Bournemouth & Poole College enters 2022 with new Principal

Bournemouth & Poole College is preparing to welcome its new Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Phil Sayles, as current Principal Diane Grannell retires on 31st December.

Since the announcement of Diane’s retirement in June, The College has been working closely with Phil as he prepares to start his new role on 1st January.

Phil Sayles said: “All of the staff at Bournemouth & Poole College are a wonderful team of skilled, dedicated and very human people who strive for the best for all students. I am looking forward to being part of such a fantastic team and it will be a privilege to work alongside them when I officially start my new role in January.”

With 20 years’ experience working in Further Education colleges across the country in a variety of positions, including a Principal and Chief Executive Officer role, Phil is passionate about education and puts students’ progress and success at the forefront.

In his new position, Phil aims to help The College stay ahead of future trends and skills demands, ensuring students get the most out of their college experience and are ready to thrive in the workplace.

Phil explained: “Bournemouth & Poole College delivers high-quality education and the students’ needs and welfare are at the forefront of everything they do. Diane should be incredibly proud of the environment she has cultivated here and I’m thoroughly looking forward to building on that success – watching students learn, gain skills and the confidence to succeed beyond their further education. This will be an amazing thing to see.”

Diane Grannell worked at Bournemouth & Poole College for 15 years, of which six and a half years was in the role as Principal. Diane made the decision to retire from her role at The College over a year ago and has spent the past 6 months since her announcement working closely alongside Phil, ensuring a seamless transition for both students and staff members.

Diane Grannell said: “I am absolutely delighted to pass the baton to Phil. He is aligned with The College and its values in every way. I know he will bring his experience and enthusiasm to the role and will build on everything that is already in place for students and staff, while simultaneously bringing a fresh perspective to allow The College to evolve and grow in some areas.

“I am leaving The College with many wonderful moments to look back on. I always felt proudest when celebrating our students’ achievements – from big awards to small victories, such as a student gaining their confidence with peers or being able to come into the college and participate in a class. Those moments mean the world to me and the rest of the team and are memories that I will always remember fondly.”

Diane plans to rest and spend time with family in retirement before ticking off an extensive list of travel-based goals once all restrictions are lifted.

Bournemouth & Poole College plays a pivotal role in the economic growth of the local area by training a skilled workforce and consistently working alongside employers through a number of initiatives and apprenticeships.

Phil will therefore begin his role at The College by integrating himself into the local community, meeting and working with college staff, stakeholders and partners in the area. By building relationships with residents who have direct involvement with the institution from all angles, Phil aims to bring further opportunities to students and raise awareness of The College’s offerings by highlighting the range of careers available through a college education.

From university-level qualifications to happiness and prosperity on a personal level, Phil aims to bring to the forefront the wide range of benefits an education at Bournemouth & Poole College can offer those who are considering taking these next steps in their lives.

For more information on Bournemouth & Poole College, please visit www.thecollege.co.uk