Dr Lynne Sedgmore’s seven-year stint as executive director of the 157 Group is to come to an end later this year with her retirement.

It will bring an end to a 35-year FE sector career that includes the chief executive role at the Centre for Excellence in Leadership for four years from 2004.

Previous roles include principal of Guildford College, vice principal of Croydon College and head of Croydon Business School.

“I have loved my 35 years in the sector and have never wanted to be anywhere else,” she said.

“The work that FE colleges do for a huge cross spectrum of students is totally amazing, we truly transform lives for the better. I will miss colleagues and professional friends but in my 60th year, it feels time for a new and different life. I have plenty of things I want to do, places to go and adventures still to be had.”

Dr Sedgmore is expected to step down with the appointment of her replacement.

Sarah Robinson, 157 Group chair and chief executive of Stoke on Trent College, said: “Lynne has been instrumental in helping to raise the profile of FE, highlighting the social and economic mission of FE colleges and the important role they play in collaborating with employers and others to develop local economies.

“She has stimulated debate, supported research and facilitated the sharing of effective practice across the sector, especially in teaching and learning.”

Meanwhile, bosses at City College Brighton and Hove — visited by FE Commissioner Dr David Collins at the start of February over financial concerns — have appointed Monica Box interim principal while they look for a full-time replacement for Lynn Thackway.

Ms Box’s first principalship came in 2001 at Calderdale College, in West Yorkshire. More recently, she has worked as an interim principal at times of change to a number of colleges, including City College Manchester, South Kent College, Kensington & Chelsea College and most recently she was interim chief executive at the Barnfield Federation.

“When I visited Brighton college I was very impressed with the passion and pride of governors and staff for both the college and the communities served by the college,” she said.

“This kind of commitment is half the battle in any organisational success and I very much look forward to assisting in the creation of a bright future for City College Brighton and Hove.”

Julie Nerney, chair of the grade two-rated City College’s board of governors, said: “Monica brings a wealth of experience, coupled with a strong people focus and the board is confident she will bring clarity, focus and an open leadership style to the college over the coming months.

“This appointment will create the time and space for the recruitment process of our new permanent post holder, which will start in early March. We will also be looking to make permanent appointments to this post and the two other vacancies in our executive team.”

Ms Thackway left her role at the start of the month citing family reasons. She became principal in August 2012 having left her deputy principal’s post at the Barnfield Federation.

She said: “It is with great regret that I have made the difficult decision to step down from my role as principal of City College which has a very special place in my heart. At this moment, I need to put my family first but when my family situation has improved I will return to the sector I am so passionate about.”

A college spokesperson said: “The board of governors is grateful for Lynn’s hard work for the college during a very challenging time for the FE sector nationally, would like to thank her for her contribution and wish her every success for the future.”

 

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