CONNECT June 2021

Launch of the Research College Group on page 4

Meet your Customer Contact Team on page 6

Support our staff undertaking charity fundraisers on page 11

N E WS | U P DAT E S | D I A RY DAT E S | D I S CO U N TS

The Bedford College Group’s Construction Head of Departments outside the new look Wellingborough campus

Meet the Modern Construction Team Led by Director of Construction, David Wilkins, the Group now has six expert Head of Departments covering all specialisms in this growing sector. Read more on pge 7

BCS BEDFORD COLLEGE SERVICES

April 2021

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Olivia Morton

Communications Executive omorton@bedford.ac.uk

Editor’s

Your Diary Bank Holiday

Monday 31 May (College Closed)

Half Term w/c 31 May

Bedford College Open Day (online)

Tuesday 8 June, 5.00pm-8.00pm Thursday 1 July 2021

Save the Date

As a way to celebrate the end of the academic year we are all invited to the Staff Conference 2021 which is being held online. There will be a variety of sessions being held throughout the day to give you useful tips and techniques to improve your wellbeing, learn a new skill or hobby or brush up a on work related skills.

If you would like to add your staff news to the final issue of CONNECT of the academic year, which will be circulated at the end of June, please send your article and photos to omorton@bedford.ac.uk no later than Wednesday 16 June 2021.

Shuttleworth College Open Day (online) Thursday 10 June, 5.00pm-8.00pm

Tresham College Open Day (online)

Thursday 17 June, 5.00pm-8.00pm

Term Ends

Friday 18 June

Admin Week w/c 21 June

HE Offer Holder Event

Tuesday 22 June

HE Staff Conference Wednesday 23 June

Admin Week

w/c 28 June

Contents

The Bedford Sixth Form Welcome Day Monday 28 June

Tresham College – Corby Welcome Day Monday 28 June

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Key Dates

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Principal’s Update

Tuesday 29 June

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Research

Bedford College Welcome Day

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Wellbeing

Wednesday 30 June

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Group News

Pg.12

Job Opportunities

Shuttleworth College Welcome Day

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Quality Update

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Staff Conference

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Equality, Diversity And Inclusion

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Staff Perks

Tresham College – Wellingborough Welcome Day

Wednesday 30 June

Welcome Day, Tresham College – Kettering Wednesday 30 June

Welcome Day, National College for Motorsport Wednesday 30 June

Staff Conference 2021 Thursday 1 July

Apprenticeship Conference Friday 2 July

For more diary dates visit www.bit.ly/collegecalendars Pg.2

May 2021

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Principal’s Update

Ian Pryce CBE

CEO The Bedford College Group

Principal’s A Little More Conversation

The Bedford College Group was chosen as one of the very first to trial the new “strategic conversations” with our funding body, the ESFA. We are seen as one of the most stable and consistent colleges in the sector. The main questions probed the reasons for that consistency. It is very rare for general FE colleges to be so consistent for so long so many of the questions related to how we avoid the complacency that tends to happen at other colleges, and how we plan to invest our reserves.

Skills Bill

The treatment of further education colleges and students has been more Kill Bill than Skills Bill in recent years, but we are now promised “massive investment” and the words further education and colleges appeared three times in a positive way on the front page of the Sunday Times recently, surely a first!

The government’s Skills Bill will pick up from the recent White Paper, and set out how it will be implemented in practice. We have seen a few false dawns but the public commitment to the sector does mean if it isn’t followed through, it will be a more public climb down. Watch this space!

Research College Group

Thanks to Sam Jones, this exciting collaborative venture, initially involving ten providers, launched on 17 May. Make sure you get involved or at least stay informed about its work. There are many good organisations researching further education but we have always wanted to develop something that is about people in the sector doing research for the sector. For more information visit researchcollegegroup.co.uk

Provocateur The TES asks me on a regular basis to stimulate debate by being deliberately provocative on a topical subject in further education. The latest issues I was asked to explore were higher technical education and the future shape of college work. Feel free to read, debate, disagree etc. https://www.tes.com/news/we-need-learn-ride-wavedegree-demand https://www.tes.com/news/it-time-rethink-way-we-fecolleges-organise-our-staff

Aiming high for Lowe

It is really pleasing to see our Vice Principal Em has been shortlisted for the sector Oscar for leader of the year. It is a tough shortlist that includes the current Association of Colleges president and the new FE Commissioner but we know none has done a better leadership job than Em, covering our highly successful inspection, leading on the Covid response and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the college.

