Solihull College & University Centre is proud to announce that former Chair of Governors, Barbara Hughes, has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of her outstanding services to Further Education.
Barbara has made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the Further Education (FE) sector over a distinguished 40-year career, demonstrating the highest standards of public service, leadership and innovation.
Her career has spanned several influential roles, including Her Majesty’s Inspector for Ofsted, 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.
Barbara delivered transformational impact throughout her time as College Chair of Governors between 2017 to 2025. She led the successful merger with Stratford-upon-Avon College in 2018, safeguarding provision for more than 1,000 students and strengthening skills delivery across the region. Under her leadership, student numbers grew significantly, alongside improvements in learner progression and employment outcomes.
Barbara has also played a central role in securing major regional investment in skills. The College secured leadership of the West Midlands & Warwickshire Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), bringing together 23 providers to deliver new technical qualifications aligned with employer needs and to upskill thousands of learners in key areas such as digital, engineering and green technologies. This work is forecast to make a significant contribution to regional productivity.
In addition, Barbara spearheaded the successful bid for the College to lead the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT), supporting advanced manufacturing and engineering and strengthening links with employers across the region.
Barbara’s leadership has been defined by inclusivity, resilience and strategic vision. She has guided the College through periods of challenge and change, ensuring stability and continuity, and is widely respected for her ability to inspire students, staff, governors and partners alike.
Her contributions have also been recognised through a recent Fellowship from the Chartered Institution for Further Education, further underlining her impact on the sector.
College Principal, Dr Rebecca Gater, commented: “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.”
Barbara Hughes OBE commented: “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 & University Centre was the pinnacle of my career working with excellent staff, governors and great students for which I will always be grateful.”
Barbara’s award reflects her significant contribution to national priorities, including skills development, lifelong learning and regional economic growth, and cements her legacy as one of the sector’s most influential leaders.
