Veronica Spowart

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT VERONICA SPOWART

Director of Digital and Creative Industries | Senior Education Leader | Champion of Industry Collaboration, Innovation & InclusionAs Director of Digital and Creative Industries at Newcastle College, I lead a vibrant faculty encompassing music, performing arts, art and design, digital arts, and digital technologies. Since 2021, I have been driven by a clear vision: to build an ecosystem where every degree student is supported by an industry mentor and every FE learner is connected to a sector sponsor; ensuring that learning is purposeful, professional, and aligned to real careers in the creative and digital economy.Under my leadership, and through the expertise of our exceptional Heads of Curriculum and wider faculty teams, we have: Improved student achievement rates year on year, reaching exceptional standards across all levels of provision. Established a Faculty Industry Advisory Board of over 65 members, shaping and validating our curriculum to ensure its relevance, innovation, and responsiveness to industry change. Launched an ambitious Mentorship Programme, connecting degree students with industry professionals and building the foundations for every learner to benefit from real-world mentorship. Strengthened employer partnerships and celebrated outstanding student showcases, including large-scale public installations and high-profile patron appointments that raise the visibility of our students’ talent. Continued to grow enrolments and positive student destinations across all areas of the faculty. Represented the region’s creative and digital sectors as a judge for the Dynamo Awards (2022, 2024) and as lead organiser of “Generation North East: Building Tomorrow’s AI Workforce Today”, a major AI and Data event planned for January 2026.I am passionate about bridging education and industry, championing innovation through collaboration, and celebrating the power of creativity and technology to transform lives. My leadership philosophy is grounded in openness, respect, inclusion, and shared accountability, empowering teams to achieve excellence together.Leadership values: Openness | Collaboration | Inclusivity | Respect | Accountability Let’s connect to collaborate, share ideas, and shape the future of digital and creative education in the North East and beyond.