Did you know you can follow Ian on Twitter?

@ipryce

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June 2021

Sam Jones MSc (Oxon)

Advanced Practitioner - Research and Scholarship Lead TES FE Awards - Teacher of the year 2019 sjones@bedford.ac.uk

Group The principles of the Research College Group Key to the principles of the Research College Group (RCG) are the aims of development of capacity and use of research in decision making.

Our mission to develop capacity initially led us to develop a set of free to download ethics forms, aimed at individual researchers and those working in organisations who did not have such paperwork. The ethics committee itself ensures that everyone in the post-16 education and training sector has access to help and guidance on this important issue, but more than this, through our ‘collaborate’ initiative, colleagues could work as a part in the ethics committee either as a development opportunity or a way of allowing those in the sector with lots of experience to contribute to the development of the sector. Similarly, our ‘publication’ committee offers support to those wishing to publish and an opportunity to learn how to review papers to develop your knowledge and experience and become the ‘supporter’ of tomorrow.

Looking to our future, we are interested in developing models of research that best suit our sector purposes and environment, looking at developing the research literacy and curiosity of colleagues and making links with folk across the sector. As we work in collaborative teams, your time commitment can be small, it could be as little as emailing in your work to form part of a literature review, or it could be limited to a restricted amount of time, for example reviewing for us once or getting involved in a short term project.

So check out the RCG and get involved at www. researchcollegegroup.co.uk (big thanks go to Daisy, Cam and Michelle for the website!)

Our research projects, the first exploring digital pedagogies, looks to fulfil both briefs. We are aiming to produce a piece of research that will be easily translatable into use by practitioners and decisions by leadership teams. We believe there are opportunities for further capacity development through our projects, whether it is contributing work to our review of the literature or getting involved in the data analysis. This way, whether you are looking to develop your skills, knowledge and experience, or pass it on, the RCG provides a sector-led community for you to work within.

However, you don’t need to be led by our activities. The ‘create’ element of the RCG community allows you to take your ideas forward and develop your projects. We can support by using our ‘communicate’ channels to find colleagues from across the sector to work with you, guide you on ethics, and give support on the project and its publication if that what is required. Our job on these projects is to support and facilitate you to develop your ideas, your peers, and the sector!

Jones launching The Research College Group earlier this month Pg.4

June 2021

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Caroline Biddle

Executive Director of Human Resources cbiddle@bedford.ac.uk

Clean Air Every year, air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK. The World Health Organisation and the UK Government recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental health risk we face today. Poor air quality causes heart and lung diseases, is linked to low birth weight and children’s lung development and may even contribute to mental health issues.

Clean Air Day is the UK’s largest air pollution campaign, engaging thousands of people at hundreds of events, and reaching millions more through the media. This year Clean Air Day is taking place on 17 June 2021.

OTHER KEY DATES IN THE JUNE WELLBEING CALENDAR

Carers Week 7-13 June

World Blood Donor Day 14 June

Healthy Eating Week 14-18 June

Men’s Health Week 14-20 June

Clean Air Day brings together communities, businesses, schools and the health sector to: • Improve public understanding of air pollution.

For morewellbeingdates visit the intranet pages

• Build awareness of how air pollution affects our health.

https://college.oak.com/ Home/Index/59465601e4a6-4eb9-9348cf94bf1a2c88

• Explain the easy actions we can all do to tackle air pollution, helping to protect the environment and our health.

