The esteemed Chair of Governors of Solihull College & University Centre has been awarded a Fellowship by the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE).
This prestigious recognition honours Barbara Hughes’ significant contributions to Further Education (FE) and her dedication to excellence in the sector.
CIFE, the only FE representative body with royal assent, grants chartered status to leading FE and skills providers. Established to highlight the excellence of FE and skills training providers, CIFE has grown to become a powerful voice shaping the national skills system. By collaborating with industry and influencing government policy, CIFE ensures professional education providers are recognised as key drivers of economic development and growth within their communities.
Barbara has been a Governor at the College for nearly eight years, serving as Chair for almost six years. Her distinguished career in education and skills spans over four decades, encompassing roles as a teacher, assessor, manager, and director in senior leadership teams. Barbara’s impact on the sector is profound and far-reaching. She was one of the first 20 pioneer inspectors for the Training Standards Council, which later merged with Ofsted, and served as a lead Her Majesty’s Inspector (HMI) for nine years. Her dedication to quality and improvement in education continued with part-time inspections of colleges, employers, prisons, and independent training providers until 2019.
Barbara’s career highlights include:
- Developing the modern business apprenticeship in 1993.
- Leading the inspection of Armed Forces recruit-training establishments and presenting the first national report, ‘Safer Training’.
- Collaborating with Poet Laureate Ted Hughes.
- Teaching management skills and leading quality assurance for a national welfare-to-work provider.
- Visiting young soldiers in Basra, Iraq, and presenting to the Parliamentary Defence Select Committee.
- Engaging with Middle Eastern FE providers in Yemen for the British Council.
Barbara’s passion for lifelong learning and professional development is evident in her ongoing support for fellow governors and professionals in the FE sector. Her Fellowship from CIFE not only celebrates her past achievements but also recognises her continuous contributions to the advancement of FE.
Principal & Chief Executive of the College, Dr Rebecca Gater, comments: “Barbara’s dedication and influence in FE are exceptional. Her CIFE Fellowship is a well-deserved recognition of her relentless pursuit of excellence and visionary leadership. We are incredibly proud to have Barbara’s expertise and direction at our college.”
