Culture, EVP and Leadership in Education Podcast

About Culture, EVP and Leadership in Education Podcast

We're Dovetail & Slate, the education recruitment experts. In each episode of the Culture, EVP and Leadership in Education Podcast, our CEO, Guy Walker, hosts in-depth conversations with industry leaders and educators who share their firsthand experiences and insights. Tune in for practical advice, inspiring stories and the latest trends in education.

Publisher

Dovetail and Slate

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Oct 2024

Latest episode

23 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Sept 2026

   72 Days In: Craig Hanlon-Smith on Culture, Curiosity and Leading a New College

   What does culture actually look like when you're only 72 days into the top job? In this episode of The Culture & Leadership Podcast, host Guy Walker sits down with Craig Hanlon-Smith, Principal of the London South Bank Technical College, part of the LSBU Group and Southbank Colleges. Craig reflects on a 30-year journey from part-time performing arts teacher to principal, why he believes further education deserves so much more credit than the "Cinderella sector" tag it's often given, and what it really takes to turn a set of values into lived behaviour across a whole organisation. He shares candid reflections on being brand new in an executive role, why staff wellbeing has to come before "students first," and the leadership lesson he's taken from an unlikely source: a podcast about Apollo 13.Key topics include:- A 30-year journey from part-time performing arts teacher to college principal- Why the "Cinderella sector" label misses the point about further education- Turning EPIC values into everyday staff and student behaviour- Seeing the human being behind every data point- Why staff culture has to come before "students first"- Aligning strategic plans with real cultural change- Advice for anyone starting a new senior leadership roleWhether you're a college leader, an aspiring principal, or simply curious about what it takes to build culture from day one, this episode is full of honest reflection, practical wisdom and genuine passion for further education.dovetailslate.co.uk00:00 Intro00:52 Meet Craig Hanlon-Smith: 72 days as Principal02:19 A 30-year journey from performing arts to FE leadership09:40 Advice for anyone considering a career in further education14:23 Busting the "Cinderella sector" myth16:07 Proudest moments: results, regeneration, and a student's Olivier nomination19:00 72 days in: unpacking the culture of Southbank Colleges Group27:54 Turning EPIC values into everyday behaviour33:20 The human behind the data36:05 Aligning strategy, culture and behaviour41:44 Top three reasons to work at London South Bank Technical College45:47 Role models, coaching, and the books shaping his leadership52:09 Advice for new leaders: clarity, curiosity, and taking the next step#furthereducation #collegeculture #educationleadership #leadershippodcast #FEsector #eduleadership #cultureineducation #leadershipdevelopment #newleadership #teacherdevelopment

2. 

   23 Jul 2026

   Values People Actually Remember: Leading Culture at Solihull College with Dr Rebecca Gater