More information can be found at www.globalactionplan.org.uk Source: www.cleanairday.org.uk

Cervical Screening Awareness Week 14-20 June Pg.5

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June 2021

Meet your Customer

Amy Cleary - Senior Natasha Stringer – Senior Rachael Whiting – Customer Contact Manager Customer Contact Customer Contact Advisor Bedford Manager Kettering

How we help students: • We can help students find the best course for them.

• We enrol students on part-time courses and discuss payment options.

Carolyn Letherby – Senior Customer Contact Advisor Wellingborough

Jo Lewis – Customer Contact Manager Corby

• We can advise of the financial support and bursaries available to them and how to apply for these.

• We attend careers events and assemblies at local schools and colleges to help promote the College’s offer.

• We signpost students to the correct departments for any help.

• We book students onto their English, maths and ESOL assessments and advise them of the assessment process.

• We can provide students with a temporary ID badge should they forget their college ID. We can also print and encode a replacement badge for them.

• Conduct college tours, allowing students to become familiar with their surroundings prior to starting at the college.

• We refer students to our Student Service’s team for careers appointments.

• We can help students find their classrooms and provide them with a campus map.

How we help staff: • Welcoming new staff members to the organisation, including arranging their staff badges and parking permits.

• We sign in your visitors and let you know of their arrival.

How we help applicants: • We provide information, advice and guidance on the full range of courses we offer across all campuses including course content, delivery, entry requirements and costs.

• We enrol students onto their chosen part-time course and discuss payment options.

• We can help potential students complete an application to study with us.

• We can update students on the status of their application and help them with any changes.

• We can confirm their interview date or reschedule an interview to a time that suits them better.

• We can help them accept an offer of a place on a course.

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• We can help students apply for their Advanced Learner Loans and Higher Education Loans.

• We can signpost them to a different provider if we do not offer their chosen course.

• We can assist with resetting their Self-Service Portal log in.

• We complete conversion calls, which helps to prompt the student to continue with their application journey, ensuring that they do not miss any key parts.

These calls include: • Rebooking interviews for students who missed their IAG session.

• Helping students complete their application form.

• We ring students who have not accepted their offers, which helps to increase our conversion rates. Usually students who have not accepted their offers may have a few hesitations before they accept, so we help to put their minds at ease and answer any of their questions.

• We also call students who have applied for multiple courses to find out their preferred choice.

• Hopefully making these outbound calls makes a positive impact, and turns enquiries into enrolled students.

June 2021

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Top team in Head of Construction (Technical and Modern): Teddy Kye-Nyarko Teddy enlisted in the British Army as an electrical and mechanical draughtsman from November. 2012 - August 2016. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Construction Management from Kingston University London. Teddy joined Bedford College as a lecturer in 2016 and was promoted to course manager the following year.

“We offer courses in Construction and Civil Engineering from Level 3 to Level 5. This also includes apprenticeships and T-Level qualification in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction.

“Our aim is to offer Construction and Civil engineering learning experience for our students.”

The department uses specialist tensile and compressive testing equipment and offers an HND in Construction and Built Environment.

Head of Electrical Installation: Javid Ahmed

Led by Director of Construction David Wilkins, The Bedford College Group now has six expert Head of Departments covering all specialisms of this massive field of employment.

The Heads of Department have between them, and their staff, the very latest expertise in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and decades of real life work experience in the industry.

Full-time students aged 16 and upwards, apprentices, and those updating their skills or progressing toward Higher Education in the construction industry, will find themselves being guided by the very best at what has been voted the UK’s Best FE College.

Said David Wilkins, who sits on a range of expert panels who determine what skills the construction industry needs nationwide says: “The Bedford College Group is now the go-to establishment for training and education to support the construction industry. We work with national companies and local traders who are currently all facing huge demands for appropriately trained staff.”

Currently underway is the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Centre at the Cauldwell Street campus in Bedford, which is a showcase for the latest techniques used in the industry.

“My background has been varied but my specialism and education has been mainly around computing and networking. I moved into mobile telecommunications and worked abroad for several years. I only got into electrics when I returned home and undertook some DIY tasks around the house and ended up electrocuting myself, I guess you can say that sparked my interest in becoming an electrician and I’ve never looked back!

