Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s Chief Executive will resign and take over the top job at a Ewell college, following the departure of the UK’s highest paid principal earlier this year.
Frances Rutter, a qualified solicitor who has served as the council’s CEO for eight years, will take over at Nescot (North East Surrey College of Technology) in spring 2017.
She will replace Cliff Hall, who has been the interim chief executive of the college in Reigate Road, Ewell, since June 2016, when Sunaina Mann (pictured above) left the role.
From March: Nescot College's principal Sunaina Mann's salary doubles to £331,000 but college won't say why
From May: Nescot principal Sunaina Mann awarded husband's consultancy firm Point Nemo £177,000 deal
Earlier this year, it had emerged that Ms Mann, who was paid £331,000-a-year, had awarded her husband’s consultancy firm contracts worth £177,000 without the college governor’s knowledge.
Mrs Rutter(pictured above), whose council salary rose to £133,000 in 2014/15, will be responsible for overseeing courses to new commercial ventures at Nescot. It is not known what her new salary will be.
“I’m honoured to be given this role, and I can’t wait to get started,” she said.
“This is a really exciting time for post-16 education, with plenty of opportunities for Nescot.
“Nescot is already a great college and a good performer. I am looking forward to working with governors, staff and students to help it become even stronger.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Epsom and Ewell Borough Council. I’m sad to be leaving, but I’m pleased that I will remain actively involved in this local community and I’m looking forward to the new challenges ahead.”
Epsom town hall
Prior to her time at Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, Mrs Rutter was with Elmbridge Borough Council for 13 years – two years of which were serves as assistant chief executive.
She has also previously served as a governor at Nescot, but stood down in 2013.
“We’re absolutely delighted at this appointment,” said Professor Sam Luke, Chairman of Nescot Corporation.
“Frances is a proven leader, and she will bring a wealth of relevant senior-level experience and expertise to this role. She understands what our vision is, and she has excellent ideas of how we can get there.
“We’re absolutely confident that Frances is the right person to lead Nescot on to the next phase of our journey, and we’re looking forward to working with her as she leads and strengthens our excellent academic and commercial teams.”
Nescot
A council spokesperson confirmed that Mrs Rutter had formally announced her decision to stand down.
The spokesman added: “Staff, councillors and other stakeholders have been informed of her decision.
“Councillors will be deciding how Frances is to be replaced in due course.”
The Epsom Guardian has not been able to get in touch with Frances Rutter’s office for further comment.
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