Portsmouth College Principal, Steve Frampton the next AoC President

Association of Colleges has announced Steve Frampton MBE, Principal of Portsmouth College, as its next President. Steve Frampton, who has a lifelong passion for post-16 education, will take over from current President Dr Alison Birkinshaw on 1 August 2018. Since 2005, Steve has been Principal of Portsmouth College, a very rapidly growing and innovative stand-alone community SFC and winner of the AoC Beacon Award for 'Effective use of Technology in Firther Education' in 2017. He has been the Director of several local community charities, including Business South and PiTC (community arm of Portsmouth Football Club). Steve was also recently appointed to the National Board of Association of Colleges and was featured in the business and leadership bestseller by Chris Lewis “Too Fast to Think”. His extensive career has been recognised at the highest level, with Steve being awarded a MBE for Services to Education in the Queen’s New Year Honours 2017. Steve Frampton MBE said: "I am truly honoured and grateful to be given the opportunity to be the next president of AoC - it is an organisation that delivers so much value to the FE sector. “I would like to acknowledge the excellent work Alison has done this year, building on the amazing work Ian did previously. I am aware I have an impressive legacy to uphold but will strive to carry on the brilliant work of previous presidents. “I would also hope as part of my role to visit more colleges, and meet with you, your staff, governors and students to see how the AoC can even better support the brilliant work you are doing.” David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “I’m looking forward to working with Steve when he takes up the role of AoC President from August. He will be a great advocate and help us to amplify the importance of colleges to the health and prosperity of our communities and the economy. Steve’s extensive range of experience, his enthusiasm and the skills he has learned over 39 years in our sector will have massive benefits for the FE community over the next year.” The President serves for a one-year term working with AoC to promote colleges to Government ministers to influence their decisions when making policy for further education. They also support AoC’s Chief Executive in working together with other FE sector bodies to get the best for colleges. The role also has ambassadorial duties including visiting colleges and meeting staff and students.