Annual Report 2009-2010
Perspective from a former governor
Karen Shaw, former student and governor of Winstanley College, has become the Chief Operating Officer at the James Hutton Institute. This world-wide prestigious organisation is expected to have huge influence in future research into food, land use and climate change on a global scale and Karen will play a pivotal role in its creation and development as a centre for excellence. The College and its Board of Governors are delighted to share in Karen’s success and wish her all the best in her future career.
Karen is definitely a local girl made good. The family home is in Billinge and Karen attended Upholland High School formerly known as Upholland County Secondary School. As a former student, Karen believes that she owes her academic career and interest in science to having been at Winstanley College. She says: “Against the odds, I managed to get into university- the first in my family to do so. I had a fantastic education at Winstanley College and loved my time there. It set me on the road to an academic career and for that, I feel grateful and lucky to have had that opportunity. I always felt that I wanted to give something back in return and the most effective way might be through community/public service at the College.”
Karen joined the College Board of Governors in 2007 whilst head of Manchester University’s research office. She believes the experience of being a governor at Winstanley was invaluable to her career: “Becoming a Governor will stand me in good stead for managing whole organisations at an executive level going forward. Being a Governor allows you to acquire new knowledge and skills but in addition, you have an opportunity to impart your own experiences into the governance and therefore fabric of the College.”
As well as the chance to give something back, the role of governor also enabled Karen to further her interests in the education system in the UK, to take on a community role and to develop her career and interest in ‘organisational management’
Karen believes passionately that the outcomes for students at Winstanley and their success in a myriad of ways is an ‘amazing and yet understated success story for the Borough’ and is a cause for celebration. She says: “Collectively, the Governors have played a significant part in realising and sustaining that success but that will only continue as long as the College is able to recruit dedicated, well intentioned people to join the Governing Board.”
To find out more about being a governor at Winstanley College please contact:-
Charlotte Fitch or Pam Hollowell on 01695 633244.
email
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