives a reality; leading us closer to our ambition in bringing together the skills, knowledge and expertise of the post-16 education, training and skills sector to actively facilitate the advancement of education and skills.
We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with a background in digital, law, HR and marketing, who have the time and expertise to help us make a difference.
Additional Information
Trustee positions are voluntary. Any expenses incurred in relation to fulfilling your duties can be reimbursed, for example, travel.
Training will be provided with a thorough induction to the Charity.
The time commitment will be varied, but will likely equate to 4 hours per month. The Board meets six times per year, with a mix of in-person and virtual meetings. Meeting dates are set at the start of each year and may take place in locations across Devon & Cornwall.
Trustees are appointed for an initial 4-year term, which can be extended to 8 years.
Eligibility
This position is open to people who have leave to remain the UK or UK citizenship. We cannot accept applications from people who are currently seeking asylum or are under the age of 16.
Candidates must not have been previously disqualified as a Trustee or company director, have an undischarged bankruptcy or individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) or have unspent criminal convictions for an offence involving dishonest or deception (such as fraud). For further information on the disqualification criteria, please see Why some individuals can’t act as charity trustees.
All appointments are subject to two satisfactory references being received.
Further information
If you would like to discuss the role of Trustee further, please contact Kim Smith, Clerk to the Trustees, via e-mail at Clerk@trainingprovider.com. Alternatively we can arrange for you to speak to one of our current Trustees to find out what it is like to join the DCTPN Board.
Express interest
Although we currently do not have any vacancies on the Board we would still love to hear from you and to retain your expression of interest until a vacancy arises. Please complete the Expression of Interest Application Form – available to download as a pdf or as a Word doc. You are also welcome to send a CV in support of your application. Please email all applications to Kim Smith, Clerk to the Trustees, via e-mail at Clerk@trainingprovider.com
What happens next?
As vacancies arise the Board will consider applications that have been received. Following Board approval applicants will then be invited to attend interview with the CEO and Trustees, with references and checks being carried out as part of the process.
Sharron joined the DCTPN Board in June 2016, following her appointment to the role of Managing Director.
Commercially focused, and with a wealth of experience across both private and public sectors, Sharron is a strategic thinker with a strong background in sales and marketing, client relationship and project management roles.
Sharron is keen to position the Network as the ‘go to’ organisation in the south west in terms of advice and information on skills and training, representing the training provider sector on a number of high profile and strategic boards and groups.
With excellent networking skills, Sharron is able to build sustainable working relationships with partners in order to add value and benefit all involved. Key strengths lie in exceptional leadership and management skills, which results in outstanding team performance.
Sharron is taking the DCTPN into its next phase; growing the number of members, expanding the services being offered, and building commercial partnerships to support financial stability and growth.
Jo is the Strategic Lead for the Devon, Plymouth & Torbay Careers Hub; the team work with schools, colleges and employers to improve careers provision and help every young person find their best next step.
Jo has worked in the Careers and Education sector for over 20 years; she has a passion for Apprenticeships and a drive to ensure all post 16 pathways are promoted equally. She brings strategic and creative thinking, always trying to find sustainable solutions to improve careers education, plug skills gaps and enable brighter futures.
Outside of work, Jo enjoys playing netball, travelling and spending time with her husband and 3 children (who have all chosen different education and career paths!).
Maria is the new Chair of the Board of Trustees for DCTPN. She is a qualified Further Education teacher with a Masters Degree in Education and works in a senior management position as Assistant Principal in the FE Sector which followed her teaching career in early years and education and health and care.
Responsibilities include curriculum design and development, quality assurance. Maria has experience of leading and managing vocational and technical education, including 16–19 study programmes including T Levels, apprenticeships and adult learning programmes.
Gareth has had a varied career including senior roles in banking, recruitment, sales, Further Education and engineering/defence, but a constant throughout all of those has been people development and particularly over the last 15 years, apprenticeship provision, from both an FE and employer perspective.
He is currently employed as Babcock International’s Early Careers manager overseeing a very large apprenticeship programme, graduate programme, STEM outreach and External Engagement across the South West.
As the former Chair of the Board of Trustees for DCTPN, his passion for all things related to education and development shines through and he is real advocate for post 16 provision of all types.
Dan has been involved with the DCTPN as a member for many years and more recently as a board member. The sector has seen many changes during this time and the network has been their supporting members throughout.
A key strength of the network is its diversity, reflecting the views of organisations of all sizes and types and bringing stakeholders together to continue in its aim to support training and skills that change lives and build futures.
DCTPN continues to grow and influence, and its reputation frequently sees it being involved in national initiatives, drawing in high profile guest speakers, and contributing to policy discussions.
Fiona has worked in the Further Education sector for nearly 20 years, driving forward innovation in skills programmes such as multi-million pound capital and revenue projects alongside international student and capacity building schemes. Fiona has a thorough understanding of the public/educational landscape, working locally, nationally and internationally to deliver growth and prosperity.
Fiona is a partner at Outsourcery Services, a post 16 skills consultancy company that works with FE colleges, ITPS, Universities, public authorities and charities with activities such as bid writing, project management, evaluation programmes and strategic planning. Outsourcery Services also work internationally, driving forward TVET education worldwide. Fiona has recently worked with colleagues in Malawi, South Africa and Botswana. Fiona has worked with DCTPN on projects in Morocco and Nepal.
