A new academic year and a new Chair of Governors for Bishop Burton College

Alan Menzies has stepped down as Chair of Governors at Bishop Burton College after many years’ successful service. Alan, who is Executive Director of Planning and Economic Regeneration and Deputy Chief Executive for East Riding of Yorkshire Council has volunteered as a governor of the college for a number of years. Alan has taken on various roles, including Chair of Corporation, and served on the Audit, Governance and Search and Remuneration Committees. His guidance, experience and expertise has helped shape the strategic direction of the college with notable successes through the years, including maintaining a Good Ofsted rating and an Ofsted Outstanding rating for its residential accommodation – both achieved in the last academic year.

On handing over to his successor Alan said: “It has been a privilege to have been involved with this important educational institution for the East Yorkshire, Humber and Lincolnshire regions and to see it continue to grow and develop.

“I have been particularly pleased to see the growing emphasis on sustainable technology and practices as this is so key in the education of young people – especially those working in the agriculture sectors which are so important to the future of this region and the nation. I will be sad not to be as involved in the future direction of the organisation but I will continue to watch as it grows the potential of each and every student it serves.”

Taking over the reins of the college, which also encompasses Riseholme College in Lincolnshire and University Centre Bishop Burton, will be Ian Sackree who has served as a governor since 2018. Based in Lincoln, Ian’s career started as an accountant in the NHS which led on to leadership roles in the Education sector and latterly in recruitment. As a senior postholder at another large college Ian held responsibility for Finance, HR, IT, Learning Resources, Marketing, Partnerships and Estates and was part of the leadership team who took it to Outstanding – a feat he is looking forward to repeating at Bishop Burton and Riseholme College.

Ian said: “I’m delighted to begin my role as Chair of Governors at the college, bringing my experience of the education sector and in leadership roles to this exciting new challenge. Bishop Burton is already a standard bearer for all that is innovative in education, for example now entering our fourth year offering T Levels after being in the first wave to introduce them alongside our supportive employers. The college is advancing its sustainability agenda aiming to make key parts of our estate such as our College Farm carbon neutral well ahead of the curve.”

The college also welcomes Angela Moran as its new Vice Chair. Angela draws upon her experience working in the Agricultural sector as a nutritionist as well as roles including marketing, purchasing, supply chain management, transport, account management, quality assurance, food safety and business development.

Bill Meredith, College Principal, said: “My warmest thanks to Alan for his years of service to the college. Alan’s unwavering commitment and invaluable insights have been a great support to the institution, and he will be sorely missed. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Ian as he takes on the role of Chair”.