Croydon (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Val Shawcross, ex-Croydon Council leader and London deputy mayor, has been appointed as the new chair of governors at Croydon College.
When the Crystal Palace Park Trust, a community organization she had assisted in founding, acquired the historic park’s lease from Bromley Council, Shawcross was most recently its chief executive in charge.
“I’ve seen Croydon struggling with growing economic and social challenges and worrying threats to our young people’s well-being,”
Shawcross said today.
“It’s vital that an important institution like Croydon College and Coulsdon Sixth Form College encourage and support as many young people as possible through useful education and training. We need to help them build better lives for themselves as well as equip them with confidence and skills for success.
I can’t think of a more important place to spend my time and effort in my retirement than in supporting Croydon’s terrific college and investing in our fantastic, talented and upcoming generation. My hope is to see more of Croydon’s young people realise their ambitions and enjoy happy lives and worthwhile careers.
There’s nothing more important for our town.”
In the southeast, Croydon College and Coulsdon Sixth Form College are two of the biggest suppliers of higher education and further education programs.
After an Ofsted inspection in 2023, the institution received an “inadequate” rating and was cautioned “about the risks associated with radicalization and extremism” on its campuses. Later that year, at the request of the Further Education Commissioner, Ian Valvona was named chair of the governors.
After a return inspection twelve months later, Croydon College’s rating was raised to “Good” overall, with “Good” in each of the eight assessment categories.
Caireen Mitchell was named the “Principle” (sic) and CEO of Croydon College and Coulsdon Sixth Form College in a news release the college issued today to announce Shawcross’s appointment.
“We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Val’s vast experience join us,”
Mitchell said.
“Because she has lived in Croydon for many years, she understands some of the challenges our young people in this area face and more importantly the essential role Croydon College can play in unlocking access to education, skills development and careers for those young people.
I have no doubt that Val will lead our fantastic team of governors in supporting improvements in the College and ensure that staff are given independent and objective scrutiny as they perform their vital jobs within Croydon’s key educational institution. I am looking forward to working with Val and our Governors to deliver on our strategic plan.”
How will Shawcross address the 2023 Ofsted “inadequate” findings?
Val Shawcross aims to respond to the 2023 Ofsted “inadequate” rating awarded to Croydon College by providing effective independent oversight and advice as chair of governors so that the college can make improvements. Emphasis on college’s use of various resources, ad hoc initiatives, and support to promote and improve educational quality to raise the college’s educational standards and reach a “Good” rating in a future inspection.
Providing effective support and oversight to the college’s leadership team to ensure that the Ofsted recommendations for improvement plans are implemented. Enhancing the accountability and scrutiny of teaching quality, safeguarding, and student outcomes.
Providing support to the college to improve its policies and processes in relation to risks such as radicalisation and student welfare, which were recommendations from the 2023 inspection. Working in partnership with staff, and wider community stakeholders to restore trust and confidence following the previous rating.