Some of Fiona’s most notable achievements include:
Fiona can bring strategic thinking, commercial opportunity and sector knowledge to DCTPN to enable and support the team with growth and innovation.
Hannah is a senior leader at Eat That Frog CIC, an Independent Training Provider delivering Post-16 SEND education, adult learning, employability programmes and community skills projects. With over 20 years’ experience in education, skills and employment, Hannah is passionate about ensuring everyone has access to opportunities that lead to meaningful careers and positive futures.
At DCTPN, Hannah brings a third sector perspective, representing the voice of community-focused organisations and voluntary providers. This includes experience in Independent Training Provision (ITP), SEND Post-16 education, adult skills development and responding to sector changes. Actively involved in shaping new SEND provision and adult skills programmes to meet local needs, Hannah works closely with partners such as the NHS, DWP, local authorities and the voluntary and community sector.
A strong advocate for inclusive access to skills and progression routes, Hannah focuses on connecting education and training with real-life career pathways. Hannah’s leadership in careers development is underpinned by a commitment to creating long-term opportunities for all, particularly those facing additional barriers.
Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with family, exploring the coast and relaxing by the sea in Torbay.
Paul is on the leadership team at City College Plymouth as the Executive for Business Intelligence Growth and Skills. Having worked in education for over 20 years across all aspects of the education business he leads teams across curriculum delivery, a wide selection of support areas, including MIS & IT as well as leading on Apprenticeships and Adult Skills.
Paul leads the college with regards to skills policy, local & regional LMI and then linking this to delivery planning. He works with many agencies such as local & combined authorities and is an active contributor on many steering groups with regards to meeting skills needs. He has also been heavily involved with delivery against major regional projects such as the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and Strategic Delivery Fund, as well as ensuring delivery against the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) and Multiply projects. These activities have allowed Paul to work in partnership with many regional organisations, something that he is looking forward to continuing as part of DCTPN.
Having started out in the funding & data area, Paul has led MIS (Management Information Systems) for many years and has a deep understanding of funding rules policy, data requirements and systems, something he hopes can benefit the network.
Paul also has a passion for Digital. As well as leading both the computing delivery area and the IT support functions he also leads the overall Digital strategy for City College Plymouth through which he has introduced a range of digital innovations, with national recognition through the 2025 Beacon Awards for Digital. He is now an national assessor for the 2026 Digital innovation award.
As a trustee Paul is looking to bring all of his experience across the education sector to support the DCTPN network and strengthen our regional offer. He understands that areas such as funding and policy, apprenticeships and digital are highly complex and is hoping to help members to navigate their way through these areas and maximise opportunities.
Mark Trewin is the Managing Director of The Focus Training Group and brings over 25 years of senior leadership experience across the education and training sector, spanning public, private, and charitable organisations. His career is defined by a commitment to innovation, community engagement, and the strategic development of inclusive, high-quality learning opportunities.
Mark has a strong track record of delivering growth and transformation. While at Plymouth City Council and On Course South West, he secured significant expansion in training provision, opening access to vocational education for a wider range of learners. He has led large-scale digital transformation initiatives, including the rollout of Google Workspace for Education and the deployment of thousands of devices across the UK to support learning and teaching.
Throughout his career, Mark has focused on building partnerships that drive real change. He has established new training centres in Bristol and Cornwall, and collaborated with employers, local authorities, and educational institutions to deliver targeted skills provision. He also plays a leading role in community-driven initiatives, including as non-executive director of Plymouth Musicians Cooperative and through his long-standing support for Plymouth Music Zone. Mark also chairs CATERed, a cooperative delivering school meals to children across Plymouth.
In addition to his role at Focus, Mark is a Senior Innovation Consultant with C-Learning, supporting education and business leaders to navigate digital transformation and future-proof their organisations. He is also a regular speaker at regional and national events, presenting on topics such as artificial intelligence in education, digital strategy, and pedagogical innovation.
Mark is passionate about helping employers grow through apprenticeships, bespoke training, consultancy, and collaborative projects. With experience managing multi-million-pound budgets and driving strategic innovation, he brings a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, curriculum development, and financial oversight.
As a trustee of DCTPN, Mark is committed to strengthening the provider network across the South West. He believes skills and vocational education are key to unlocking potential and driving inclusive economic growth, and is focused on fostering agile, responsive, and digitally enabled systems that meet the evolving needs of learners and industry.
Lucinda has over 15 years of experience in further education, spanning adult learning, higher education, 16-19 provision, and apprenticeships. A qualified teacher specialising in Business and IT, she has held a range of leadership and management roles within colleges and is now the Principal for Adult Education and Skills within a local government provider.
With a strong track record in partnership working, Lucinda’s professional interests centre on collaborative curriculum development, quality assurance and improvement, widening access to learning through effective use of funding, and organisational development within the FE sector. She is particularly passionate about designing learning opportunities that respond to community and employer needs and strengthen local skills systems.
As a trustee, Lucinda is keen to draw on her experience and her commitment to all aspects of further education to support and strengthen the provider network, helping it to thrive and move confidently into the future.