“I then spent a number of years in further and higher education training to be an electrical engineer and a number of years working in the trade before moving into teaching.

“I’m sure all Heads of Departments would say the same but I am lucky to be working with such a fantastic department made of exceptional individuals. The department is diverse, supportive, reliable, proficient and accomplished. The department has over the years built up good working relationship with both internal and external parties.

“We have 10 staff including myself, two course managers, three additional lecturers, two technicians, a Personal Achievement Tutor and an administrator, we are a varied group who collaborate well and teamwork is at the heart of that collaboration.

“The department caters for approx. 300 students and apprentices and we hope to expand our commercial provisions next year.”

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Head of Construction Trades Tresham College: Neil Dellar Neil has been in further education construction for 21 years and has specialisms in STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

As well as working with apprentices, Neil is a supporter of Northamptonshire’s legendary Rothwell Corinthians football team.

The skills covered by Neil’s department, and team of 11 based at Corby and Wellingborough, include Plastering, Carpentry, Bricklaying, and Painting & Decorating. All of them hugely in demand across the UK and to which Tresham College is committed to training young people with the skills they need for the working environment.

Neil worked on the Kings Cross regeneration project, the largest of its kind in Europe. Working with residents and offering work placements and apprenticeships.

Head of Plumbing & Gas: Mark Hamlyn Mark has been working in education for 16 years and prior to that was a plumbing & heating engineer and in sales for the same in UK and Holland.

The specialist unit on the Woburn Road Industrial zone at Kempston, is charged with training students to be ready to start and complete plumbing apprenticeships, and progress to Level 3 where they will can register as Gas Safe Engineers.

The mission for Mark and his team is to train the next generation of UK Plumbing & Gas Safe Engineers. They hope to increase the number of students - currently 90 full-time, 150+ apprentices and 50 on shorter professional certificate courses.

June 2021

Students will study their vocational course and have the chance to improve their English and maths alongside to gain a vital qualification needed to progress to higher level courses.

All the diploma groups are trade-specific and cover a wide range of knowledge (exam and practical assessment-based programme) to give students the skills and expertise to gain a trade qualification (Level 1-2 diploma) that is recognised in the industry and is an avenue to an apprenticeship or full-time employment as professional tradesman.

Soon to be added is on-site construction T-Level, painting and decorating, brickwork and carpentry T-levels.

Head of Building Services Northamptonshire campuses: Alex Hughes Alex has a background in the Plumbing, Heating and Gas industry as an installer and contracts manager.

His team provide courses from Level 1 to Level 4 in Plumbing, Electrical installations and Building Services to school leaders, apprentices and adults across Wellingborough and Corby campuses.

Alex and the team of seven lecturers and business support staff, aim to continue the development of qualifications to enable students to contribute to the future of the construction sector. The staff have a wealth of experience in their fields which covers domestic and commercial construction sectors.

With the opening of the new Wellingborough campus last September, the department now serves more than 200 16 - 19-year-olds, adults and work-based learners. This will continue to grow.

The department has excellent equipment which is regularly updated and provides a “true working environment” preparing students for examinations and the real industry.

Head of Construction Bedford College Cauldwell Street: Dean Gibson Dean comes from a background in painting and decorating, fitness management, teaching and now further education management.

He has travelled widely and worked as a tradesman in Australia for four years. He attended Canterbury Christ Church University.

The construction trade department is made up of over 250 students with 18 staff in carpentry, painting and decorating and brick work. It delivers full-time diploma Level 1 and Level 2 courses, adult evening classes and has apprenticeship provision. Now, due to high demand, it will be running City and Guild T-Level courses.

The students that attend courses are mainly those who have left school and want to pursue a career in the construction industry as well as those progressing to the next level.

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June 2021

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Macmillan Cancer Support

for Foundation Student Carlie Carly has been manning the Reception Desk at Cauldwell Street for several weeks as part of her Foundation Supported Internship. When there was a sudden recruitment requirement she was interviewed and started work within a matter of days.

