In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, we speak with Angela Foulkes CBE, Chief Executive and Principal of The Sheffield College, about her journey from Vice Principal to CEO and what stepping into senior leadership in further education really involves.
Angela reflects on moving into the CEO role without certainty, and the realities of leading a large FE college through periods of change, inspection, and organisational challenge. She shares honest insights into the early pressures of the role, building the right leadership team, and the importance of creating a strong, student-focused culture.
She also discusses the wider value of further education, from transforming student confidence and opportunity to working closely with employers to prepare young people for the world of work.
Dan Taylor
Managing Director at Morgan Hunt
I am the Managing Director of Morgan Hunt and Pentagon Talent and have held this position since January 2017. Over that period, I have overseen a full-scale change programme that has led to a more defined offering to the businesses long standing clients, a full change of brand, a new CRM and several adoptions of new and innovative tech and the opening of a new business in Scotland. All this has contributed to returning this long-standing business to profit.
In 2023, Morgan Hunt was awarded the NORA award for best large recruitment business for Morgan Hunt’s online presence, The Financial Times listed Morgan Hunt as one of the top 30 British Recruitment Companies and The Recruiter Magazine will feature Morgan Hunt in their Fast 100 for 2023.
I have worked within staffing and recruitment for 28 years. I am a major supporter of APSCo, attending many events throughout the year. I am a firm advocate for greater professionalism within the recruitment industry.
Married with two daughters, outside work interests include playing the drums and supporting the Sussex Cricket Foundation by creating greater access to the sport of cricket within the City of Brighton and Hove.
Angela Foulkes CBE
Chief Executive & Principal at The Sheffield College
Angela Foulkes is an experienced further and higher education practitioner with an excellent understanding of the regulatory requirements of both Ofsted and the Office for Students, safeguarding, awarding bodies, and validating partners.
Angela’s wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise in further education includes significant knowledge across a broad range of curriculum and student support services gained in over 30 years in the sector and at colleges in London, the South East, the North West, and South Yorkshire.
A former teacher, Angela has held posts at all levels in curriculum structures including Director of Skills and Employability, Assistant Principal Pastoral and Support, Vice Principal Students, Vice Principal Curriculum and Support and Group Director for Safeguarding and EDI.
Angela is a member of the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority (SYMCA) Business Advisory Board, Chair of the Sheffield Skills and Employability Board, and Co-Chair of the South Yorkshire Skills Advisory Board, among other civic roles.
