New Stafford College principal in pledge after troubled year

Ian Clinton, who has nearly 20 years experience as a principal and chief executive, has taken on the role in the wake of former principal Beverley Smith's departure last month.

Earlier this year, college staff held a mass walkout demanding the departure of the former principal blaming a 'culture of fear' on site as a trigger for the protests.

However, Mr Clinton has said he will work closely with staff to ensure a turnaround in the fortunes of Stafford College.

He was awarded an OBE for his services to further education in 2014 after leading the transformation of Stockport College and turning around Blackburn College within three years following a poor Ofsted grading.

He said: "I have been in the role for nearly two weeks now and everyone I have met has been very professional.

"I have found the staff to be very helpful and welcoming and I am convinced together we can make a success of things, it is all about trust and positivity.

"I look forward to working with staff, pupils, local authorities and businesses to make sure this college is as good as it can be.

"I think my track record shows that I can make important changes when they are needed and I believe I will do the same here."

In June, more than 100 workers at the college staged a mass walkout demanding that Ms Smith step down.

Some staff were in tears as they took part in the protest, blaming the 'culture of fear' that had developed at the college.

The protest followed a meeting where 300 employees voted twice for Ms Smith to step down.

A total of five votes of no confidence from staff and management were received before Ms Smith went on long-term sick leave in July.

The college used an external adviser to investigate staff allegations and concerns about her leadership and Ms Smith stepped down with immediate effect on October 9.

Last November, Ofsted inspectors concluded that Stafford College 'required improvement' in the three key areas including 'effectiveness of leadership and management'.

In the subsequent report, lead inspector Stephen Hunsley said: "Governors and senior leaders have not acted quickly enough since the previous inspection to implement the improvements required to become a good college."

Mr Clinton said: "This is a challenge but these jobs are always big challenges.

"It is also an exciting opportunity for me.

"I think that when staff get to know me and trust me, we can make a big difference to Stafford and most importantly, help young people get the best grades possible."

Fourteen jobs, including teaching posts, were axed at the college last month after a summer-long review into staffing levels.

Since September last year, 19 full-time workers, 11 part-time staff and 16 casual employees have handed in their notice but the college described the departures as 'business as normal' and part of 'natural staffing workflows'.