Corporation Chair says farewell after a decade of service

Walsall College governors, staff and students have said farewell and thank you to their Chair of Corporation who has stepped down from the role.  Allan Pinnegar is retiring after four years as Chair and ten years’ service with the corporation.

Commenting on his governorship, Principal and Chief Executive, Jatinder Sharma OBE said: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Allan whose knowledge, drive and dedication helped Walsall College lead the way in many areas of vocational and technical further education practice.

“He leaves us in an excellent position to support the government’s levelling up agenda.  We are also confident about delivering our strategic aims for quality, innovation and sustainability; with our learners at the heart of everything we do.

“It’s been an honour to work with Allan and we wish him well for the future.”

Allan was appointed to Corporation in March 2011, having previously been an Associate Governor. In July 2014 he was elected Vice Chair of the Corporation and then Chair of the Corporation in February 2017.

The Bristol-born architect has lived in Walsall for over thirty years.  He set up PHd Architects, formerly known as Pinnegar Hayward Design, in 1992, undertaking industrial, commercial, residential, and education-based architectural projects including work in the further education sector.

During his time as chair, Allan oversaw the launch of Walsall College’s Digital Engineering Centre as well as the acquisition of Walsall Adult Community College and the Birmingham-based Construction College Midlands.  He also supported education reform around Apprenticeship standards and the introduction of T Level qualifications.

Allan said: “It has been a joy to be part of the college’s growth and development over the last decade and to have worked with such excellent corporation and senior leadership teams.  I will miss the college and its people tremendously, but know that everyone will always do their very best by the students and communities they serve.”

Alan Woods, chief executive of awarding organisation VTCT, replaces Allan as Chair of the Corporation and Charlotte Bosworth, managing director of Innovate Awarding, is now Vice Chair.  In addition to these appointments, the college is seeking new governors to help guide, monitor and lead on their strategic direction.

Jatinder added: “All governors, myself included represent a range of sectors and fields.  We will happily welcome the input of motivated, dynamic individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, skills and experiences who can enhance our views, ideas and aims so that we continue moving in a positive direction.

“Being a Walsall College Governor is extremely rewarding and fulfilling and so we encourage anyone looking to develop their leadership skills and/or make a public service contribution to contact us about the roles.”

Find out more about becoming a Walsall College Corporation member here or email Alison Buick at abuick@walsallcollege.ac.uk