City College Brighton and Hove will be hoping for a period of stability following the completion of its senior management team revamp with Sharon Collett joining as principal.

She joins chief executive Nick Juba and chief operating officer Jon Rollings who have been in post since September.

The new appointments come after FE Commissioner Dr David Collins was sent in with the college, rated by Ofsted as good in 2011, having been issued Skills Funding Agency notice of concern about finances.

Dr Collins pointed out in February, following the departure of principal Lynn Thackway, how “financial difficulties have coincided with a period of extensive instability in its executive team”.

Prior to her new role, Ms Collett was vice principal of curriculum, quality and student experience at Bournemouth & Poole College.

“I’ve received a wonderful welcome from staff working in all parts of the college and can see that there’s a deep commitment to providing the best learning experience for our students,” said Ms Collett.

“I’m most looking forward to ensuring that City College Brighton and Hove is outstanding in the broadest sense of the word and for the college to be the preferred choice for vocational education in Sussex.”

Mr Juba said: “It’s a great feeling to have a permanent team in place. Sharon’s skills, experience and personality will bring a new energy to the college.”

Meanwhile, Blackburn College has welcomed Tracy Stuart and Jennifer Eastham as its two new vice principals.

Ms Stuart will lead the corporate decisions impacting on the academic areas of the college in her role as vice principal for curriculum and quality.

“My main responsibility is to make sure the curriculum we have at Blackburn College gives students an outstanding experience,” said Ms Stuart, who was previously vice principal of quality and standards at Leeds City College and head of quality performance at Newcastle College.

“I’m reviewing everything we offer at Blackburn College as I also believe in giving people a more rounded experience by pushing digital literacy skills so students don’t leave with just one qualification.”

Ms Eastham returns to her roots having previously studied an accountancy qualification with Blackburn College.

In her role as vice principal for finance and corporate services, her focus will be on improving resource efficiency to “ensure Blackburn College’s financial stability for the future”.

She was previously deputy principal for finance and funding at Myerscough College, responsible for finance, administration and commercial areas.

Ms Eastham said: “Blackburn College has given me the foundations for my career and I am thrilled to now return here as vice principal.

“I have undertaken qualifications which Blackburn College runs and have studied here myself, which is something I hope our students can relate to.”

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