07/06/2011

New Chair for College Body

David Jones, principal of Deeside College, has been appointed Chair of ColegauCymru / CollegesWales.

Since being appointed principal and chief executive of Deeside College seven years ago, the college has been transformed. It has been awarded the highest possible grades by Estyn – Her Majesty’s Inspectorate - for all of its further education as well as work-based learning provision: the first college in Wales to do so. The college is also growing and investing and providing for more and more students. Over recent years the college has merged with two landbased colleges and now, the Deeside College Group of Colleges is comprised of: Deeside College, Northop College, Coleg Llysfasi and Wrexham Training.

David’s commitment to quality has led the college to win the Wales Quality Award and European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) and to him chairing the ColegauCymru Improving Quality and Reducing Bureaucracy Group. Four years ago, David won the Leading Wales Award for the Public Sector Leader.

A champion of the Welsh language and culture, David was a significant influence on the development and adoption of ColegauCymru’s National Strategy for Bilingualism in Further Education. 

Chief Executive of ColegauCymru / CollegesWales, John Graystone, said: “I’m delighted that David Jones is the new Chair of ColegauCymru. David is a strong leader; he is dynamic and always ready to challenge the status quo, continually driving for excellence.

"He takes up this two year post at an exciting time for post-16 education and training. Colleges face many challenges in widening access, raising standards, contributing to the social and economic well-being of Wales and improving the delivery of learning bilingually and through the medium of Welsh. I very much look forward to working with David in meeting these challenges”.

David Jones said: “I am delighted and privileged to have the opportunity to Chair ColegauCymru.  My priorities over the next two years will be to work with John Graystone and the ColegauCymru team, Board Members and college Principals to build on the excellent work over recent years.  We need to ensure that the entire further education college sector continues to improve, and raise standards, as we all strive for excellence within our individual colleges, and build on ColegauCymru’s status as the voice of FE in Wales”.

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Contact: Sylvia Davies on 029 2052 8384 or 07968 771913.
Notes to editors:

1. ColegauCymru / CollegesWales is the national educational charity that represents all 21 further education (FE) colleges and institutions in Wales. Its mission is to raise the profile of further education with key decision-makers to improve opportunities for learners in Wales. For further information about ColegauCymru / CollegesWales, and the colleges it represents, visit http://www.colegaucymru.ac.uk or http://www.collegeswales.ac.uk
2. David Jones was appointed Chair at the ColegauCymru / CollegesWales Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 25 May 2011 at the Hilton Hotel Cardiff. Details of the composition of the Board are available from http://www.colegaucymru.ac.uk/en-GB/the_board-10.aspx
3. More information on the Leading Wales Awards is available from http://www.leadingwalesawards.com/
4. More information on the Deeside College Group of Colleges is available from http://www.deeside.ac.uk