A POPULAR college has a new man at the top.

Martin Narey, chief executive of Barkingside-based charity Barnardo’s, will be taking up the role of chairman of the corporation at Redbridge College.

Mr Narey, who begins the post from August 31, takes over from Lee Rogers MBE.

He said: “I’m very pleased to be taking on the chairmanship of Redbridge College.

"Like Barnardo’s, Redbridge College is dedicated to changing the life chances of young people and, as I have witnessed, it does that regularly.

“As chair I want to support an outstanding principal to continue to develop the college to ensure that young people in and around the borough, however, meagre their previous academic achievements, can find through the college a way to fulfil their career ambitions.”

Martin has previously worked as director general of the prison service, chief executive of the National Offender Management Service and a Permanent Secretary at the Home Office.

Redbridge College, based in Barley Lane, Chadwell Heath, is looking for governors to work alongside Mr Narey, and is particularly interested in people who work in industries including health and care, hairdressing and beauty therapy, human resources or employment law, construction, including architecture, quantity surveyors and builders.

Anyone interested should email mvanbeek@redbridge-college.ac.uk