BRADFORD College has announced its new Chief Executive Officer and chair of governors, who will both be taking up their roles in the new year.

Chris Jones takes over from Andy Welsh, who announced his resignation in October and has brought forward his departure date, as CEO.

Mr Welsh's departure was announced after the college was given a "requires improvement" rating by Ofsted, and a financial notice to improve by the The Education and Skills Funding Agency.

Mr Jones whose appointment is for an initial 12 months spent six years as principal and chief executive at Calderdale College before leaving in 2014 to set up his own consultancy which has seen him work as an FE Advisor with the Department for Education.

Prior to his role at Calderdale College he was the finance director and deputy principal of The Sheffield College and has also worked at Huddersfield Technical College, the NHS and KPMG.

Cath Orange, a former dean and pro-vice chancellor of Leeds Metropolitan University – now Leeds Beckett University - has been appointed the new chair of governors, replacing long-standing chair of governors Richard Wightman.

She has been a governor at Bradford College since January 2015 and is a former chair of Wakefield College, chair of the corporation at Longley Park Sixth Form College in Sheffield and was made one of the first National Leaders of Governance for the FE sector.

The news was announced to staff yesterday with the college recording its thanks to both Mr Wightman and Mr Welsh for their contributions to the college and the wider community over many years.

Mr Jones said: "“My priority is to get to know the college and to work with my new colleagues to further improve the student experience and to urgently strengthen the college’s financial position.

“I am looking forward to getting started in the New Year.”

Mrs Orange added: “The governors are pleased to have secured the services of such a respected figure in the sector as Chris.”