   What does it take to build a college culture where people feel empowered to change lives? In this episode of The Culture & Leadership Podcast, host Guy Walker chats with Dr Rebecca Gater, Principal & Chief Executive of Solihull College & University Centre. Rebecca shares her unconventional route into Further Education - from an unexpected career pivot 25 years ago to leading one of the West Midlands' most ambitious colleges across three campuses. She talks about rebuilding the college's values from scratch so people actually remember them, why "the 100 small things" matter as much as the big strategy, and how empowering staff and students alike has shaped a culture people stay in for decades. Key topics include: - Turning an accidental career into 25 years of Further Education leadership - Rewriting a college's values so they're actually lived, not laminated - Measuring culture formally and informally, and acting on what you hear - Why empowerment, not just opportunity, is at the heart of a thriving college - Rebecca's new book, "Inspiring Senior Leadership in Further Education: Stories from the Front Line." Whether you're an educator, a college leader, or simply curious about what makes some organisations places people never want to leave, this episode is full of practical strategies, honest reflection and brilliant stories.00:00 Intro 01:16 Meet Dr Rebecca Gater, Principal of Solihull College & University Centre 02:04 An unexpected route into Further Education 04:23 From hourly-paid lecturer to Principal & CEO 07:12 What's kept Rebecca in FE for 25 years 07:34 Time away in schools, and why she came back 09:07 Why FE needs "a special kind of weirdo" 10:22 Diversity, change and challenge: what it takes to thrive in FE 11:19 Advice for anyone looking to get into Further Education 13:39 The biggest misconception about FE 17:08 Proudest moments: Ofsted visits and a Hollywood Q&A 19:09 Writing "Inspiring Senior Leadership in Further Education" 22:18 Building a community culture across three campuses 23:01 Rewriting six values that people can actually remember 27:01 Consultation, workshops and the next strategic plan 29:36 Embedding values through a staff and student praise system 33:04 Measuring culture: formal tools and hard data 35:04 Measuring culture: walking the campuses and listening 37:07 The "100 small things" and why whiteboard pens matter 39:06 Why people choose to work at Solihull College 43:47 Sasha's story: empowering students to lead change 45:59 The one thing Rebecca would change 47:38 Role models and learning from everyone you meet 49:32 CEO programmes, peer networks and constant development 51:17 Advice for the next generation of FE leaders 53:04 Book recommendations: Powered by Purpose and All That We Aredovetailslate.co.uk #furthereducation #collegeculture #educationleadership #staffwellbeing #studentoutcomes #empowerment #eduleadership #learninganddevelopment #cultureineducation #leadershippodcast #solihullcollege

3. 

   9 Jul 2026

   Building a Culture of Belonging and Wellbeing in FE | David Malone, Calderdale College

   What does it take to build a college culture where people genuinely belong, thrive, and feel supported?In this episode of The Culture & Leadership Podcast, host Guy Walker travels to Halifax to chat with David Malone, Principal and Chief Executive of Calderdale College. David shares his rapid journey through Further Education, from his early days in performing arts to leading one of West Yorkshire's most community-anchored colleges. He reveals the practical steps Calderdale College is taking to prioritise staff wellbeing, including implementing the "Investors in Diversity" framework, launching Wednesday afternoon "firebreaks," and shifting the focus from standard metrics to genuine inclusivity.Key topics include:- Balancing rapid college expansion with intentional culture-building- Why adopting the FREDIE (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, Engagement) framework accelerated positive change- Practical staff wellbeing initiatives: from Wednesday afternoon choirs to surprise long weekends- Supporting staff progression, even if it means helping them grow into roles outside the organisation- Honest leadership, staying authentic, and learning from mistakes ("Black Box Thinking")Whether you’re an aspiring FE leader, an educator, or simply passionate about community-focused leadership, this episode is packed with real-world strategies and heartfelt stories from the frontlines of Further Education.T00:00:00Intro to Season 2 & Welcome00:01:37David’s fast-paced career journey and entry into FE00:10:02The magic of FE: Transforming lives with limited resources00:18:53Anchoring culture using the Investors in Diversity framework00:26:58Creating the 6 P’s and embedding the FREDIE principles00:36:35Concrete wellbeing strategies: Wednesday firebreaks and time back00:42:58Nurturing staff talent and the fearless approach to employee retention00:52:42Authentic leadership, role models, and ethical frameworks00:58:54Advice for future FE leaders and the importance of accountabilitydovetailslate.co.uk#educationleadership #collegeculture #furthereducation #staffwellbeing #studentoutcomes #teacherdevelopment #eduleadership #calderdalecollege #investorsindiversity #leadershippodcast

4. 

   9 Jul 2026

   Why Every Student Deserves a Place: Charlie Deane on Culture & Leadership at Bury College

