Culture and Leadership in Education Podcast

What does it take to build a college culture where people genuinely belong, thrive, and feel supported? In this episode of The Culture & Leadership Podcast, host Guy Walker travels to Halifax to chat with David Malone, Principal and Chief Executive of Calderdale College. David shares his rapid journey through Further Education, from his early days in performing arts to leading one of West York...

What does it take to build a college culture rooted in accountability, relationships and genuine care? In this episode of The Culture & Leadership Podcast, host Guy Walker sits down with Charlie Deane, Principal & Chief Executive of Bury College. Charlie shares his remarkable 36-year journey through Further Education — from teaching unqualified in 1990, to eight transformative years at Abe...

What does it take to go from an apprentice motor mechanic to leading some of the largest colleges in the UK? In this episode of The Culture & Leadership Podcast, host Guy Walker sits down with John Evans, a veteran of the Further Education sector who has successfully navigated five separate college journeys to an "Outstanding" Ofsted rating. John shares his unique philosophy on educa...

What does it take to transform a college that's struggled for years into a top 20% performer? And how do you build a culture where staff and students genuinely feel they're the most important people in the room? In this episode of The Culture & Leadership Podcast, host Guy Walker returns to his hometown of Bristol to sit down with Julia Gray, Principal & CEO of City of Bristol Coll...

What does it take to transform a college from 'requires improvement' to outstanding—not once, but twice? And how do you sustain that culture of excellence across an entire sector? In this episode of The Culture & Leadership Podcast, host Guy Walker sits down with Shelagh Legrave, the FE Commissioner, at Chichester College Group - where Shelagh spent nearly 20 years, including 12 as Pri...

What does it take to build a college culture where people belong, grow and lead with care ? In this episode of The Culture & Leadership Podcast , host Guy Walker chats with Lisa Capper MBE , Principal & CEO of the Sandwell Collegse Group . Lisa shares her journey from adult education and government policy to leading one of the UK’s most diverse and ambitious colleges. She talks about creat...

What does it take to lead a college that truly serves its community? In this episode of the Culture & Leadership in Education Podcast, Guy Walker talks with Mark Bolton, Principal of Yeovil College, about how values-driven leadership, strategic vision and a focus on local businesses create meaningful outcomes for students, staff and the wider region. Mark shares how he builds a culture where l...

What really drives success in education? In the first episode of season two of the Culture & Leadership in Education Podcast, Guy Walker, CEO of Dovetail & Slate, sits down with Andrew Green, Chief Executive of Chichester College Group, to reveal the leadership philosophies and culture strategies that are truly changing lives. From turning disengaged students into confident achievers to cr...

In the latest episode of the Culture, EVP & Leadership podcast, Grant Glendenning, CEO of the Education Training Collective (ETC), shares his 25-year journey in Further Education, the importance of a values-driven culture, and how ETC is shaping the future of skills and social mobility in the North East. What to expect in this episode:- Grant’s career path from ESOL lecturer to CEO and his lea...

In this episode, we’re joined by Rachel Nicholls, CEO of Inspire Education Group - a passionate, purpose-driven leader with deep roots in Further Education. From the power of teamwork to the challenge of leading through change, Rachel shares candid insights into what it really takes to lead well in FE today. We cover:- Why teamwork is more than collaboration — it’s empowerment- The FE leaders who...

In this episode, we’re on campus at Leeds City College with two brilliant leaders in Further Education:Lee Pryor – Principal at Leeds City College (Printworks Campus)Nicky Davis – Principal and CEO at Leeds College of BuildingFrom their unique routes into FE (including a background in the NHS and apprenticeships), to their honest reflections on leadership, values, and staying grounded, it’s a real...

In this episode of the Culture, EVP & Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of JTL, one of the UK’s leading independent apprenticeship providers for electricians and plumbers. Chris shares his fascinating journey, from 33 years in the British Army to leading in the civilian education and skills sector. We talk leadership, values, the future of skills and why inves...

In the latest episode of the Culture, EVP & Leadership podcast, James Scott, CEO of TSCG, shares his inspiring journey in FE, the power of values-led leadership, and why colleges are at the heart of community transformation. What to expect in this episode: - James’ personal story and what drew him to Further Education. - The cultural transformation at TSCG and how values shape leadership at ev...

In this episode, we explore the power of authentic leadership and the philosophies that shape meaningful connections within teams, with Neil Coker, the CEO & Principal of Barnet & Southgate College. Neil shares his leadership journey through significant change, and reflects on how visibility, empathy and vulnerability play a crucial role in building trust and inspiring others. What to expe...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of leadership, culture and employee value propositions with Janet Smith, the CEO & Principal of Nottingham College. Janet shares her incredible journey in education and leadership and opens up about her passion for further education and how it has the power to transform lives. What to expect in this episode: Janet's personal story, from humble b...

In this engaging podcast, Ken shares his vision for educational leadership, the importance of fostering a positive culture, and how effective employee value propositions (EVP) can transform institutions.