Reaseheath College in Nantwich has begun its new academic year by welcoming Richard Ratcliffe as its new Chair of Governors.
Well known in agricultural and business circles and a long time supporter of Reaseheath, Richard and his wife, Gill, farm in Nantwich and also operate a number of separate farming businesses across the UK.
Richard, who served as Vice Chairman of governors last year, takes over the chairmanship from Emily Thrane. Now retired, Emily had previously enjoyed a career in educational administration with local authorities and with the Further Education Funding and Learning and Skills Councils.
Richard said: “It is a great honour to take over as Chair and a pleasure to follow Emily, who has set some very high standards for me to follow and develop.
“The Governors are part of the Reaseheath team which helps to keep the college at the forefront of higher and further education, both regionally and further afield. This is an important and exciting time for this wonderful college and I am looking forward to helping to shape its future and to continue to see first hand the positive effect it has on so many young people.”
Reaseheath College is one of the UK’s premier, specialist land-based colleges with some of the best training facilities in the country including a commercial farm, zoo, equestrian centre and food processing hub. Over £45 million has been invested over the past six years into specialist educational facilities and halls of residence on campus and a further £30 million building programme is underway.
Due to open this Autumn is a National Centre for Food Futures and the Environment – a forward thinking bio-tech facility to train students and those already working in the industry to meet the challenge of world population growth and climate change. An advanced agri-technology centre, which will deliver training in precision farming including crop and animal production systems, is planned for 2016.
The college has nearly 7,000 students from all over the country who include undergraduates and apprentices.
Reaseheath’s governing board is made up of members of the public, staff and students who offer a wide range of experience and skills. The governors support and challenge the college leaders and make sure that college stays true to its mission, vision and values.
The college welcomes hearing from anyone interested in becoming a governor, particularly if they have experience in the land based industries or in further education. The role is voluntary but expenses are paid and there are opportunities for personal training and development.
For further details contact Jackie Schillinger, Clerk to the Governors, at jackies@reaseheath.ac.uk
