External Member

Graham Atkins

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

Graham is the Chief People Officer of NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board.

Formerly a Partner in management consultancy, he has a wealth of experience in all aspects of people and organisation in a wide range of complex settings, having worked with over 30 public sector organisations throughout his career. Following training as an Army Officer and policy/strategy specialist in local government, business school opened his eyes to the vagaries and complexities of people, and he hasn’t looked back since. He has held executive roles as Managing Partner of New Street Consulting Group, as a Senior Partner at global consultancy Korn Ferry, and as a Shareholder Director of Hay Group leading their business with the UK Government. This role included overseeing all executive education for the Senior Civil Service. He holds an MBA, BEng(Hons) and is a Fellow of the RSA.

A father of three children working their way through the education system in Exeter, Graham was a Vice-Chair of governors at a local school and is passionate advocate for the region, Devon & Exeter. He lives in the City and can often be found walking his dog, Paddy, along the quayside.