   What does it take to build a college culture rooted in accountability, relationships and genuine care? In this episode of The Culture & Leadership Podcast, host Guy Walker sits down with Charlie Deane, Principal & Chief Executive of Bury College. Charlie shares his remarkable 36-year journey through Further Education — from teaching unqualified in 1990, to eight transformative years at Aberdeen College, to 15 years leading Bury College, home of the "Bury Guarantee": a place for every young person, regardless of their starting point. Charlie talks candidly about what it really takes to build culture, why policy (not posters) is the true engine of good behaviour, and why he'd rather have a competent surgeon than a passionate one. Key topics include: - The three things that make or break a college's culture - Why accountability matters more than perfection - How Bury College turns its mission into everyday policy - Coaching staff instead of micromanaging them - Measuring culture through staff surveys and first-year attrition rates - Honest advice for anyone considering a career in Further Education. Whether you're an educator, a college leader, or simply curious about what makes some organisations thrive while others drift, this is a conversation packed with hard-won wisdom, honesty and heart.00:00 Intro01:16 Meet Charlie Deane and the Bury Guarantee03:14 A campus built piece by piece: 15 years, £50 million04:31 36 years in Further Education: Charlie's career journey09:03 Why Charlie never left FE11:12 Relationships, accountability and the "Porsche" story13:40 Who really owns the culture16:10 Three pillars of a great college culture20:10 Coaching over directing: developing staff the right way22:33 Hiring for the long term and investing in people26:22 The dinner that brought a team together27:27 Why policy is the real driver of culture33:45 Mission over grades: what success looks like at Bury36:29 Tough love and the "Pulpit Paul" story41:22 Measuring culture: surveys, retention and first-year attrition47:48 Promoting from within50:12 Honest advice for anyone joining Bury College51:14 Role models, mistakes and the leadership "circle"53:26 Advice for the next generation of FE leaders56:13 Book recommendations and "management by absence"dovetailslate.co.uk#furthereducation #collegeculture #educationleadership #accountability #teacherdevelopment #eduleadership #culturematters #leadershippodcast #burycollege #studentoutcomes

5. 

   12 Mar 2026

   How to Lead a College to Ofsted Outstanding with John Evans

   What does it take to go from an apprentice motor mechanic to leading some of the largest colleges in the UK? In this episode of The Culture & Leadership Podcast, host Guy Walker sits down with John Evans, a veteran of the Further Education sector who has successfully navigated five separate college journeys to an "Outstanding" Ofsted rating.John shares his unique philosophy on education, viewing the student as the customer and teaching, learning, and assessment (TLA) as the core product. He pulls back the curtain on how he transformed struggling institutions - tackling millions in debt and broken staff cultures - by winning hearts and minds through relentless, visible leadership.Key topics include:- The "Apprentice to Principal" Journey: Why vocational experts make some of the best leaders in FE.- Transforming "Inadequate" to "Outstanding": The practical steps to shifting culture and accountability across multiple campuses.- The Jim Collins Connection: How the "Good to Great" philosophy applies to college leadership (and the time John cold-emailed Jim Collins).- Recruiting Trade Experts: Innovative strategies to bring industry professionals into the classroom.- Leading Without Ego: Why the best CEOs aren't afraid to help set out chairs or pick up litter.Whether you’re a middle manager looking to become an "agent of change" or a CEO navigating the "loneliest job in the world," John’s insights offer a masterclass in passionate, values-driven leadership.00:00 Intro00:01:30 From car mechanic to college principal: John’s career journey00:04:00 The "Student as Customer" philosophy00:08:45 Why middle managers are the true agents of change00:11:30 Turning around struggling colleges: Swindon and Cornwall cases00:18:00 The "Good to Great" influence and a surprise from Jim Collins00:24:00 How culture shows up in the "pub" and the reception desk00:37:30 Putting TLA (Teaching, Learning, and Assessment) at the heart of culture00:45:00 The "standard you walk past is the standard you accept"00:55:40 Advice for future FE leaders: Moral compass vs. Ego01:04:20 Innovative recruitment: Getting tradespeople into teachingdovetailslate.co.uk#FEleadership #FurtherEducation #CollegeCulture #TeachingAndLearning #Apprenticeships #EducationLeadership #JohnEvans #GuyWalker #OfstedOutstanding

6. 

