Roy O’Shaughnessy, Chief Executive Officer of Capital City College Group (CCCG) – London’s largest further education college group – is to retire this year.

CCCG comprises City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, and apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training.

Roy, 67, leaves after four-and-a-half-years having led CCCG to an overall rating of ‘Good’ and being recognised as ‘Strong’ in meeting skills needs – the highest possible rating – in its latest Ofsted inspection report in January.

He said: “Everyone has to decide when the time is right, and I always felt that after Ofsted had done its work my term would be over. If I thought I could do another five years, I would be the first one saying I want to be there, but the truth is it’s time for me to retire and concentrate on my family and all those things you can’t do when you’re working.”

Roy joined CCCG in June 2018, replacing Andy Wilson, having previously spent six years as CEO for the Shaw Trust, a national charity helping people, particularly those with complex needs, into the workplace.

During his tenure, Roy has overseen the launch of 01Founders, a tuition-free coding school with guaranteed jobs, and Visionnaires, a community interest company offering programmes to support aspiring entrepreneurs.

Under his leadership, CCCG has also improved its financial position without borrowing despite the impact of COVID and energy crisis, which has included exploring other commercial activities across its estate to support its long-term future.

Roy said: “This is my last substantive role and I do not plan on working full-time after this or going on to something bigger or better. We have achieved so much over the past few years, and I would like to wish my successor the very best in the role that I feel privileged to have held.

“I want to thank everyone who have been so gracious since I have been here at CCCG. You’ll never get everyone to agree in a college group of this size, but this is a place where everyone, from lecturer to manager to support role, truly wants the best for its learners.”

Pablo Lloyd OBE, who co-founded Visionnaires, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of CCCG on an interim basis until Roy’s successor is appointed. He has 20 years’ experience in further education that includes Ufi/learndirect, Activate Business School and as a trustee for WorldSkills UK.

Alastair Da Costa, Chair of CCCG, said: “On behalf of all our learners, teachers and staff, I would like to thank Roy for his exemplary leadership and fantastic support. We are immensely grateful for the transformation he has led over the last four-and-a-half years and the strong legacy he has created for CCCG’s future.”

CCCG is looking to appoint a successor to Roy before the start of the new academic year.