Members of the Association of Colleges have elected Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College, as their new President-elect.

He will step into the role at the beginning of August when current President, Michele Sutton, stands down after her one-year term.

Richard Atkins, who worked at Harrods before changing tack and studying to be a teacher, said: “I'm a passionate supporter of our sector and see the presidential role in the run-up to the 2015 General Election as that of an advocate for colleges. Our further education colleges – general, sixth form and specialist – transform the life chances of their students and are an important national asset, but I'm all too aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

“The years following the election will continue to be fiscally tight and our sector has already been the hardest hit, both provision for 16 to 18-year-olds and the adult skills budget. I'll be lobbying all of the main parties to make it clear that we want to see fairness and transparency – they can't continue to squeeze the adaptive layer in the middle while protecting schools and universities.

“The role of colleges has also changed in recent years with some launching academies, university technical colleges and career colleges, but we can't continue to do more with less so I'll be calling on Government to provide a clearer strategic vision of what they see as our role over the next three to five years.”

Richard, who will be AoC's seventh President, has been a college principal for 19 years, originally at Yeovil College before taking up his current post at Exeter in 2002. Prior to this he worked in teaching and management roles in schools and colleges in York, Surrey and Sussex. He has held a number of national positions within the further education sector, including sitting on AoC's board from 2007-2013 (as deputy chair from 2009) and as a commissioner on the Commission for Adult and Vocational Teaching and Learning.

He spent several years in retail and distribution at Harrods before studying education at Reading University and then Surrey University.

Exeter College, established in 1970 as the first tertiary college in the UK, was judged as outstanding by Ofsted in January 2014. The college has twice featured in The Sunday Times 100 Best Places to Work in the UK listings and has won several AoC Beacon Awards for curriculum excellence. In 2012 the college was voted the UK's FE Provider of the Year by the Times Educational Supplement.

The office of President was established in 2007 to further enhance AoC's work in representing and promoting colleges, following a strategic review of the association. The President works closely with the executive team and the AoC board, helping shape AoC's policy and representing the interests of the sector at the highest national level with Government ministers, civil servants, and other sector bodies.

AoC's Chair, Carole Stott MBE, said: “Our sector is coping with the demands of deep year-on-year national funding cuts and a raft of far-reaching policy and curriculum changes. Principals across the country are being put to the test as they find innovative ways of managing these challenges. It is a real testament to Richard's ability and inexhaustible energy that he's put himself forward for this important role.

“I know that he will bring his wisdom and experience to promoting the vital work of our colleges. In Richard, AoC and our members will have a real champion for everything colleges stand for.”

Martin Doel, AoC Chief Executive, said: “Richard will bring real drive and expertise to the role and we'll all look forward to working alongside him. It is clear that he's passionate about both the work and the worth of colleges and will be able to take up the cudgel for the sector in what will be a very busy time in the run-up to 2015.”

Current AoC President, Michele Sutton, said: “I'm delighted that Richard will be my successor. I'm sure he'll bring not only his extensive experience and wisdom, but also a real passion for the sector and will be a fantastic ambassador for colleges. I look forward to working closely with him over the next few months.”