Chelmsford College’s Director of Governance appointed as a National Leader

Ra Hamilton-Burns, Director of Governance at Chelmsford College, has been appointed as a National Leader of Governance (NLG) by the Further Education Commissioner (FEC), part of the Department for Education.

Ra is one of only 15 National Leaders of Governance in England and the only one based at a college in Essex.

The role means that she will use her experience, insight and professional expertise to support colleagues across the FE sector. The support can take several forms but is always based on peer support, mentoring and constructive challenge. NLGs contribute to the wider culture of continuous improvement across FE.

Ra said: "I am delighted to have been made an NLG and am grateful to the colleagues and mentors from whom I have learned so much. By working in line with the FEC values framework, and drawing on collaboration and constructive challenge, I hope to provide meaningful support and make a positive impact. Of course, I am also hoping to make both Chelmsford College and the FEC team proud!"

With over 25 years as a governance professional in FE, Ra has worked in several colleges and supported mergers, recovery journeys and colleagues along the way. Coming from a family of educators and media professionals, she understands the challenges facing the sector and is committed to sharing her knowledge and expertise to support others.

Professor Sheila Salmon, Chair of the Board, said: "An excellent appointment. Ra is an inspiration. In this role she will be able to draw on her wide-ranging governance experience to inform, support and encourage colleagues more widely. Importantly she will also import new learning to our College to further improve our practices. Many congratulations!"

David Warnes, Principal of Chelmsford College, said: "I have worked with Ra for many years and am delighted that her talents and expertise have been recognised by the Further Education Commissioner to become a National Leader of Governance. She has exceptional knowledge of corporate governance in the FE sector and has helped support “Good Governance” at Chelmsford College. She will be an asset to the sector supporting other Chairs, Principals and Governance Professionals."

The appointment is national recognition of the standard of governance at Chelmsford College, and the experience Ra gains working with other colleges will continue to strengthen how the College is led and run.

Find out more about governance at Chelmsford College