The handover follows a planned period of succession within the College’s governance structure and comes as Robert prepares to transfer to a new London-based role. Robert will continue to serve as a governor and will remain involved in the work of the Corporation through the Finance, Infrastructure and People Committee.
Robert was appointed to the Corporation in August 2019 and has served as Chair during a period of significant change for further education, the College and the communities it serves.
The transition to Kay Penney as Chair has been planned carefully to support continuity in the College’s leadership and governance, following the appointment of Carl Riding as Principal and CEO earlier this year.
Kay joined the Corporation in July 2024 and is currently a member of the Finance, Infrastructure and People Committee and the Search, Governance and Remuneration Committee. She brings more than 30 years’ experience as a Board Director across public and private sector organisations, following an international HR leadership career working largely at HR Director level across sectors including utilities, engineering, manufacturing, retail and logistics.
Her specialist areas include talent management, training and development and change leadership. Having completed a long executive career, Kay is keen to contribute to the development of talented people in Cornwall and support the College’s continued role in providing high-quality education and skills training across the county.
Carl Riding, Principal and CEO of Truro and Penwith College, said: “Robert has made a significant contribution to the College as Chair of the Corporation and I am very grateful for the support, guidance and leadership he has provided, both to the Corporation and to the senior team.
“This has been a carefully planned handover, and I am pleased that Robert will continue to contribute to the College as a governor through the Finance, Infrastructure and People Committee.
“I am also very much looking forward to working with Kay as she takes on the role of Chair from September. She brings considerable experience in people, organisational development, governance and change leadership, which will be hugely valuable as we continue to develop the College for the benefit of our students, apprentices, adult learners, staff, employers and wider community.”
Robert Townsend, outgoing Chair of the Corporation, said: “It has been a real privilege to serve as Chair of the Corporation and I have honestly loved every moment. The role takes time, and inevitably includes some difficult moments, but it is incredibly rewarding to know you are helping to improve the lives of students in Cornwall.
“What I really value about Truro and Penwith College is its ability to add value for every student, whatever their starting point, ability or ambition.
“I am very pleased that Carl has joined the College as Principal and CEO. He is a great fit for the College and has made a terrific start, and I wish him every success for the future.
“I am also very grateful that Kay Penney has stepped forward to take over as Chair. She is equally passionate about the College and I wish her all the very best. I still hope to be involved with the College in a smaller way as a governor and will always remain a keen supporter.”
Kay Penney, incoming Chair of the Corporation, said: “I am honoured to be taking on the role of Chair of the Corporation at such an important time for the College and for further education in Cornwall.
“Robert has provided thoughtful and committed leadership as Chair, and I would like to thank him for his contribution and for the support he has given to the planned handover.
“I am very much looking forward to working with Carl, fellow governors, staff and partners to support the College’s continued success. Truro and Penwith College plays a vital role in creating opportunity, developing skills and supporting communities across Cornwall, and I am excited to help build on that work.”
The College Corporation is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of Truro and Penwith College, ensuring strong governance, accountability and long-term sustainability across its campuses in Truro, Penzance and Bodmin.
