Robert Clegg OBE closes 16 years of service at Hopwood Hall College

Hopwood Hall College Principal, Derek O'Toole and Robert Clegg OBE

After spending almost two decades serving on Hopwood Hall College Corporation, Robert Clegg OBE officially stepped down as chairman of the Board at a board meeting on 5 July 2018. Board members and staff marked his final meeting with a surprise leaving party held at the college.

He first joined the College in 2002 as deputy chairman, before becoming chairman in 2007. Hopwood Hall College Principal, Derek O'Toole led the surprise leaving party for Robert Clegg, catered for by the College's Hospitality & Catering students who stud at the College’s Riverside Restaurant.

Under Robert Clegg's guidance, the College has developed to become one of the top further education providers in the North West.

Among a number of accolades earned by Hopwood Hall College during Robert Clegg's tenure:

• Ofsted awarded its second highest rating to the College in 2011 and again in 2017 with a 'Good' rating
• Received the same Bronze TEF rating as many of Manchester’s universities
• Recorded one of the smallest gender pay gaps in the  FE education sector

Speaking at the surprise leaving party, Hopwood Hall College’s Principal, Derek O’Toole said to attending guests: “We’ve had over ten years of great leadership under Robert, in that time we have gone from strength to strength and become one of the highest performing colleges in the country.

“On a personal level, Robert has been dedicated to this institution every hour of his life. He has embodied the principals of this College, full of selflessness, integrity, openness and honesty.

“As we now look forward to a new era under Nazir Afzal, I’d like to thank you, Robert, on behalf of all the learners and staff. I wish you a fond farewell.”

Following on from the Principal’s speech, Robert Clegg said: “I’m overwhelmed with this surprise, the staff under Derek’s leadership have been brilliant and I am really grateful for their efforts across the entire organisation.

“All we have done has been about the leaner’s path, it’s been important to me that the kids in this borough get the high standards they deserve. I’ll be watching the College’s progress with great interest.

“Although, if I am remembered for anything, it will probably be getting rid of that horrible green and yellow building…”

Nazir Afzal OBE will be the new chairman of the Board from the start of the 2018/19 academic year.