Inspiring Senior Leadership in Further Education

This book provides an unprecedented exploration of senior leadership in Further Education (FE), delving into the characteristics, journeys, and challenges of today's senior leaders in the sector. Firmly grounded in real-world practice, this book offers personal narratives from FE senior leaders that blend reflection, strategy, and lessons learned. It serves as a spotlight on their diverse experiences, aiming to demystify senior leadership and inspire the next generation of leaders to pursue these roles as viable and rewarding career paths. Each chapter addresses a potential challenge for FE leaders; explores strategies, leadership adaptations, and sector-specific insights for addressing the topic; offers key takeaways and reflections on leadership evolution; and concludes with a discussion on the transformative impact of forward-looking perspectives on leadership. Designed for current and aspiring FE senior leaders, as well as leadership-focused practitioner-researchers, this book provides relatable, actionable insights into the complexities of senior leadership in this uniquely challenging sector.

Rebecca Gater is Principal and Chief Executive of Solihull College & University Centre, UK, and is a founding member of the Research Colleges Group.

List of contributors Foreword By Shelagh Legrave Preface By Rebecca Gater Acknowledgements List of abbreviations Introduction By Rebecca Gater Part I - Belonging, identity, and the human work of leadership Chapter 1: Helping others flourish By Heather Marks Chapter 2: The power of belonging By Asfa Sohail Chapter 3: From humble beginnings to transforming lives By Sacha Corcoran Chapter 4: FE didn't just give me a job, it gave me a future By Rebecca Gater Part II - Courage in complexity: adaptive leadership in action Chapter 5: Growth happens in the uncomfortable spaces By Rachael Smith Chapter 6: A Special kind of weirdo: leadership identity in Further Education By Cat Lewis Chapter 7: Rebuilding through ambition, kindness, and empowerment By Andrew Cropley Chapter 8: Second chances, shared journeys By Clare Russell Chapter 9: Leading in the unknown: How FE redefined my purpose By Yiannis Koursis Chapter 10: From cars to Cornwall: A journey through five college turnarounds By John Evans Part III. Authenticity, values, and moral purpose Chapter 11: From scientist to CEO: diversity, inclusion, and empowerment in FE leadership By Anita Lall Chapter 12: No magic formula: Leading with authenticity and adaptability By Jason Turton Chapter 13: A product of Further Education By Danny Metters Chapter 14: No personality transplant required: communication-led leadership in Further Education By Verity Hancock Part IV: Re-imagining practice: creativity, digital, and entrepreneurial innovation Chapter 15: Creativity, courage, and leadership By Emma Forrest-Leigh Chapter 16: Thrown in at the deep end, and grateful for It By Chris Loveday Chapter 17: Publishing, people, and leadership By Nancy Buckley Part V: Governance and public value Chapter 18: Bridging leadership and governance: Strategies for success By Adam Goldstein, Shirley Collier and Heather Cross Conclusion By Rebecca Gater and Vikki Smith Index