Simon Griffiths
Representing the Education Sector
Oragnisation: Sandwell College
Simon is a lifelong Sandwell resident, educated locally and deeply committed to supporting local communities through education and skills development. With over 25 years of experience in the education and training sector, he has worked at local, regional and national levels on policy, funding and delivery for young people, adults and apprentices.
Simon joined Sandwell College in 2016 and is the Executive Director for Strategy & Development. In this role, he leads the College’s engagement with all three Town Deal Boards in Sandwell - West Bromwich, Rowley Regis, and the Smethwick Partnership Board - ensuring its skills and employment provision reflects local needs. Under his leadership, the College has co-invested in Towns Fund projects, expanding access to training that supports better jobs and broader opportunities across Sandwell and the West Midlands.
Sandwell College, with a turnover exceeding £65 million and over 900 staff, is the largest further education college in the West Midlands and among the top ten nationally. It operates across Sandwell and Birmingham, and in Smethwick, it is the anchor tenant of the new Midland Metropolitan Learning Campus.
Before joining the College, Simon spent 19 years at the Department for Education, most recently as Regional Director for Post-16 Education in the West Midlands.