Express & Star

College 'in step' with business chamber

A community college in the Black Country classed as 'outstanding' by OFSTED has appointed Black Country Chamber Consultative Forum member, Jev Bhalla, as its new Principal.

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Jev has been Interim Principal at Walsall Adult and Community College (WACC) since February 2014. His new role begins on 1st August, when he will also guide the college through its transition from being a Local Authority controlled College to independent status.

The Principal has a distinguished public service record in strategic management, business development and Further and Higher Education.

He said; "It is an honour to take up the role of Principal at this outstanding college, and especially during this exciting time as we move towards independent status.

"We are very proud of our roots in the community and have established an outstanding reputation for our Adult Education and Community provision.

Sandwell Academy has become the first school in Sandwell to achieve the prestigious EQualities Award.

Like all public bodies, schools and academies have a statutory duty under the Equality Act 2010 to advance equality of opportunity, foster good relations and tackle discrimination against individuals and groups irrespective of gender, disability and ethnicity.

The EQualities Award pays tribute to those schools and academies that go the extra mile to become equalities champions.

To gain the award, which is recognised by Ofsted, staff and governors undertook a thorough review of the academy's policies and practice and supplied a wide range of evidence for external assessment.

Director of the EQualities Award, Dr Chris Derrington said: "The staff and governors at Sandwell Academy conducted a rigorous self-evaluation and have produced an excellent portfolio of compelling evidence of which they should be justifiably proud.

"The academy actively promotes positive attitudes towards disability, ethnicity and gender equality which helps to challenge stereotypes and raise aspirations for all students.

"Everyone is valued and concerted efforts are made to challenge inequality wherever it might surface.

"This achievement underlines a genuine commitment and determination to uphold important core values, extend opportunities for all and ensure that every student makes excellent progress, regardless of their circumstances."

Further details about the award can be found at www.equalitiesaward.co.uk

"As times change and public finance continues to be under pressure we value the opportunity of moving outside of Local Authority control. Independence offers us greater flexibility to work with regional employers and define what training is appropriate for their business needs and how to get young people from across the borough and beyond 'work ready'.

"Our targeted traineeships and apprenticeships provide young people in Walsall and the Black Country, who are often furthest from the jobs market, with realistic pathways into work. Importantly, we provide opportunities, promote growth and regeneration."

At this key moment in the evolution of this Outstanding college, Board Chairman and Walsall Councillor Chris Towe and his fellow governors are looking to strengthen the board of directors by recruiting a voluntary director who is a qualified accountant.

"This will complete the skill set on the board to help us in our quest to broaden our offer from being a Community Education provider to an education provider of choice for commercial organisations, operating in new sectors" says Councillor Towe. "The challenges ahead are exciting for WACC. Are you the person who can help us to meet them?"

If the answer is yes, please contact the secretary to the board Tony Lee by email at: leet@wacc.ac.uk or visit our website at www.wacc.ac.uk

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