new governors’ chair has been appointed at the Association of Colleges after John Bingham stepped down following six years at the helm.

The Yorkshire-born telecommunications and IT specialist has been replaced by Carole Stott, chair of governors at London’s City Lit.

Association chief executive Martin Doel said: “A great deal has been achieved in the time of John’s stewardship. He was a guiding light for all of us during his time as chair.

“He brought with him deep experience and knowledge of the sector that he built up as an establishing member of the Yorkshire and Humberside Association of Colleges, and national board member from 2001.”

Mr Bingham has stepped down from the association board and has also left the governors’ board at South Yorkshire’s Thomas Rotherham College, which he also chaired, after 20 years’ service.

“While John will undoubtedly be missed by the organisation, we will continue to offer the best of services with his successor Carole Stott, who comes to us with years of experience of chairing the board of governors at City Lit,” added Mr Doel.

Ms Stott, who has been on the association governors’ board since 2008, is a qualified teacher who has taught in further education, schools and university.

She was chief executive of the National Open College Network for five years from 1999 and was a director at Credit Works from 2004 to 2012.

She currently sits on the governors’ board at the City of Bath College and has been City Lit governors’ chair since 1999. It won an outstanding grade following Ofsted inspection in 2011.

“I believe absolutely in the importance of further and adult education as a powerful force for good, capable of transforming people’s lives and promoting economic and social vitality,” said Ms Stott.

“The position of association chair offers a great opportunity to play a key role in this important and diverse sector, which touches the lives of many people and communities.”

City Lit principal Mark Malcomson said: “We are truly delighted with Carole’s appointment.

“She has been an exceptional chair of City Lit and seen us achieve Ofsted outstanding and Investors in People Gold. The association and its members are very lucky to have Carole representing us.”

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