November 2009

As a month has passed since my last posting, it’s been a very busy few weeks and I can hardly believe where this term has gone.

● Many meetings have been attended in Cardiff including presenting with the Governors on the Review of Governance in Wales, attending meetings of the Higher Education External Review Group. Much of my time has been taken with meetings involving the college’s proposed merger and the consultation is now out for public comment which can be accessed here until 23 November.
● A very successful evening was held in the college restaurant with the Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones earlier this month as part of the CBIs dinner meetings.
● I was very pleased to visit all of Coleg Meirion Dwyfor sites with some of my Board members and the Principal’s office staff. Despite the weather, the Lleyn and Meirionydd were very welcoming, as were the staff and students.
● The college earlier this week held a very successful open evening with over 600 people in attendance at the Rhos site and 200 at Rhyl.
● I’m currently in Birmingham at the Association of Colleges conference and on Tuesday was very pleased as the college was announced Beacon Winner for its International Student Support for achieving excellence in its international operations. The Award recognises best practice in supporting international students from recruitment to the completion of their qualifications. The award is sponsored by the British Council. This is excellent news for the college and is testament to the excellent service provided to its learners by the college team. At Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl the college was awarded Highly Commended for the Widening Participation award. The College was praised for its exemplary practice in developing provision which supports access to further education and employment for disengaged adults. My hearty congratulations and thank you to all the teams involved at the college, including all our local businesses, Assembly Members and Members of Parliament who help support the college.
● I’ve been very impressed by the events taking place this week during Enterprise Week with some very enterprising students regularly visiting my offices and a range of activities taking place in the college.
● It’s been non-stop for me so I am sure there will be more to catch up on soon.