AoC Beacon Awards set to get new Chief Assessor

Current CEO and principal of the Windsor Forest Colleges Group, Kate Webb has been appointed as AoC’s Beacon Awards Chief Assessor. Kate will lead on the assessment of applications and moderation of the awards as well as a team of independent assessors. She joins AoC at an important time, with the awards in their 25th year of recognising the best and most innovative practice among UK further education colleges. Also, as AoC embarks on the implementation and new vision for the awards, including new categories. The aim of the Beacon Awards programme is to demonstrate and promote the far-reaching impact of colleges on their students and the communities they serve. Commended and winning case studies are used to increase understanding of colleges’ contribution to educational skills policy and economic and social development. Kate Webb, who is due to step down from her role at Windsor Forest Colleges Group at the end of the academic year said: "The AoC Beacon Awards have been celebrating excellence in colleges for over two decades. I am thrilled and honoured to be working with AoC and I look forward to helping colleges, and their awards, go from strength to strength." Carole Stott MBE, Chair of AoC Charitable Trust said: “We are delighted that Kate is joining us at the Charitable Trust in the role of Chief Assessor. The depth and breadth of the experience that Kate brings to the Trust will be of real value. Her track record of leadership, innovation and quality improvement, alongside her passion and commitment to further education will support the Trust as we continue to develop the Beacon Awards to reflect and respond to the changes in the sector.” David Hughes, Chief Executive of AoC said: “It’s wonderful to have Kate on board as we reach the 25th year of celebrations and set the new direction for the future of the awards. They showcase exactly why colleges are so important to every community and why people value them and I’m excited to work with Kate in making their next phase even more successful.” Please be aware that due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak we have decided to postpone this year’s Beacon Awards winners’ lunch and reception scheduled for 21 April. For more information click here.