Message from the Principal
Dear Applicant
Thank you very much for taking the time to access this briefing pack. I hope that you will feel sufficiently enthused by its contents to apply for the post of Director of Finance, Estates & Facilities it describes.
WKC is not just any further education college. Our central London location means we are uniquely placed at the heart of one of the world’s greatest cities and we work hard to optimise the advantages that come with this. We partner closely with our key local authorities - Camden and Westminster - but do not have a tight catchment area. We draw our students from all 33 London boroughs and beyond. People are as likely to study here because they work in central London as live locally. Many travel in because they enjoy the social aspects of studying in central London. Of course, our Employer Training Solutions team travel to deliver training on employers’ premises all over London rather than expecting their clients to come to one of our sites.
The college has done very well over the last few years. We are sound financially, regarded as ‘Good’ by OfSTED, have been awarded the Training Quality Standard. Last February we opened the first new, purpose-built, FE building in London for many years. However, we recognise this is not enough to thrive in the challenging environment FE will face over the next years. The Government’s ‘demand-led’ approach to FE funding has become discredited but it is not yet clear what method for applying public-subsidy to training will replace it. That said, WKC is determined to be truly demand-led providing a distinctive offer for each of our three key client groups – 14-19 year olds, unemployed and adults in low-paid jobs and employers. We are creating pathways to meet their needs and ensure they both achieve and are highly satisfied with the service they have received. This is what we mean by ‘demand-led’.
The Director of Finance, Estates & Facilities will be crucial in enabling us to fulfil our ambitions. During a period of financial uncertainty in the public sector, they will lead us in:
There is much to achieve in both the short and long term and we are seeking the right candidate, with the right values, the right attitude and the right leadership skills. If you believe you have the ability to respond flexibly and proactively in a rapidly changing, exciting and challenging environment, I would welcome an application from you. If you would like to discuss the role directly with me before deciding to apply, please contact my PA (principals.office@westking.ac.uk or 020 7802 8984) who will arrange a time when we can speak on the phone.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Andy Wilson
Principal
