TROUBLED Barnsley College, which is at the centre of a Serious Fraud Office investigation, has appointed a new principal within days of the first choice for the job having sensationally quit without ever signing her contract.
Following the decision of Christine Braddock to stay at her post as principal of Matthew Boulton College, Birmingham, staff at Barnsley had urged the college not to rush into an appointment. A plea that has clearly fallen on deaf ears.
Instead the college has appointed Joe West, 54, principal at St Helen’s College, near Liverpool. His appointment was able to progress so quickly because Mr West was on the shortlist of candidates from which Ms Braddock emerged as the successful choice.
Mr West said: “It doesn’t bother me that I wasn’t the first choice.”