CITY OF GLASGOW COLLEGE ENTERS NEW ERA AS A REGIONAL COLLEGE

City of Glasgow College has marked a significant milestone in becoming a Regional College following the dissolution of the Glasgow Colleges Regional Board. This development signals a new era of autonomy and opportunity for Scotland’s largest provider of further and higher education.

The change, approved by the Scottish Parliament, sees City of Glasgow College, alongside Glasgow Clyde and Kelvin Colleges, move to a new funding and governance model. Each institution will now receive direct funding from the Scottish Funding Council and assume full responsibility for curriculum planning and delivery. Strategic coordination across the city will be supported by the newly established Glasgow Colleges Leadership Group, comprising the Principals and Chairs of each college.

City of Glasgow College, built to serve up to 40,000 students each year, will continue to operate across its award-winning twin-site super campus, maintaining a strong focus on delivering high-quality professional and technological education.

As part of the transition, Dave Anderson will retire from his role as Chair. His successor, Chris Deery, has now been announced as the new Chair of the College Board of Management.

Reflecting on the moment, Dr Paul Little CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of City of Glasgow College, said:

“This is an important day in the evolution of our College. Becoming a Regional College affirms the confidence placed in us to lead with autonomy, agility, and ambition. It enables us to respond even more directly to the needs of our students, staff, industry partners, and communities across Glasgow and beyond.

“On behalf of the entire College community, I extend my sincere thanks to Dave Anderson for his outstanding service and exceptional leadership and wish him a healthy and active retirement. We now look forward to working closely with our new Chair as we shape the next chapter of our journey and continue to deliver world-class education.”

“It has been a privilege to steer City of Glasgow College through this key transition,” said retiring Chair Dave Anderson. “Working alongside Principal Dr Paul Little CBE, our dedicated Board, exceptional staff, and engaged student representatives has been deeply rewarding. With a record student satisfaction at 93% and over 97% of graduates reporting positive destinations, the College is well-positioned to continue to deliver for our students and industry partners.”

City of Glasgow College remains committed to providing opportunities for the many, not just the few and to playing a central role in Scotland’s economic renewal.

Incoming Chair Chris Deery added:

“City of Glasgow College is an institution of scale, ambition, and impact. I am honoured to be joining the Board at such a pivotal time. As the College embarks on this new chapter as a Regional College, I look forward to working alongside the Board, the Principal, and the wider College community to build on its strong reputation, deepen partnerships, and ensure learners continue to thrive in a rapidly-evolving world.”

Chris Deery brings over 35 years of global experience with organisations including Shell, Cargill, Schlumberger, Motorola, and Diageo. He has held senior roles in finance, strategy, and transformation, leading international teams and driving large-scale change.

Throughout his career, Chris has focused on making a difference — improving performance, developing people, and turning complexity into practical progress.

Alongside his corporate work, he has makes time to contribute locally — coaching young athletes, mentoring future leaders, and supporting community sport and wellbeing projects across Scotland.