External Member

Rob Hutchins

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

Rob is a qualified management accountant. He is now semi-retired, but has previously worked in finance and assurance roles in public sector organisations. He currently supports the Audit Committee of West Devon Borough Council by way of being an Independent Member.

He was formerly the Head of Devon Assurance Partnership, where he held responsibility for delivering internal audit, risk management and counter fraud services to the partners and a wide range of other clients.

He has managed large finance teams delivering finance support and advice, for example adult social care functions of a local Council and Health Authority (combined gross budget of circa £60m).

Rob’s depth of experience matches the diversity of the clients he has supported with audit and assurance work including Key Financial Systems, Social Care, Planning, major ICT undertakings and specialist projects.

Rob aims to use his experiences of Risk Management, Internal Audit, Project, Programme and Consultancy reviews to help the Audit and Governance Committee, and wider College, deliver consistently effective assurance arrangements.

Over the winter Rob undertakes assignment work in the fields of audit or finance, whilst in the summer he takes time out to enjoy outdoor activities including football, cycling, walking and surfing.