THE FORMER chair of Governors at Solihull College and University Centre was named in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Barbara Hughes, has been awarded an OBE in recognition of her outstanding services to Further Education.
In her role as chair between 2017 to 2025 she led the merger with Stratford-upon-Avon College in 2018, safeguarding provision for more than 1,000 students and strengthening skills delivery across the region.
She also played a central role in the College securing West Midlands and Warwickshire Local Skills Improvement Funds (LSIF), which brought together 23 providers to deliver technical qualifications aligned with employer needs and to upskill students in digital, engineering and green technologies.
Barbara said: “I am truly humbled and honoured to receive an OBE.
“It has been a privilege to work in Further Education and to support an organisation that is so committed to transforming lives through learning.
“I have been very lucky in my long career in education and skills to have had tremendous women role models and constant support from family and friends.
“My time at Solihull College and University Centre was the pinnacle of my career working with excellent staff and governors and great students for which I will always be grateful.”
During her 40-year career Barbara has spanned several influential roles, including an Ofsted Inspector, the Adult Learning Inspectorate and the Training Standards Council.
She led more than 200 inspections, driving improvement and championing best practice across the sector.
She also played a pivotal role in Ministry of Defence inspections, helping to safeguard quality and duty of care across Armed Forces recruit training.
Her work culminated in the landmark Safer Training report, presented to the Parliamentary Defence Select Committee. In addition, Barbara contributed to international inspection reform, working in Yemen at the request of the British Council.
College Principal, Dr Rebecca Gater, said: “Barbara’s dedication to Further Education is truly remarkable, and this honour is richly deserved. Her leadership has helped shape not only our college, but the further education and skills landscape across the West Midlands and beyond. She has made a lasting difference to the lives of thousands of learners, and we are incredibly proud to see her recognised with an OBE.”
