Pat Jones

Research Bio

Achieving Sustainable Financial Health for the Further Education Sector

Pat has worked within Public Sector for over 30 years, 17 of which have been within the Further Education Sector. Pat joined Weston College in July 2024 as Principal and Chief Executive, having previously held the post of Deputy Chief Executive at the Bedford College Group.

Highlighting her leadership capabilities, Pat was shortlisted for the FE Leader of the year category in 2019 and Bedfordshire Business Leader in the same year.

Driving organisational development, Pat has engaged with and delivered national policy changes, driven significant growth, led on successful college mergers and the acquisition of independent training providers.

Notably her work on Estate strategy has seen Pat raising close to £50m in grants, building net zero carbon college sites, working with local councils on large regeneration projects and the redevelopment of old education sites, benefiting future generations of learners.

As a qualified accountant, Pat maintained outstanding financial health at The Bedford college Group throughout her tenure there as Deputy Chief Executive. This success has led Pat to start a PhD exploring how FE can achieve sustainable finances and how the sector can develop systems leadership in order to benefit from the research findings.

Contact information

Email Pat Jones

Research Outputs

Activities and events

• Harris Manchester College, Oxford University ARPCE July 2024
• AoC National Conference November 2023
• AoC Finance Directors Conference May 2023