College Group appoints Dan Fitzpatrick to lead digital drive

Education Partnership North East has appointed Dan Fitzpatrick to drive the group’s digital transformation and ambitious plans to become an industry-leading digital hub.

Dan, who has experience of creating digital strategies across organisations and consistently led the implementation of education technology, will take up the role of Strategic Lead for Digital Skills and Learning Innovation across Hartlepool Sixth Form, Northumberland College and Sunderland College.

As an Education Consultant and a Director of Edufuturists, an organisation exploring the of future of education and advancing digital skills, Dan has supported staff to embed technology into curriculum design, providing CPD activities to help them achieve certified qualifications.

As a result of his commitment to EdTech he was invited to be a mentor for Google on their first UK Certified Coach programme, as well as delivering nationally at conferences and webinars for the DigiLearn Sector, Microsoft Teams Community, Google for Education and participating in various roundtable events.

Speaking about his appointment, Dan said: “I cannot wait to get started at Education Partnership North East. After the pressures of the last year further education is entering a new era of innovation and I am privileged to be part of this journey with Sunderland College, Hartlepool Sixth Form and Northumberland College.

“The amazing work being done on the Digital Innovation Centre at Bede Campus will be a hub of regional transformation so that our learners can enter the workplace with vital skills needed to make a difference.”

As Strategic Lead, Dan will have responsibility for digital and remote learning across the group, acting as the organisation’s most senior voice on digital learning while offering expert advice on digital learning trends and innovation.

Working closely with Education Partnership North East’s Senior Leadership Team, he will oversee the development of the multi-million-pound ‘Digital Innovation Centre’ at Sunderland College’s Bede Campus, a cutting-edge and immersive environment that will deliver unparalleled learning opportunities for North East students studying T Levels from September 2021.

The Digital Innovation Centre will become a key part of Sunderland City Council’s ambitious plans to revolutionise the City’s digital infrastructure, while also collaborating with local employers to address skills gaps and develop the North East workforce of the future.

Toni Rhodes, Sunderland College Principal, added: “We are really pleased that Dan has decided to join us at this exciting time, he will provide a great contribution across the Partnership as we drive forward on our journey towards digital excellence.”