College principal appointed chair of global education federation

Dawn Ward, chief executive and principal of Burton and South Derbyshire College, has been appointed chair of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) board.

The federation is an international network of colleges and associations and is the voice for professional technical education and training across the world.

It brings together member institutions and supports their strategic objectives through practice sharing, joint research initiatives and collaborative working with a view to prepare learners across the world for professional, technical and vocational careers in a modern and global future landscape.

The organisation was formed in 1998 from a group of five countries (Canada, UK, USA, Australia and Africa) in recognition that education institutions around the world faced similar issues and challenges and, by sharing research, practice and methods, they could develop common approaches to effectively overcome barriers and create highly valuable networks that benefit learners across the globe.

Speaking of the appointment, Dawn (pictured) said: “I am delighted and humbled to be elected by the WFCP as their chair.

"The Federation has done amazing work in bringing together a global network of internationally focused education institutions for collective benefit and I am keen to ensure that this momentum continues.

"My predecessor, Craig Robertson (CEO of TAFE Directors Australia) has left a strong and lasting legacy with the Federation and I would like to formally thank him for the excellent work he has done in his time leading the WFCP. ”