College principal to succeed Birbalsingh as social mobility chair

Alun Francis has been filling in as interim chair since 'country's strictest headteacher' resigned in January

Alun Francis has been filling in as interim chair since 'country's strictest headteacher' resigned in January

Exclusive

A college principal has been picked by government as its preferred candidate to take over from Katharine Birbalsingh as chair of the Social Mobility Commission.

Alun Francis, outgoing principal of Oldham College, has been filling in as interim chair since January. The former deputy chair has been overseeing the State of the Nation report, which aims to cement the commission’s shift from focusing solely on talented youngsters moving from the “bottom” to the “top” social mobility rungs.

“The Commission has been working hard for two years to build a solid foundation for some new thinking about the focus and priorities of policy,” Francis said.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to bring this work to fruition. I especially hope to draw on my experience of working in further education, and my knowledge and understanding of so-called ‘left behind’ people and places, to make a positive contribution.”

Birbalsingh quit earlier this year saying her controversial opinions “put the commission in jeopardy” and it is doing “more harm than good”.

Francis’ appointment will be subject to a pre-appointment hearing with the House of Commons women and equalities select committee.

Equalities minister Kemi Badenoch said Francis had “demonstrated the knowledge, skills and expertise which are necessary to lead the Social Mobility Commission, maintaining the organisation’s position as a champion of social mobility across the UK.”

Baroness Stowell, an FE college alumna from the Midlands who has led the House of Lords, has also been appointed a commissioner on the board.

She would provide “further insight and understanding to the already diverse and accomplished SMC board”, Badenoch added.

The commission is expected to publish its final State of the Nation report later this year. 

Latest education roles from

Principal & Chief Executive – Bath College

Principal & Chief Executive – Bath College

Dodd Partners

IT Technician

IT Technician

Harris Academy Morden

Teacher of Geography

Teacher of Geography

Harris Academy Orpington

Lecturer/Assessor in Electrical

Lecturer/Assessor in Electrical

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

Director of Management Information Systems (MIS)

Director of Management Information Systems (MIS)

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

Exams Assistant

Exams Assistant

Richmond and Hillcroft Adult & Community College

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

Apprenticeships are for life, not just National Apprenticeship Week

National Apprenticeship Week is one of the awareness events that we all mark in our calendars. It’s a hive...

Advertorial
Sponsored post

Functional Skills reimagined: Drive success in English & Mathematics with modern qualifications.

In today’s educational landscape, supporting learners with essential English and maths skills goes beyond traditional teaching. It’s about providing...

Advertorial
Sponsored post

Do you want to be part of The Bedford College Group’s next chapter?

At The Bedford College Group, we are passionate about transforming lives and communities through education. As one of the...

Advertorial
Sponsored post

It’s Education’s Time to Shine: Celebrate your Education Community in 2025!

The deadline is approaching to nominate a colleague, team, whole school or college for the 2025 Pearson National Teaching...

Advertorial

More from this theme

Ofqual, Politics

£16k legal bill blow as apprentice assessor’s £50k fine upheld

EPAO refutes Ofqual allegations that the company deliberately breached rules for financial gain

Billy Camden
Politics

Smith to amend IfATE bill after apprenticeship powers scrutiny

Transparency win for Lords questioning new powers for ministers to directly develop and approve standards and assessment plans

FE Week Reporter
Ofsted, Politics, Skills reform

DfE considers extending ‘school profile’ plans to FE providers

Ministers will also rule on a new 'proportionate and relevant' approach to accountability amid Ofsted's report cards plan

Billy Camden
Colleges, Politics

Saudis ‘ready to offer decade-long FE tuition deals’ to UK colleges

Fresh tendering round expected to launch this academic year to revive ventures in the kingdom

Billy Camden

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *