A SHATTERFORD woman who was made a dame in last year’ s New Year’ s Honours has now been appointed chairwoman of Birmingham Children ’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Christine Braddock, chief executive and principal of Birmingham Metropolitan College (Birmingham MET), which also runs the Academy at Kidderminster , overcame the competi-tion during an intensi ve recruitment process to scoop the role .

She impressed the trust’ s gover nors with her successful 30- year career in further education and business , her regional and national network and her commitment to improving the lives of youngsters .

She is due to step down from her role at Birmingham Metropolitan College later in the year , after 17 years at the helm and will start her new role in April.

She said: “I’m thrilled to be joining such a successful and world-renowned organisation at the most exciting point in its history .”

Philip Crombie , lead governor of Birmingham Children ’s Hospital, added: “Our vision of creating a world-class health campus in partnership with Birmingham Women ’s Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham and the University of Birmingham is really starting to take off and we know that her input will be of tremendous benefit.

“She is a true advocate for children and young people and her experience at Birmingham Metropolitan College will be invaluable in ensuring that we get the very best outcomes for our patients and their families, not just now but for generations to come .”

Mrs Braddock, who is married to husband Tony and has three children, is also High Sheriff for the West Midlands .

She has 30 years experience in senior leadership of further education colleges and before that worked as a senior education adviser for the Home Of fice, managing education policy in 43 Midland prisons .

She was made a dame in January last ye ar in recognition of her services to further education.

In the last five years , she brought to gether three colleges to create Birmingham MET – one of the largest colleges in the country and was also the first female member of Birmingham Local Enterprise Partnership .