David Jones is the Principal and Chief Executive of Deeside College


WINNER: Public Sector

David Jones is the Principal of Deeside College in Flintshire, North East Wales, a sector leading and award-winning provider of education and training. Since David's appointment to office in September 2004, the College has witnessed a rapid and unprecedented transformation in performance, evidenced by dramatic improvements in external inspection grades. David has led the college towards gaining outstanding Grade 1 inspection ratings for all its Further Education and Work Based Learning Provision, making Deeside the first college in Wales to do so.

David is a highly accessible college principal, known to invest a great deal of time in developing good channels of communication with staff and learners. He values learning and has a listening approach to students and staff, for example by holding staff focus groups and personally meeting with all new full-time students and staff.

A champion of the Welsh language and culture, David has encouraged staff to learn Welsh and placed particular emphasis on supporting the Welsh language and the National Eisteddfod when it was hosted in Mold, North Wales. He has instilled a radical new vision for the College, mutually owned core values and significantly improved staff morale. David has a total commitment to excellence and the College won the Wales Quality Award and European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). He has a strong personal involvement in environmental issues and the College has won the Green Dragon level 5 award and Wales Management Awards. His lead role in charitable work has raised record sums of money for charity.

David has developed the theme ‘more than just a college’ by ensuring ongoing investment in an environment which provides students, staff and visitors with exceptional working, leisure and social space.

David is an astute educationalist with outstanding strengths in organisational leadership. He challenges the status quo and encourages his staff to think open-mindedly. He is described by the Student Association as supportive and interested in all students. Knowing the name of every member of staff, David leads alongside his team, by example rather than authority. He is not only friendly and approachable but has moved education at Deeside College forward by being decisive, motivational and dynamic. His commitment to excellence is making a significant impact on education and training, thereby supporting the economy and communities of North Wales.

Tell us something your colleagues don’t know about you?
I am a qualified scuba diver and have dived in many countries around the world.

Who inspires you?
My staff and students - anyone who is prepared to challenge the status quo to make a positive difference

What is your top leadership tip?
Leadership is about team effort - you won’t achieve anything on your own