THE new principal and chief executive of West College Scotland in Clydebank has challenged herself to turn good into even better.

Introducing the college’s 2018 annual review, Liz Connolly, who took up her post in September, succeeding Audrey Cumberford, said she intends to prioritise the raising of attainment across the range of study levels.

She also says she wants to explore how the college can remove some of the obstacles that still prevent many people from taking the first steps on the path to further education and training.

Commenting on the report, Ms Connolly said: “This is an important document which gives a sense of the breadth of our activities in Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire.

“I hope anyone reading it will gain an understanding of how large an organisation we are and the vital contribution we make to educational leadership, skills training, community engagement and social responsibility across the west of Scotland.

“We have a deep commitment to building a modern regional economy and this report outlines some of the practical ways we are doing this.

“It also celebrates some of the wonderful achievements of our outstanding staff and students.

“It is a great privilege for me to lead such a dynamic organisation which is doing so much good.”

Keith McKellar, chair of the West College Scotland board of management, added: “There are many challenges ahead, not least the financial pressures that confront so many public bodies.

“The board of management has engaged with senior management to significantly revise and update our corporate plan, which we hope will help future-proof the college.”

The college also supports the Provost’s Civic Awards which every year recognises the outstanding achievements of individuals and communities across West Dunbartonshire.

West College Scotland has 22,000 full-time, part-time and online students and 1,200 staff working in Clydebank, Greenock and Paisley, equivalent to about 1 per cent of total regional employment, and has an annual turnover of £70 million.