THE boss of West College Scotland is to step down from the role.

Principal Audrey Cumberford has been in charge of the organisation since it was formed five years ago following the merger of Greenock’s James Watt campuses, Reid Kerr in Paisley and Clydebank College.

Ms Cumberford is leaving to take on a similar role in Edinburgh.

She was head of Reid Kerr prior to her appointment as boss of the newly-formed WCS.

Her departure was announced to staff yesterday.

Ms Cumberford said: “Having worked at Reid Kerr and then West College Scotland for nearly twenty years, it will be a wrench for me to leave so many wonderful professionals and good friends.

“Together, we met many challenges and I want to thank them all for the support they have shown me throughout.

“I am confident the ambitious plans we have developed will allow the college to continue to enhance its reputation as a first-class provider of education and training, delivered in state-of-the-art facilities in Clydebank, Greenock and Paisley.

“I am now looking forward to taking up my position at Edinburgh College, which is where I began my career in the sector in the 1990s.

“In the meantime, I wish everyone at West College Scotland the very best for the future.”

The hunt for a new principal is now under way.
Keith McKellar, who chairs the WCS board of management, paid tribute to the outgoing boss.

Mr McKellar said: “I want to record our deepest thanks to Audrey for her outstanding leadership of our college.

“Audrey led us through a period of unprecedented change and significant turbulence in the sector.

“Whatever challenge Audrey faced over the past five years, she did so with integrity, honesty and openness.
“These qualities are her hallmark.”