Ian Ashman named President-elect of the Association of Colleges

The Association of Colleges (AoC) has announced Ian Ashman, Principal of Hackney Community College, as its President-elect. Mr Ashman, who began his career in further education in 1993 and has had a range of college posts across London, will take over from current President John Widdowson on 1 August 2016. He has been a college principal for more than 13 years and has been Chair of the AoC London region since 2010 and is a member of the London Enterprise Panel - Skills and Employment Working Group. He has led a series of innovative initiatives, including facilitating training of the Gamesmaker volunteers for the London 2012 Games. Mr Ashman said: “I want to help the Association of Colleges continue to make the strongest case for the sector during a period of change. We need to ensure that colleges have a powerful voice in the coming year, particularly given area reviews, delegation of skills funding and financial pressures, alongside the transition to a new Chief Executive. I am looking forward to travelling around the country to visit colleges whilst working closely with the AoC team, to influence decision makers, to secure the best outcomes for our students, communities and colleges.” Martin Doel, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “I look forward to welcoming Ian to the role of President. I know he will be a great asset to AoC and our member colleges at a time of change across the further education sector. During this period our work with Government will continue to be of great importance as it looks to drive the development of technical and professional routes to employment in which colleges will play a significant role, just as they do in providing academic education in many areas.” John Widdowson, outgoing President of the Association of Colleges, said: “Ian has many years of experience in running colleges and I know he will work tirelessly on behalf of colleges and their students. I have enjoyed the experience of being President and I will be leaving the role in more than capable hands.” 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.