Education technology stalwart Bob Harrison has been appointed to the board of trustees at Central YMCA — which includes awarding organisation, YMCA Awards.

Mr Harrison, a regular FE Week contributor, is hoping to help steer YMCA Awards through the next phase of its “evolution” as it looks to digitise more services.

His career experience has included being chief examiner at vocational education specialists City and Guilds for 12 years, and a member of the Ministerial Educational Technology Action Group.

He was also a member of Feltag and was recently announced as a judge at the prestigious Stanford University Education Technology Expo in the USA.

Mr Harrison said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the board of such an important organisation. I’m particularly attracted to the values and mission of the YMCA and its commitment to the transformational power of education and training. I am also looking forward to supporting the organisation on its journey to a more digital future.”

Rob May, director of YMCA Awards, said: “In 2016 and beyond, YMCA Awards will continue to build on our learning technologies and the way we deliver education. The appointment of Bob can only support our aspirations in this space, and I’m sure that he will help to both challenge and inspire us to create education technology products that learners will love.”

Meanwhile, Andrew Cropley has been announced as the new deputy principal for curriculum at the Warwickshire College Group.

He moves from his position as the executive director for strategic planning and business development at The Sheffield College and chair of the university technical college (UTC) Sheffield governing body and academy trust.

Mr Cropley said he was “thrilled” to join Warwickshire College Group.

“The group has an outstanding reputation for teaching and learning and some amazing facilities that provide a first class experience for thousands of students and apprentices each year across Warwickshire and Worcestershire,” he said.

“I am looking forward to working with the team to ensure that the group is well placed to meet the challenges faced by the FE sector.”

Before joining The Sheffield College Mr Cropley served for 21 years in the Royal Navy in a variety of roles.

These included commanding officer at the Defence School of Languages, staff officer for personnel development at Fleet Headquarters and requirements commander at the Directorate of Naval Training and Education.

He was also chair of Don Valley UTC Academy Trust and Governor Sheffield Inclusion Centre.

And Richmond upon Thames College principal Robin Ghurburun will join the board of trustees at Jisc this month.

At the same time Heather MacDonald, interim principal of Loughborough College, will step down after a three-year tenure on the Jisc board of trustees.

David Maguire, Jisc chair, said: “First of all I would like to thank Heather for her guidance and enthusiasm as a board trustee and Association of Colleges [AoC] representative. During her three years with us we have benefited greatly from her insight.

“Robin will take over from Heather bringing fresh expertise to our board in particular from the FE sector. As well as joining us as a trustee, Robin will also act as the representative for the AoC one of our owners, bringing his expertise as vice chair of the AoC’s technology portfolio group,” he said.

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