Keith Brown MBE speaking at CONEL's Excellence Awards 2015
CONEL is pleased and proud to announce that Keith Brown, our Chair of Governors, has been awarded the MBE for services to further education in the Queen’s 90th birthday honours.
Keith became Chair of Governors in 2008 and oversaw the successful merger of CONEL with Enfield College, creating what was then one of the largest further education colleges in London. With his financial acumen, his huge knowledge of the local community and his wise and good-humoured manner, he has helped us become one of the best colleges in London. You may recall our 2014 Ofsted inspection report praised the leadership of the college as “outstanding” and commented that “governors provide exceptionally good leadership to raise standards”.
But it’s not just on the education front that Keith has had an impact. Since the Tottenham riots of 2011, he has ensured the college plays a very active part in the regeneration of the area. He has also for many years been a Trustee of a local charity, the Tottenham Grammar School Foundation, which raises money for grants to local primary and secondary schools, youth groups and sports clubs in the area. With his extensive knowledge of the investments industry Keith has ensured the charity’s funds have grown, so that not only do organisations benefit, but hundreds of young people receive individual awards each year to meet the costs of attending further education and university courses.
Andy Forbes, CONEL Principal and Chief Executive said: “I have to say it couldn’t happen to a nicer man - unassuming, quietly spoken and always considerate of others. Growing up in humble circumstances in the East End, Keith has never forgotten the way a good education changed his life and his commitment to the success of this college comes from the heart.
“Being recognised like this is in effect a very public “thank you”, not just for doing such a great job at CONEL, but also for advancing the cause of further education in general. I’m sure you’ll all join me in congratulating Keith and thanking him on behalf of all of us who work in FE for his unselfish service over the years.”