   5 Feb 2026

   Bold Leadership in Further Education: Julia Gray on Transforming City of Bristol College

   What does it take to transform a college that's struggled for years into a top 20% performer? And how do you build a culture where staff and students genuinely feel they're the most important people in the room?In this episode of The Culture & Leadership Podcast, host Guy Walker returns to his hometown of Bristol to sit down with Julia Gray, Principal & CEO of City of Bristol College. Julia shares her unconventional journey from equine sport science to land-based education, through to leading one of Bristol's most vital institutions through rapid transformation.Julia doesn't hold back about the challenges, starting her CEO role on January 1st and getting an Ofsted call just five working days later. She talks candidly about inherited culture fractures from multiple mergers, staff fatigue from constant change, and the work required to make people proud of where they work again.But this is a story of bold transformation. Julia explains how Bristol College moved from the bottom of national league tables to the top 20%, how they achieved 99% appraisal completion (from chaos), and why their values just happen to spell B.R.I.S.T.O.L.Key topics include:- Why FE is like a "homemade speedboat" (and why that's exciting, not scary)- Building BRISTOL values: Boldness, Respect, Inclusion, Sustainability, Teamwork, Openness, Learning- The power of telling students "you are important" (not special—important)- Transforming appraisal from a dreaded tick-box to 99% completion and genuine engagement- Community Campus Leads: the role that changed everything across four campuses- Why you can't just promote brilliant teachers into leadership without training- Servant-based leadership: removing barriers so people can do their jobs brilliantly- The truth about FE funding and why pay is the one thing every principal would change- Finding your authenticity as a leader (even if you started as "a pretender in the horsey world")- Why place matters more than timeline when choosing your next leadership roleWhether you're an aspiring leader wondering how to progress, a principal navigating multi-site complexity, or anyone who believes young people deserve better than "they're just lazy"—this conversation is for you.00:00 Intro00:03:45 Julia's journey: from equine sport science to FE leadership00:08:20 What keeps Julia in FE after 22 years00:12:30 The "speedboat vs cruise ship" analogy for FE00:16:50 Challenging misconceptions about FE students and ambition00:20:05 The proudest moment: national league tables and what it meant00:24:15 How BRISTOL values came to be (and that happy accident)00:28:45 Making values stick through behaviours, not just words00:32:29 Managing culture across four campuses with different personalities00:36:39 "You are important, not special": what students need to know00:42:33 Appraisal transformation: from chaos to 99% completion00:48:19 Servant-based leadership and building autonomy00:52:18 Management Academy: training aspiring leaders properly00:56:43 Role models: Rachel Hannigan, authenticity, and finding your path00:59:05 Advice for future principals: skills over timeline, and why place matters01:05:09 Recommended books: Michael Porter and getting to root causesdovetailslate.co.uk#educationleadership #collegeculture #furthereducation #bristolcollege #staffwellbeing #studentoutcomes #teacherdevelopment #eduleadership #culturechange #leadershippodcast #appraisals #servantleadership #multiplecampuses #authenticleadership

7. 

   28 Jan 2026

   From Army Officer to FE Commissioner: Shelagh Legrave on Building Outstanding College Culture

