Georgina Barnard Appointed Vice Chair of National Network of Institutes of Technology

Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) is delighted to announce that Georgina Barnard, Vice Principal: Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology has been appointed Vice Chair of the National Network of Institutes of Technology.

The Executive Team represents the Network nationally, driving collaboration across regions and sectors while helping to shape future skills provision and policy.

Georgina brings extensive experience to the role, having successfully led the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology (IoT) since 2023, following her leadership in launching the Black Country and Marches IoT. Before moving into education, she worked across the engineering and manufacturing industries and later as a self-employed Business Consultant for six years.

The £25 million Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire IoT, led by Ofsted Outstanding NSCG, provides world-class technical training in priority sectors including advanced engineering and manufacturing, modern methods of construction, digital technologies and health sciences. The IoT is a collaborative partnership with Keele University, Burton and South Derbyshire College, Axia Solutions, South Staffordshire College and Stoke-on-Trent College.

Speaking on her appointment, Georgina said: “I believe the year ahead presents a real opportunity for the IoT Network to consolidate its voice, amplify its national profile and influence the skills agenda at scale. By working collectively across regions, sectors and specialisms, we can shape future policy and create solutions that respond to national priorities.”