Nikki Davis has been made the first female principal & CEO of Leeds College of Building in its 60-year history
Nikki Davis, currently the vice-principal for teaching, learning and quality, will become the Leeds College of Building principal & CEO on 1st August. The incumbent principal & CEO, Derek Whitehead, will continue his rule until the end of the current academic year to allow a transition period.
Davis’ previous roles include the post of vice principal (technical and professional) and assistant principal (employer engagement) at York College; head of department at Kirklees College, and programme manager at Leeds City College.
The announcement coincided with International Women’s Day 2022
The announcement coincided with International Women’s Day 2022 (Tuesday 8th March).
Davis has made the following comments on the post:
“I’m delighted to be appointed to the role of Principal & CEO at Leeds College of Building and to build on its previous successes and first-rate tradition of delivering exceptional training to learners from across the UK.
“This is an exciting time for the College, and I very much look forward to working with students, staff, employers, and partners to ensure that Leeds College of Building delivers on its potential.”
The College is committed to inclusivity and diversity and welcomes Davis’ appointment
Peter Norris, Leeds College of Building chair of governors, commented:
“The College is passionately committed to inclusivity in construction and promoting diversity in the workforce, and so we look forward to Nikki commencing her role as Principal & CEO. Not only will her appointment ensure seamless continuity, but she also has outstanding knowledge of leadership in the Further Education sector.”
Leeds College of Building graded ‘Good’ in all areas
Leeds College of Building caters for around 5,500 students and covers 16-18 full-time study programmes, adult provision, HE courses, and bespoke programmes for employers. The apprentice training scheme is especially popular with more than half of the students opting for a course – from Level 2 up to degree apprenticeships.
In 2019, the Ofsted graded the college ‘Good’ in all areas. It also opened phase two of its £13m South Bank Campus. Inspections now show quality at ‘good or better’, HE meets all UK standards, and the ESFA gave the College a ‘good’ rating, indicating a healthy financial position.
Derek Whitehead will be retiring from the role after 37 years
The current principal and CEO Derek Whitehead will be retiring from the role after 37 years of working in further education and vocational skills training. His appointment to deputy principal at Leeds College of Building (the UK’s only specialist Further Education construction college) was in 2004. He was later promoted to principal & CEO.
Derek Whitehead commented:
“I have genuinely enjoyed all 18 years spent at Leeds College of Building. I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved and being involved in leading such a great team of talented, agile, and responsive staff, together with stakeholder and Governor support. I’m delighted to be leaving the College in such good shape at the end of a very rewarding career in Further Education.
“I have never lost a love of construction after all these years. Helping students develop skills that can make a transformative difference to their future and society is an absolute privilege. It is the accomplishment of which I’m most proud. Leeds College of Building is a fantastic organisation to lead, and I know Nikki will do a superb job at taking the College to the next stage in its development.”
Peter Norris added:
“The Board would also like to acknowledge the commitment and hard work of Derek Whitehead in supporting students to achieve their aspirations over so many years, to ensure that the construction sector is supported and developed in the Leeds City Region and beyond.”