   What does it take to transform a college from 'requires improvement' to outstanding—not once, but twice? And how do you sustain that culture of excellence across an entire sector?In this episode of The Culture & Leadership Podcast, host Guy Walker sits down with Shelagh Legrave, the FE Commissioner, at Chichester College Group - where Shelagh spent nearly 20 years, including 12 as Principal.Shelagh shares her remarkable journey from army officer to investment banking, then into education finance, before becoming one of the sector's most respected leaders. Now overseeing 200+ FE colleges, she brings hard-won insights on what makes culture stick, why middle leadership matters more than we think, and how personalisation, meeting people where they are, drives real outcomes.Key topics include:- Why culture pervades everything and can't be separated from strategy- The "serve to lead" leadership model that shaped her approach- How to develop middle managers beyond just promoting good teachers- Moving from autocratic to empathetic, democratic leadership- Balancing financial pressures with outstanding student experience- The crucial role of onboarding, mentoring and professional development- Why place matters, and why no two college cultures are exactly the same- Recruitment, retention and selling the FE sector properly- Embracing change, technology and the next generation of leadersWhether you're an educator, college leader, aspiring principal, or passionate about how culture shapes student success, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, honest reflections and inspiration from someone who's lived it at every level.00:00 Intro00:03:45 Sheila's varied career journey: army, banking, finance to FE leadership00:08:20 The shift from CFO to Principal at Chichester College00:12:30 Becoming FE Commissioner and supporting colleges sector-wide00:18:15 Why culture is essential for outstanding student experience00:22:40 The challenge and importance of developing middle leaders00:28:45 Meeting students where they are: personalization as a core value00:32:10 How culture adapts to constant change in FE00:38:50 Changing college culture: vision, mission, values and lived behaviours00:45:30 Leadership competencies and learning from Good to Great00:52:20 Recruitment, retention and making staff feel valued00:58:15 Advice for aspiring FE leaders: ambition with humility01:02:50 Looking ahead: technology, adaptability and the future of FE leadershipdovetailslate.co.uk#educationleadership #collegeculture #furthereducation #fecommissioner #staffwellbeing #studentoutcomes #teacherdevelopment #eduleadership #learninganddevelopment #cultureineducation #leadershippodcast #middlemanagement #recruitmentandretention

8. 

   13 Nov 2025

   Building a College Culture That Works | Lisa Capper MBE on Leading with Care

   Principal and CEO Lisa Capper MBE discusses building a college culture of belonging and growth with host Guy Walker, emphasizing CARE values, wellbeing, and empowerment as central to success in this interview.

9. 

   20 Oct 2025

   From Illustrator to Principal: Mark Bolton’s 30-Year Journey in Education

   Principal Mark Bolton discusses with host Guy Walker his 30-year journey in education and how he builds a culture where learners thrive and local businesses prosper, in this interview episode.

10. 

    14 Oct 2025

    Inside Chichester College Group | Andrew Green on Leading with Kindness & Transforming Education

    Andrew Green, Chief Executive of Chichester College Group, discusses the leadership philosophies that transform education and create a culture of kindness, trust, and empowerment in this interview with Guy Walker.

11. 

    21 Jul 2025

    Culture, EVP & Leadership in Education | Grant Glendinning, CEO & Principal of Education Training Collective

    Grant Glendinning, CEO of Education Training Collective, discusses his 25-year journey in further education and the values-driven culture shaping skills and social mobility in the North East; this is an interview.

12. 

    10 Jul 2025

    Culture, EVP & Leadership in Education | Rachel Nicholls, CEO of Inspire Education Group

    Rachel Nicholls, CEO of Inspire Education Group, discusses the importance of teamwork, the impact of AI, and the challenges of growth in Further Education, offering insights into effective leadership; this is an interview.

13. 

    5 Jun 2025

    Culture, EVP & Leadership Podcast | Lee Pryor, Leeds City College & Nikki Davis, College of Building

    Principals Lee Pryor and Nikki Davis explore the purpose-driven nature of Further Education, discussing challenges like funding and the importance of embodying values to shape a strong college culture in this interview.

14. 

    21 May 2025

    Culture, EVP & Leadership Podcast | Ep. 5 Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of JLT

    In this episode of the Culture, EVP & Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of JTL, one of the UK’s leading independent apprenticeship providers for electricians and plumbers.Chris shares his fascinating journey, from 33 years in the British Army to leading in the civilian education and skills sector. We talk leadership, values, the future of skills and why investing in vocational training isn’t just a budget line, it’s nation-building.What we cover:- Chris’s transition from the military to skills education- Why apprenticeships are essential to the UK’s infrastructure and green energy goals- How JTL creates a high-performing, values-led culture- The real challenges facing the skills sector—funding cuts, regulation overload & talent shortages- Why one-size-fits-all policy doesn’t work in vocational training- The case for seeing education as *investment*, not *cost*💬 Plus:Chris opens up about his leadership philosophy, what makes JTL special, and how culture is built not through slogans, but through everyday actions, visibility and trust.If you’re interested in leadership, culture-building, education reform, or the future of work, this one’s for you.👇 Like, comment and subscribe for more insights from the people shaping the future of work.dovetailslate.co.uk#Leadership #Apprenticeships #WorkplaceCulture #EVP #SkillsTraining #VocationalEducation #ChrisClaydon #JTL #EducationInvestment

15. 

