External Member

Neil Hitchings

Previously a governor of Exeter College before the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group was formed.

Neil was born and educated in Kent before moving across to the South West to complete his degree in economics and statistics at the University of Exeter. He trained and qualified as a chartered accountant with a big four firm in Exeter and after 17 years transferred to PKF Francis Clark in 2009. He is now a director and audit signatory in their corporate team, with clients across the South West and further afield, approximately half of which are not for profit, including some of the highest profile charities in the region. In his role as a not for profit specialist, Neil regularly contributes to the firms sector newsletters and advises clients on governance and risk management related matters. Neil was previously a director of Cornerstone Housing Association and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Neil lives in Cullompton with his wife and daughter. His passion outside of work is music, playing in several bands, and he is involved in community-based music projects.