Wear
Talk
Name: Ellen Thinnesen.
Age: 52.
Born: April 23, 1967 (St George's
Day).
Lives: I consider Sunderland my
home now, but the family home is
still in Humberston, Lincolnshire.
Organisation(s) & Job title(s):
Chief executive, Education
Partnership North East;
Association of Colleges board;
North East LEP board; Advisory
Skills Panel; Industrial Strategy
Council Prosperity mapping group,
Sunderland City board; Healthy
Economy Group; Sunderland
Business Partnership and Franklin
Sixth Form College.
24
When I was at school, I wanted to be… in
the criminal justice sector, probably working
in prisons with young people but it was not
to be - and I am really happy about that.
The best career decision I ever made
was… coming to Sunderland. I feel the
most passionate and engaged here. The
people have been welcoming, warm, have
a can-do attitude and the whole college
and our partners have embraced our
transformational vision. When I first came
to Sunderland, I could see the city’s ambition
– a growing sense of confidence – and it was
timely for Sunderland College to galvanise
that energy and transform itself.
The biggest challenge in my four
years in Sunderland is... merging with
Northumberland College and Hartlepool
Sixth Form. When I came here in 2016 we
were a reasonable size but needed to think
differently about our future. Larger, more
resilient colleges can weather national
reforms and government changes
better. While we are still working
towards our vision, we've gone from
£32m turnover nearly four years ago,
to £54.5m currently, increasing from
12,500 students to 21,500; from three
Sunderland campuses to additional
campuses, one in Tees Valley and three
in Ashington, Ponteland and Berwick-
upon-Tweed, plus approximately 21
satellite delivery sites.
The best part of my job is… working
with students, particularly our young
people with special educational needs.
Many leaders progress into senior roles
and stop keeping in touch with the
grassroots of their organisation but I love
getting out of the office and spending
time with the students. They amaze me.
The positive progress I see in students’
skills and personal development during
their time with us is the most fantastic
thing about my job.