    7 May 2025

    Culture, EVP & Leadership Podcast | Episode 4 James Scott, CEO of Trafford & Stockport College Group

    In the latest episode of the Culture, EVP & Leadership podcast, James Scott, CEO of TSCG, shares his inspiring journey in FE, the power of values-led leadership, and why colleges are at the heart of community transformation. What to expect in this episode: - James’ personal story and what drew him to Further Education. - The cultural transformation at TSCG and how values shape leadership at every level. - The power of clear career pathways and building inclusive workplaces. - Leading with authenticity and navigating difficult decisions with integrity. - James’ advice for aspiring leaders: take care of yourself, stay true to your values, and don’t be afraid to ask for support.A must-listen for anyone passionate about education!dovetailslate.co.uk#Leadership #Education #Culture #EVP #FurtherEducation #TSCG #Podcast #ValuesDrivenLeadership #CommunityImpact #PeopleFirst #FEsector #EmployeeEngagement

16. 

    4 Apr 2025

    Culture, EVP & Leadership Podcast | Ep3 Ft. Neil Coker CEO & Principal of Barnet & Southgate College

    In this episode, we explore the power of authentic leadership and the philosophies that shape meaningful connections within teams, with Neil Coker, the CEO & Principal of Barnet & Southgate College. Neil shares his leadership journey through significant change, and reflects on how visibility, empathy and vulnerability play a crucial role in building trust and inspiring others.What to expect in this episode:- Neil’s leadership evolution and the pivotal moments that shaped his approach.- Why being seen as a leader goes beyond presence - it’s about connection and resonance.- The role of empathy, small gestures and acknowledging others in building strong relationships.- Embracing change, personal growth and the courage it takes to lead with integrity.This episode offers valuable insights for anyone passionate about leadership, education, and creating genuine human connections in an ever-changing world.dovetailslate.co.uk#Leadership #Authenticity #FurtherEducation #EmpathyInLeadership #ChangeLeadership #Culture #Connection #Podcast #EducationLeadership #ValuesDrivenLeadership

17. 

    21 Feb 2025

    Culture, EVP & Leadership Podcast | Ep2 Featuring Janet Smith, CEO & Principal of Nottingham College

    In this episode, we dive deep into the world of leadership, culture and employee value propositions with Janet Smith, the CEO & Principal of Nottingham College. Janet shares her incredible journey in education and leadership and opens up about her passion for further education and how it has the power to transform lives.What to expect in this episode: Janet's personal story, from humble beginnings to becoming a leading voice in further education. The challenges of navigating constant change and the importance of agility in leadership. How Nottingham College has cultivated a values-driven culture with a focus on collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation. Insights on leadership, building strong organisational cultures, and why education plays a crucial role in societal progress. This conversation offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in leadership, education and creating impactful cultures in their organisations.dovetailslate.co.uk#Leadership (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/leadership)#Education (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/education)#Culture (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/culture)#EVP (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/evp)#FurtherEducation (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/furthereducation)#NottinghamCollege (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/nottinghamcollege)#Podcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcast)#ValuesDrivenLeadership (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/valuesdrivenleadership)#EmployeeEngagement (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/employeeengagement)#ChangeManagement (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/changemanagement)

18. 

    23 Oct 2024

    Culture, EVP & Leadership in Education: with York College's Principal and Chief Executive, Ken Merry

    In this engaging podcast, Ken shares his vision for educational leadership, the importance of fostering a positive culture, and how effective employee value propositions (EVP) can transform institutions.

Who has been a guest on Culture, EVP and Leadership in Education Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Lisa Capper MBE
• Mark Bolton
• Andrew Green
• Grant Glendinning
• Rachel Nicholls

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 9 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

5

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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