Paul was appointed as a Staff Governor following his election by the College’s Teaching Staff in November 2022.  Paul has been with Dudley College for just over 3 years after transferring from Birmingham Metropolitan College. He started his career in FE teaching students with LDD basic woodwork skills in a community provision based at a Social Services day centre. After 4 years of this, having completed his Cert Ed, he transferred to the Carpentry department as a technician where he then re-trained in carpentry, joinery and cabinet making. Paul went on to be a trainer/instructor initially working with employed students, then moving on to full time students and apprentices, before being made a lecturer.  He serves on the Corporation’s Standards Committee.

Gemma was appointed as a member of the Corporation in September 2026. She is Marketing and Communications Director and Executive Board Member at JS Group, where she leads brand, communications, partnerships and engagement across the Higher Education, Charities and Public Sectors. Gemma previously spent nine years at the University of Worcester, leading student recruitment marketing, engagement and partnership activity, and began her career in the financial services sector.

She holds a First-Class Honours degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Worcester, a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing and Digital Communications from Falmouth University, and a Certificate in Leadership and Management. She is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (MCIM).

With extensive experience in Higher Education and a strong commitment to widening opportunity, Gemma is passionate about the role education can play in transforming lives and communities. She is particularly interested in ensuring students have access to the opportunities, skills and support they need to progress successfully into further study and employment.  Gemma serves on the Corporation’s Audit Committee.

Diana has been employed by the College for almost 20 years and has held several roles including Assistant Principal and Vice Principal before taking on the role of Chief Executive and Principal on 15th February 2025. As Chief Executive and Principal, Diana is responsible for ensuring the College’s senior leadership team is leading the college effectively to achieve its strategic plan and delivers an excellent experience for learners, apprentices and all stakeholders. Along with the senior leadership team, Diana ensures the College meets the needs of its local community, developing a curriculum offer which addresses local, regional and national skills needs. Working alongside the Corporation and senior colleagues, the Chief Executive & Principal plays a pivotal role in the determination and oversight of the strategic development of Dudley College of Technology, its subsidiaries and associated organisations (including Dudley Academies Trust). The Chief Executive & Principal leads on developing and maintaining productive relationships with key stakeholders and plays a significant role in representing the College externally. The Chief Executive & Principal provides inspirational leadership to the staff and students of the College.  Diana is an ex-officio member of the Corporation and serves on the Corporation’s Standards Committee, Search Committee and Finance & Estates Committee.

Mphathisi was appointed to the Corporation in November 2024. Mphathisi is the Divisional Director for Clinical Support Services at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust but is currently Acting up as a Divisional Director of Operations for Clinical Support Services and Pharmacy. He has extensive health care experience spanning across community and acute health care settings including implementation of apprenticeship programmes. He is an inclusive, compassionate leader who works with integrity and prides himself in exceptional planning, strategic leadership, and management skills. He has an MSc in Healthcare Policy Management from University of Birmingham. He serves on the Corporation’s Finance and Estates Committee.

Professor Paul Noon OBE was appointed to the Corporation from 1st January 2023.

Paul is the founder of The Professor-AI, a consultancy that helps businesses and professionals adopt AI safely, responsibly and effectively. His work focuses on practical AI governance, fact-checking and building confidence in AI tools without the hype. He provides consulting, training and coaching to organisations looking to get real value from AI while managing its risks.

Paul is Emeritus Professor of AI and Innovation at Coventry University, where he previously served for ten years as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Enterprise and Innovation. Before that, he had a distinguished career with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, focused on developing the economic prosperity of the UK. He went on to serve as Regional Director of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) West Midlands, supporting local businesses to grow their export markets and attracting inward investment to the region.

Paul is a champion of devolution and continues to work collaboratively with partners across the West Midlands to drive growth and prosperity in the region. Paul serves on the Corporation’s Standards Committee, Finance & Estates Committee, Search Committee and Remuneration Committee.

Jason was appointed as a member of the Corporation in February 2020. Jason is Managing Director of Thomas Dudley Limited, a group of local manufacturing businesses. He is a Chartered Management Accountant and also holds a MBA from Wolverhampton University. Jason is also a Director of the BMA (Bathroom Manufacturers Association). He serves on the Corporation’s Finance & Estates Committee and Remuneration Committee. 

Simka was appointed to the Dudley College Corporation as a Student Governor for the 2025/26 academic year. She concurrently holds the position of Vice President of Campaigns at the Dudley Students’ Union and is studying Business Payroll with progression planned to a BTEC in Accounting. Simka is also a member of the Unloc Youth Board UK, contributing to national youth leadership and governance initiatives, and serves as a Senior Ambassador for the EU Ambassador College/School Programme.

With a foundation in leadership developed as a prefect and Student Governor at school in Sri Lanka, Simka has a strong commitment to inclusion and equitable representation. Her experience supporting peers with additional learning needs has shaped her approach to ensuring all students can access opportunities to thrive. Through her role as a Senior EU Ambassador, she helps to promote understanding of European issues, cross-cultural collaboration, and global citizenship among the student body.

In her capacity as Student Governor, Simka represents the interests of the student body in strategic decision-making processes, focusing on enhancing support structures and fostering a diverse, inclusive college community. She also leads the Muslim Community Club (2025/26), facilitating connection and development for students from all backgrounds. Simka serves on the Corporation’s Finance and Estates Committee – bringing a valuable student perspective to discussions on college resources, infrastructure investment, and financial planning that impacts the learning environment.

Liz was appointed as a member of the Corporation in November 2019. She is a Certified Chartered Accountant and currently works as a process change and integration consultant on projects within finance for various clients. She has a BSc in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University. She is a fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, has previous experience in audit, corporate governance and financial control. She serves on the Corporation’s Audit Committee and also serves as Chair and Safeguarding, Child Protection, LAC and Prevent lead for a local primary academy.

Sarah was appointed to the Corporation in November 2023. Sarah is Head of Cleaning and Waste Services for the University of Birmingham, having previously worked at Worcester City Council and Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council. She has extensive experience of working in collaboration with other individuals and teams to achieve the best for service users, residents and students. She is a member of the Executive Management of BACHE (British Association of Cleaning in Higher Education). Sarah serves on the Corporation’s Finance & Estates Committee.