Retiring college principal says role was a ‘great privilege’

At the end of May, East Riding College principal Mike Welsh retired from his role.

During more than four years in charge, Mr Welsh oversaw a number of major developments.

The most significant saw him lead the college through a merger with TEC Partnership, which secured its long-term future.

Mr Welsh’s tenure also saw an increase in student and apprentice numbers as well as the construction of the Institute of Technology at the Flemingate campus in Beverley.

The Institute is part of the Yorkshire and Humber IoT, a partnership with several other colleges and one of 12 established by the government in 2020.

In the last four years, the college has seen its funding income grow, allowing it to expand its estate at Flemingate, which is now at capacity.

Under Mr Welsh’s leadership, the college was recognised as a high-performance provider by the QAA and Ofsted.

One of his passions was to invest in a values-driven community focus. He showed his commitment to the college’s communities from the off, taking part in a cook-off at Beverley Food Festival, welcoming guests to the Bridlington campus’ open-air cinema to celebrate the 10-year anniversary, representing the further education sector on the Humber and East Yorkshire LEP Employment and Skills Board and founding and chairing the Humber Principals’ Group.

Over the last two years, challenges were presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, stretching East Riding College and every other education provider in the country.

East Riding College was able to switch immediately to remote learning when lockdowns started due to the investment made in the IT infrastructure to facilitate blended learning.

As well as leading the college through the pandemic, Mr Welsh also found time to volunteer as a vaccination meet-and-greet colleague, working on the community roll out of the vaccine across the region.

“Like everyone else, the past couple of years has enabled my family and I to focus on our long-term future,” he said. “Having given many more years than we intended to the further education sector, my wife and I have decided it’s now time to focus on writing our next chapter.

“We have made Beverley our permanent home and look forward to having more time to enjoy all that our wonderful region has to offer.”

Kerri Harold, chair of governors at East Riding College said: “We wish Mike very well in his retirement and thank him for his huge contribution to the sector as a whole, as well as for his transformational work at East Riding College.

“He leaves us in an excellent position to move forward with exciting plans for further growth and to meet the challenge of delivering future skills.

“Under Mike’s leadership, the college has gained a reputation as a key East Coast and Humber influencer, playing a major role as an anchor institution for stakeholders across the region.”

Mike added: “It has been a great privilege to lead ERC on its journey over the past four-and-a-half years

“There is never a good time to leave and always so much to stay for, but on reflection, my wife and I decided we should retire together this year.

“I wish Team ERC every success in the future. We are a force for good, providing inclusive, high-performing and life-enhancing opportunities for many.”

East Riding College now welcomes Danny Metters as its new principal. Mr Metters was formerly the vice-principal at Riseholme College in Lincolnshire, part of Bishop Burton College.

He has a background in animal science and conservation which led him into education, through animal management and veterinary nursing specialisms.

Mr Metters has been a member of the senior leadership team at Bishop Burton College for the last five years.