This week, MP Neil Carmichael discusses the excellent work being done at SGS College

FOR 10 years, I was a member of the board of governors of Stroud College.

Today, the college is a first-class institution, providing high-quality education to thousands of people.

First and foremost, this is a tribute to the staff and leadership team.

The journey to this position was lengthy and bumpy but three key sets of decisions stand out as the reasons for the now embedded success of the college.

Perhaps the most obvious change is the new building and premises.

The original 1950s vintage building – complete with ‘temporary’ extensions – was totally unfit for modern teaching and courses.

I was privileged to be chairman of the committee overseeing the entire new-build project.

It was completed in time and within budget, notwithstanding the occasional issue or adjustment to the somewhat complex plans. The fabulous central staircase was an added feature.

The second big change was the evolving leadership and management of the college. Without doubt, each of the recent principals made a massive contribution to the continuous improvement of every aspect of student life. I worked closely with Beri Hare who was always thinking in strategic terms without neglecting the importance of responsive management. None of this could have happened without a strong, capable and committed board of governors.

The merger with Filton College was the third significant development. The strengths of Stroud College coupled to the geographical reach offered by Filton justified the case for scaling up. Today, demand for courses has never been greater and the excellent reputation of the Stroud campus is attracting students from afar. Once the merger was completed, I left the board as it was reformulated to reflect the interests of both Filton and Stroud.

I am still closely involved with the college. It supports the Festival of Manufacturing and Engineering – I am hugely grateful – and I am engaged in promoting the creation of Berkeley GREEN at the old Berkeley Power Station.

This is a centre for training and skills in nuclear and renewable energy. I was delighted to help secure its £5 million funding from the government.