Dame Asha Khemka has left her role as an Institute for Apprenticeships board member, following her resignation from West Nottinghamshire College earlier this month.

The high-profile former principal had the backing of the institute just two weeks ago when a spokesperson said she “remains a valued member” of its board just days after she departed the financially troubled WNC.

But today, she stood down from the role.

“It has been an honour and privilege to serve on the IfA board,” Dame Asha said.

“However, considering I am no longer a serving principal, I have decided to step down from the board. I convey my best wishes to the institute.”

Antony Jenkins, chair of the IfA board, thanked her for her service.

“Dame Asha has been a highly valued member of our board. I would also like to thank her for the time and effort she has dedicated to chairing the quality assurance committee,” he said.

“We wish her all the best for the future.”

Dame Asha, who led WNC from 2006, stepped down from the top job on October 1 following a “special meeting of the board of governors” held “in light of the current challenges faced by the college”.

It was forced to go to the Education and Skills Funding Agency in July for a £2.1 million bailout, just 48 hours before it would have run out of cash, as revealed by FE Week.

Dame Asha was one of two college principals appointed to the IfA’s board in January 2017.

She was one of the most highly-paid principals in the FE sector, with a remuneration package worth £262,000 in 2016/17.

She received £15,000 a year for her role on the IfA board. Following her appointment last year, a spokesperson for WNC refused to say whether Dame Asha would keep the money herself or give it to the college.

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