Pauline Waterhouse OBE

Pauline is driven by a strong belief in the power of education to transform the life chances of individuals and their families. She has held a number of senior leadership roles in the FE, and HE in FE sector, including that of Principal and Chief Executive of Blackpool and The Fylde College of Further and Higher Education. The College achieved a national reputation for excellence, notwithstanding the fact that it served one of the most disadvantaged communities in the country. The College played an integral role in supporting the regeneration of the local area, driving economic development, widening participation and supporting social inclusion. In this period, Pauline led the capital project to establish a University Centre and subsequently this supported significant growth in student numbers participating in higher education. 

During her time as Principal and Chief Executive, Pauline was the North West Champion for WorldSkills UK, promoting the national skills agenda. She led a partnership and collaboration strategy with local secondary schools, including three National Challenge Trusts, to improve educational attainment.  

Since stepping down from her role as a College Principal, Pauline has focused on a non-executive director portfolio across the different phases of education. She has a particular interest in academic governance in the areas of equality, diversity and inclusion; increasing participation in HE and narrowing gaps in educational attainment. In recent years, Pauline has served as a governor and deputy chair of the University for the Creative Arts; trustee of an educational leadership charity; trustee and deputy chair of a multi academy trust in the East Midlands; governor of the LTE Group and chair of the Manchester College.  

Pauline was awarded an OBE for services to education in 2010 and an honorary doctorate by the University for the Creative Arts in 2024.