THE new-look leadership team at Coleg Cambria is focused on driving change in further education and inspiring students and the community in north east Wales.
Coleg Cambria has been through a restructure in past months in response to the Coronavirus pandemic and to ensure the institution fully delivers on its commitment to both the economy and people of north east Wales.
Chief Executive Yana Williams is now joined in the senior management team by Deputy Chief Executive-Chief Operating Officer Steve Jackson, Deputy Chief Executive-Principal Sue Price, and Cath Sullivan, Deputy Chief Executive for People, Experiences and Culture.
As she approaches a year at the helm of the organisation – a year nobody could have predicted – Ms Williams has made pivotal appointments in other areas including sixth form provision, marketing and commercial investment, and capitalising on opportunities to link industry and education.
She is proud of the way in which staff, learners and their families have navigated the challenges of Covid-19 and excited to welcome in a new era for Coleg Cambria.
“The new structure aims to support staff and students in the development and delivery of courses which reflect the economic demands of north east Wales and the North West, identifying needs of communities and ensuring there is accessibility so everyone can attend the college and progress within it,” said Ms Williams.
“We will continue to put people at the heart of all decisions, whether that be our students, parents, the community or businesses in this region and beyond.”
She added: “A key new area of the college was the introduction of a People Directorate focused on the needs of the learners and staff, ensuring their wellbeing is supported, that communication is improved and employees are empowered and recognised in the roles that they do.
“We will be even more agile in response to ever-changing environments – the pandemic being an example of that – seeing challenges instead of problems and widening the decision-making process to give staff more ownership of the direction we are travelling in.
“As a result of these changes we are well-placed to grow further in the years ahead, delivering a first-class education and supporting students via a warm, welcoming environment in cutting-edge facilities.”
As well as a change in structure, the college is preparing to unveil the £21m redevelopment at Coleg Cambria Yale in January.
The site will be focused on the creative industries, technical learning, sector partnerships, international-level sport and skills, with a commercial hub including a hairdressing and beauty therapy training academy and salon, floristry shop, kitchen and restaurant, theatre, and a 200-seat conference hall.
Mrs Sullivan began her tenure with the college this academic year and says the student experience is more important than ever in light of past months.
“I am proud and delighted to have joined Coleg Cambria, taking up a role that presents a unique opportunity within further education, and one which demonstrates the commitment the college has to ensuring our people are at the centre of everything we do,” she said.
“The college has an excellent and well-deserved reputation and I am excited to be working with colleagues, students and partners on our shared vision of transforming it into a remarkable place to work and learn so all our people have the opportunity to live their best lives.”
