Colin Forrest
Colin Forrest
Director of Learning & Development
Yorkshire & the Humber Learning and Skills Council
Biography
After leaving university I went on to train as a school teacher in London. My first role was at Willesden High School in the London Borough of Brent. The headteacher at the time was Max Morris who, as a political and educational reformer, still writes on the impact of policy on education using this school as an example. It was in this setting that I first became aware of the power of education in enhancing social inclusion. I have taught in schools in Kent and Co Durham and moved into further education early in 1988 becoming a senior manager and also worked as an associate inspector with the FEFC and OfSTED. I enjoyed teaching a wide range of groups and people. Many keep in touch and one ex student is even putting her scientific skills to use on ‘Time Team’!
I have spend many years in full and part time study and hold education-related Masters degrees from the Open University, London and Huddersfield Universities and have a Doctorate in Education from the University of Leeds.
The role of Learning and Quality Director for the LSC in Yorkshire and the Humber is particularly rewarding as it allows me to interpret policy developments in terms of their impact on learners and the quality of their experience. I am also fortunate in that the work has taken me into new, complex, and challenging areas including equality and diversity, learners with learning difficulties and disabilities and health and safety. I find that these are linked together by many common themes for example: aspiration, partnership, and leadership and I welcome the opportunity to take this work forward in close collaboration with our local and regional partners.
