A warm welcome to Richard, our new Director of Governance at North Hertfordshire College.
Richard will be working closely with our Board of Governors and Senior Leadership Team to ensure the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and compliance across the organisation.
We caught up with Richard to find out more about his role:
Can you tell us a bit about your career background?
“I spent the first part of my career working in the House of Commons, including four years running the Education Select Committee.
“For the last couple of years, I’ve worked in educational settings, initially in a college in London and more recently in a school in Surrey.
“Working in Parliament gave me insight into the connection between policy, legislation, and regulation. Moving to work in a college, and more recently a school, gave me the perspective of what it’s like to be someone working within those frameworks.
“I’m hoping to use these experiences to help change lives, raise aspirations, and create prosperity at NHC.”
What do you most enjoy about working in the education sector?
“I really like that further education focuses on getting people into work and provides a sense of purpose to learners.
“I applied for the role because I believe governance works best in an organisation when it’s embedded and part of the bigger picture. I was attracted to the way governance sits within the College’s overall strategic plan.”
What will be the main focus in your new role?
“Governance is really about organisational health and success. In our case, that means how the College is working and whether it’s achieving its educational and commercial goals.
“My focus will be on working with the Board and as part of the Senior Leadership Team to make sure we’re asking the right questions and have the right information to support effective oversight.”
What are you most looking forward to working on in your new role?
“There are lots of really important things happening outside of NHC, like local government reform and qualification changes for example. These factors will have an impact on both what we do and how we do it in the years ahead. I’m looking forward to helping the College meet those challenges.”
Lastly, please tell us a fun fact about yourself.
“Outside of work I spend a lot of my time volunteering with a local Duke of Edinburgh group, helping train young people in expedition skills and supporting their trips away.
“I’ve been involved in DofE in one way or another for about 20 years, and have had lots of great experiences along the way!”
Work with the Hart Learning Group
We think all jobs in education are some of the most important and fulfilling jobs in the world – helping people realise their potential and build a life for themselves; helping businesses to grow and improve; and helping to build strong, vibrant communities.
If you share our passion, we want to hear from you – check out our available vacancies and come and join the team!