Latest News | 14 October 2020
Queen's Birthday Honours success
Chief Executive Officer of Bondholder Derby College Group (DCG), Mandie Stravino, has been awarded an OBE in recognition of her services to education.
Under her tenure as CEO since 2012, the College has moved to a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating and during its 2016 inspection, provision for students with high needs was graded ‘outstanding’ with employer engagement recognised as excellent practice. Mandie has also held a number of non-executive and governance roles, including being appointed, as one of seven principals from colleges across the UK, to the DfE’s Principals Reference Group and chair of the CBI Regional Council.
Speaking about the honour, she said: “I have been extremely humbled to be recognised, particularly in these unprecedented times, in the company of so many altruistic citizens who have had such a significant impact on our communities.
“The work that has been recognised, by this honour, would not have been possible without the immense support of my remarkable partners at work and home. I thank them sincerely for the opportunity to engage in this work and therefore receive this personal accolade.”
Mandie’s belief in the power of Further Education Colleges to improve students’ life chances and have a positive impact on social mobility, is rooted in her own personal experience. She proudly describes herself as a product of FE.
Mandie chose to continue her post-16 education in an urban FE college; she valued the experience as not only did she achieve high grades across the board, she also developed wider skills and attributes which prepared her to progress and succeed in higher education – ultimately achieving an MBA.
Mandie’s career in FE commenced 25 years ago at what is now one of the largest urban FE colleges in the country. In 1998 she made the move to Derby City and spent four years in various college management and leadership roles before joining Derby College at its conception in 2002.
She said: “I feel fortunate every day to lead an amazing college with the sole purpose of providing our students with an exceptional education as a catalyst for them to be successful in work, life and society.
“In addition, I have been honoured to work with colleagues from across the sector, and the DfE, to celebrate the further education sector’s valuable work in changing people’s lives for the better, identify challenges and potential solutions and discuss emerging policies and opportunities. Therefore, to receive this award for doing what I am privileged to do every day is truly overwhelming. “
