Claire Whitworth, Principal of Hartpury College, attended a parliamentary dinner hosted by the Association of Colleges on Thursday 12 February, bringing together South West college principals and Members of Parliament to champion the critical role colleges play as anchor institutions within their communities.
The event provided a platform for senior education leaders and politicians to discuss how colleges are central to addressing current, future and emerging skills needs, supporting economic growth while transforming lives.
Discussions included the vital contribution further education institutions make in equipping young people and adults with the skills required to meet the skills needs and address skills gaps over the coming decades. As anchor institutions, colleges are uniquely positioned to respond to regional workforce demands, support local employers and widen participation in education.
Claire Whitworth said: “Colleges are fundamental to local and regional growth and social mobility. At Hartpury, we see first-hand how high-quality further education can raise aspirations, break down barriers and enable students to progress confidently into employment or university. Events like this are vital to share the scale of our impact and the opportunity to further strengthen collaboration for the benefit of our communities and economy.”
The dinner reinforced the importance of partnership between government and college leaders in driving long-term economic resilience and opportunity across the South West.
Earlier in the day, principals heard from Ellen Thinnesen OBE, Further Education Commissioner, who outlined ambitions around quality, financial sustainability, governance and leadership across the sector. Insights were also shared from Stephen Wann, Deputy Director, Skills Strategy and Delivery, Department for Education and Sarah Maclean CBE, Chief Executive Officer, Skills England.
For Hartpury College, the themes discussed align closely with its strategic focus on delivering industry-relevant programmes, maintaining high standards of quality and building strong employer partnerships.
Through specialist provision in areas such as agriculture, animal management, sport and equine, Hartpury continues to respond directly to workforce shortages and emerging sector needs, while providing clear progression pathways into higher education and employment.
Claire Whitworth added: “Hartpury is proud to play its part as an anchor institution in Gloucestershire and the wider South West. Our commitment is not only to deliver exceptional education, but to support the long-term prosperity of the region, creating opportunity, developing talent and strengthening communities.”
