OBE for South Tyneside College chief executive

The chief executive of South Tyneside College, Lindsey Whiterod, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours list, for her services to further education.

Lindsey, who trained to be a solicitor began her career as a law lecturer at South Tyneside College in 1994.

She has worked in further education at senior management level since 2000 when she became director of the School of Business, Management and Computing at Newcastle College.

After three years she joined New College Durham as deputy principal, before returning to South Tyneside College as principal and chief executive in October 2009.

She has since implemented far-sighted improvements, included capital refurbishment and estate rationalisation programmes in excess of £14 million and a quality improvement programme in all provision that has led to a rapid rise in education standards and an improved Ofsted rating of ‘good’.

The College, which has 4,000 students from 96 countries, is also rated financially outstanding by the Government’s Skills Funding Agency.

The College sponsors an Academy as part of its commitment to driving up educational standards in the region and supporting the South Tyneside Community. Ridgeway Primary Academy converted to Academy Status in February 2012 and is now supported by the College Academy Trust.

Lindsey has also displayed a huge commitment to South Shields Marine School, which is part of South Tyneside College, and the protection and advancement of its proud 152-year (founded in 1861) history by developing its world-renowned brand into new markets in countries such as China, Nigeria, India and Bangladesh.

The 43 year-old, who is from Tyne & Wear, said: “This is a tremendous honour, and indeed a great surprise. It is a very proud moment for me.

“I was taken aback when informed but I can see that I have been part of many good and positive advances and initiatives which I hope have benefited the students, lecturers and other staff that I have worked with.

“I have enjoyed a very happy and satisfying career and every stage has brought rewards as well as challenges, but I consider my best achievement to have been the driving up of standards at South Tyneside College as part of a wonderful team.

“Our work means it is now a high performing college whose students do better than at any time and the college is financially strong despite a difficult funding environment.

“The hard work and dedication of many people is paying rich dividends and we have created an environment for learning of which we can all be very proud.

“Indeed, the Government’s Business Secretary, Vince Cable, recently described the college as ‘inspirational’, which shows just how far we have come and how well thought of we are at the very highest level.

“Fresh challenges undoubtedly await, both personally and for the college, and I am very much looking forward to the future and all that it will bring.”

No date has been set for Lindsey’s investiture but it is expected to be by the summer.