Natasha, Carly’s team leader in Enquires and Guidance, said that Carly has been amazing. She has picked things up really quickly, only needs to be shown once, and has excellent Customer Service Skills. Natasha also said that Carly’s confidence has grown very quickly and she works well under pressure. But what does Carly have to say about the experience?

What have you been doing in the role?

I’ve been answering the phone, redirecting calls, chipping badges, operating the car park barrier, checking in visitors, and dealing with general enquiries.

What skills have you learnt?

How to answer the phone correctly, use various functions of email and the phone system and most importantly, I’ve developed my customer service skills.

What have you enjoyed?

Bev Cosmai is the chef/manager at Munch & Mocha restaurant and coffee shop, based at Bedford College.

Bev has worked at Bedford College for 20 years, 6 of which have been for Munch and Mocha, operated by Bedford College Services.

As well as running the café, she is well-known amongst Bedford College staff, having provided hospitality services around each campus building.

Bev is ‘Braving the shave’ due to several staff members having their own brush with cancer, including one of her closest colleagues, who luckily, is now fine and well.

Unfortunately, another one of her friends has just had a mastectomy earlier this year and is currently going through chemo.

On Wednesday 9th June at 2pm, Bev will have her hair shaved off in the Munch and Mocha café at Bedford College, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. To avoid congestion in the café, we will be live-streaming the occasion on Facebook @munchandmocha.

If staff can donate any cash that would be much appreciated (no matter how little). Donations can be made by visiting https://bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/ shavers/bev-cosmai

Being part of a really nice team and learning new things. I also like how busy this role is.

Is there anything you haven’t enjoyed?

No nothing, although I don’t have as much time to see my friends and I’m really tired at the end of the day.

What strengths have you discovered you have from doing the job?

The idea of speaking to people on the phone used to scare me, but I have learnt to do that and am now confident.

What support have you had to help you do your job?

The team have been really helpful and there is always someone to ask if I’m not sure about something. My job coach Richard helped me feel more confident when I started, and I could ask him questions. Now I’ve got used to the job I’m working for longer spells completely independently.

What do you think you would like to do in the future?

I’d love to continue working for Bedford College, maybe supporting other students.

Is there anything else you would like to say?

This has been a wonderful experience and I wish everyone had the chance to do something similar.

The Foundation department’s work-based programmes have students with a wide range of strengths who could make a very positive contribution to your team. For more information please contact Foundation Employment Co-ordinator Bethany Veale (bveale@bedford.ac.uk).

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June 2021

Lockdown Inventions The winner of the Lockdown Inventions was Tyrese Amissah who has also sent us the following feedback.

Whilst studying engineering at Tresham College, I’ve learnt a variety of different skills and gained a huge amount of knowledge about the engineering industry.

Everyday is something new and no two days are ever the same which is one of the many favourite things I like about this course. All of the teachers and tutors are extremely welcoming and super supportive, whilst helping you find your next steps in jobs/apprenticeships and make sure everyone is treated equally.

We recently had a competition which was to invent our own ‘Heath Robinson’ machine, only using household items. This was a task I really enjoyed as it allowed me to display my creativity and innovation towards engineering and designing new things. It took a lot of time and effort to create what I call the ‘Cereal Maker Machine’ but it was definitely worth it in the end. Being able to see something you’ve worked hard on become a success and function well is a feeling I won’t forget.

1st Place (£50) – Tyrese Amissah

Overall, I enjoy every day I spend at college as this course is something I am immensely passionate about and can’t wait to see what my next steps will be in the future.

2nd Place (£30) – Harvey Baker

3rd Place (£20) – Marcus James • 1st Place (£50) – Tyrese Amissah • 2nd Place (£30) – Harvey Baker • 3rd Place (£20) – Marcus James • 4th Place (£10) – Liam Farrar Due to COVID, there has been no formal presentation, but we will try and arrange some ‘elbow bumps’ and a certificate.

4th Place (£10) – Liam Farrar

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Hadrian’s Wall Our chosen charity is The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). They are leading a movement against suicide for everybody that needs it. Every week 125 people in the UK take their own lives. And 75% of all UK suicides are male. Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and the cause of 18 deaths every day. CALM exists to change this.

