Former College Chair Made MBE in New Year’s Honours

The former Chair of Governors at Rotherham College has been made an MBE in the New Year’s Honours.

Ken Barrass, who was a governor and Vice Chair at the college for 12 years prior to becoming Chair in 2011, has been given the award for services to Further Education.

Governors are volunteers from variety of backgrounds who are appointed to oversee the leadership and management of the college.

Mr. Barrass played a key role during a major period of development at the college, with £20m invested in facilities for students, including the construction of the Wentworth Building, and an improvement of its Ofsted grade to ‘good with outstanding features.’

Mr Barrass said

“I have found my time as a Governor and especially as Chair very rewarding with the highlights being the visit of Prince Andrew to open the Wentworth Building, the ‘Good’ Ofsted grade and seeing the improvement in success rates of the students”

He also worked with the Board and leadership of the college to forge a merger in 2016 with North Notts College, based in Worksop, to form the RNN Group, now one of the largest education and training providers in the region. He chaired the Group for the first six months of its life before handing over to Atholl Stott, previously Chair at North Notts College, in August 2016.

Atholl Stott said

“Ken contributed so much to the organisation and his foresight and professionalism played such a major part in the formation of the RNN group. This award is much deserved and a wonderful recognition for all Kens hard work and commitment to the community.”

John Connolly, Chief Executive of RNN Group said

“Ken’s leadership of the Board during the period up to the merger date and beyond was instrumental in the successful launch of the RNN Group. He was exceptionally generous with his time and expertise throughout that period, to ensure the merger delivered the best outcome for students and employers across the region.”