City of Bristol College announces new Chair of Governors

City of Bristol College is delighted to announce the appointment of Phil Smith as the new Chair of
Governors, succeeding Peter Rilett who comes to the end of his eight-year tenure in July 2024.
The appointment of Phil comes at a great time for City of Bristol College as it finalises its new and
ambitious strategy & mission. This strategy, a roadmap for the future, sets the course for continued growth, academic achievement and community engagement.

Phil takes up the reins from Peter, and brings a wealth of experience along with a proven track record in the business world. Phil is the Managing Director of Business West, where he has been since 2003.

Business West help companies grow, innovate and export. Phil is therefore uniquely placed to inform the college on the skills that businesses are looking for.

As Chair of the Board of Governors, Peter has played a pivotal role in steering the college to achieve
various milestones over the years. Peter leaves a legacy of this work with the achievement of financial
stability and an Ofsted rating of Good, both delivered in the last year.

Julia Gray, Principal and CEO at City of Bristol College stated: “On behalf of colleagues, students and
stakeholders, I offer my sincere thanks to Peter who has given freely of his time to lead the Governance of
City of Bristol College through the peaks and troughs of the last eight years. Peter’s impact on our
institution has been profound, and I am grateful for the foundation he has laid and the support that he has provided to me personally in my first year as CEO. I look forward to working with Phil and I am delighted to have him leading our Board. His expertise and vision will be instrumental in steering City of Bristol College into its next chapter.”

Phil commented: “I am honoured and excited to join City of Bristol College as the Chair of Governors. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team of educators, staff, and students as we work together to achieve the college’s vision and goals. The launch of the new strategy & mission marks a significant moment, and I am eager to contribute to the college’s continued success using my regional and strategic knowledge, I look forward to collaborating with the college community in achieving our shared goals.”

Peter commented: “It’s been a real privilege to serve the college and support the Bristol communities, I am confident that the Chair role will be in safe hands, and wish Phil and the college every success for the
future”.