New Principal outlines future direction of College

South Staffordshire College has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Principal.

Claire Boliver succeeds Graham Morley, who is stepping down at the end of February after 10 years in charge of the college.

Ms Boliver, who officially takes up her new role on March 1, said her new vision for the college was to ensure it had the right curriculum for its students and served the needs of the local economy.

In addition, she said the college needed to address the future needs of its students by ensuring its courses equipped them for successful careers.

The new CEP is well-versed in the ways of the college having begun her further education career there on a teaching placement and eventually going on to become Director of Curriculum before moving the distance across the border to Wolverhampton College where, after just two years, she became its Principal.

She said: “As a college we need to be responsive and flexible to the needs of the economy and community we serve in our campuses in Lichfield, Tamworth and Rodbaston and indeed across the whole of South Staffordshire.

“I’ve spoken before about the need for further education to offer ‘careers not courses’ and this is the mind-set I wanted to bring into the college.”

In November, the college announced the appointment of Steve Burgin as its new Chair of Governors.

Mr Burgin, who brings years of experience after an illustrious career in engineering, said: “Graham is leaving the college in a very strong and healthy financial position. Last year saw a record 11% increase in intakes, which demonstrates this is the college of choice for learners across Staffordshire.

“Graham pioneered partnerships with industry, culminating in the £5.4m investment in the AgriSTEM Academy, which offers state of the art facilities that match the employment needs of the local economy.

“Looking forward, with Claire at the helm I’m very keen to build on our existing employer partnerships and explore new sectors to give our learners the best start in their careers.”

Departing from his role, Mr Morley said: “I am immensely proud of all the successes and achievements of the staff. The Board of Governors has chosen an exceptional leader in Claire. Her first-hand knowledge of the community and track record of delivering success places her in the strongest position, and I wish her, the college, and its learners every success in the future.”