The Organisation
Dudley College of Technology is one of the most successful further education colleges in the UK, providing a wide range of education and training programmes locally, nationally, and internationally. The College is proud of the significant capital investments they have made, their employer partnerships, the successful opening of the Black Country and Marches Institute of Technology in 2021, and their well-established partnerships that place learners at the heart of everything they do. As an Ofsted Outstanding College, with a £46m turnover and plans to grow, the opportunity to become the next Chair was well received in the marketplace.
The Brief
The current Chair was approaching the end of their term of office and was committed to working with a successor to support them into the role. The governing body had determined to look externally for their next Chair. The search committee was specifically looking for someone who was accessible, ideally locally connected with an understanding of the local/regional issues (and in particular the complexity of the stakeholder arena in the West Midlands), with an empathy for the College’s values and ethos, and with the ability to lead, support, and challenge the strategic direction of the College.
The Candidate Base
The initial search process focused on a wide range of sectors, leading to around 30 connections and initial discussions, which resulted in four applications being received. Given the caliber of applicants, all four were invited to participate in the formal stage of the appointment process with the appointed search committee.
The Selection Process
As a voluntary, unremunerated position, the College supported a process that nurtured the interest of prospective candidates while considering their expertise, capacity, governance experience, and motivation for the role. The lead consultant ensured that all interested candidates had a solid understanding of the College’s position, both strategically, financially, and reputationally, as well as clarity on the commitment required for the role. Informal meetings with the Principal and Director of Governance were held before the formal interviews, including a tour of the College’s learning community in the center of Dudley. The process concluded with a professional discussion with each of the four applicants, ultimately leading to the identification of a successor for the current Chair.
The Outcome
Professor Paul Noon, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Coventry University, took up the position of Chair of the Corporation in 2023.