Nottingham College has announced the appointment of Alex Peace‑Gadsby OBE DL as its new chair of governors, a move that will shape oversight of one of the largest further education institutions in the country.
Experienced governance for a large college
Peace‑Gadsby joins the college as it supports more than 20,000 students and readies a strategic plan for 2026–29. Her background spans business, education and the voluntary sector, and she brings a track record of senior governance roles to the college’s board.
- Chair of education charity Parentkind
- Chair of the Inspire and Achieve Foundation
- Former chair of the Youth United Foundation and chief commissioner of The Scout Association in England
Local ties and recognition
Peace‑Gadsby was awarded an OBE in 2019 for services to entrepreneurship and the community and was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire in 2021. In her remarks on the appointment she highlighted the county’s importance to her and spoke about the role the college plays in creating opportunities.
"Nottinghamshire is very much at my heart, and Nottingham College makes a real difference to so many people."
Janet Smith, Nottingham College’s principal and chief executive, welcomed the appointment, saying the college would benefit from Peace‑Gadsby’s leadership experience and commitment to education as it continues to expand its role in local skills and employment support.
What this means for students and employers
The new chair will help guide the college’s strategic priorities at a time when post‑16 education and technical training are key to local economic development. The college’s next strategic plan, covering 2026–29, will set out how it intends to support learners, employers and the city’s workforce needs.
| Role | Notable detail |
|---|---|
| Chair, Parentkind | National education charity |
| Chair, Inspire and Achieve Foundation | Local education charity |
| OBE | Awarded 2019 for services to entrepreneurship and community |
| Deputy Lieutenant | Nottinghamshire appointment, 2021 |
For students and local employers, the appointment signals continuity in governance and an emphasis on partnerships that link education with routes into employment. The board’s expertise will be important as the college seeks to respond to changing labour market needs and to support access to technical and vocational pathways.
Peace‑Gadsby’s mix of private, charitable and civic experience positions her to steer the college through the implementation of its new strategy, maintaining oversight of quality, finances and community engagement.