CALM offers a free and confidential helpline and webchat for people in mental health crisis. They are open 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems. CALM experienced a record surge in demand for the helpline in Lockdown. 37% more daily calls were made. This charity event will help CALM to try to meet this unprecedented demand and save more lives. An £8 donation can help to allow them to answer one potentially life-saving call.

Their motto is: ‘Things can get tough, but we can help you get your life back. Being silent isn’t being strong.’

In August 2021 four members of staff from the Bedford College Group will undertake the challenge to walk from the North Sea on the East coast of Great Britain to the Irish Sea on the West coast. The route starts in Northumberland and ends in Cumbria and it will follow that of Hadrian’s Wall. heritage site stretches for just short of 100 miles. The walk will be completed in 6 days and during the course of the challenge, the team will pass through ancient Roman forts, historic abbeys, villages and of course traverse the iconic wall itself. The challenge starts on 1st August and the team will walk around 16 miles each day.

If you would like to sponsor us please follow the link or just get in touch with one of the team members: https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-brookes12?utm_ We will also report back on how the walk went after the event.

This incredible UNESCO world heritage site stretches for just short of 100 miles.

The Team members are: (pictured above clockwise from top left) • Mark Brookes • Shaun Wilson • •Mark Tinney • Ash Spiers

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Job

June 2021

Centre Manager in Applied Science

Location: Bedford Salary: £34,680 - £39,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 03/06/2021

Additional Learning Support Administrator Associate Lecturer in Welding

Location: Corby Salary: Associate - (Unqualified) £20.50 per hour Associate - (Qualified PGCE/Cert Ed or equivalent) £21.50 per hour Application closing date: 30/05/2021

Coach/Mentor in Construction

Location: Bedford Salary: £20,808 - £24,000 per annum, pro rata if part time, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 30/05/2021

Coach/Mentor in Construction

Location: Kettering Salary: £20,808 - £24,000 per annum, pro rata if part time, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 30/05/2021

Student Bursary Co-ordinator (Maternity Cover) Location: Bedford Salary: £25,000 per annum Application closing date: 30/05/2021

Associate Customer Contact Assistant Location: Bedford Salary: £8.91 per hour Application closing date: 31/05/2021

Associate Enrolment Support Assistant Location: Bedford Salary: £8.91 per hour Application closing date: 31/05/2021

Lecturer/Course Manager in Electrical Installations

Location: Corby and Wellingborough Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 31/05/2021

Location: Bedford Salary: £18,188 per annum Application closing date: 06/06/2021

Course Manager (Lecturer) in Animal Management

Location: Old Warden Salary: Circa £31,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 06/06/2021

Lecturer in Electrical Engineering

Location: Bedford Salary: £32,000 - £37,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 07/06/2021

Apprenticeship Liaison Officer

Location: Bedford Salary: £18,188 - £20,870 per annum, depending on qualification and experience Application closing date: 07/06/2021

Lecturer in Motorsport

Location: Silverstone Salary: £25,500 - £32,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 08/06/2021

Teaching Assistant

Location: Bedford Salary: £18,188 per annum, pro rata. Actual salary £13,154.10 per annum Application closing date: 08/06/2021 » View and apply for our full-time and part-time vacancies via The Bedford College Group vacancy portal which can be found on CONNECT staff intranet.

Estates and Facilities Assistant

Welcome to

Head of Science and Digital Technologies

Charlotte Coulton

Location: Northamptonshire campuses Salary: £20,000 per annum, rising to £20,500 following successful completion of a 6-month probationary period Application closing date: 01/06/2021 Location: XXXXX Salary: £38,760 - £49,980 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 01/06/2021

Position: Princes Trust Development Worker

Lecturer in English (Maternity Cover)

Position : General Assistant at Bedford College Services Ltd

Location: Bedford Salary: £25,500 - £32,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 01/06/2021

Centre Administrator

Location: Corby and Wellingborough Salary: £18,188 per annum Application closing date: 03/06/2021

Shelley Gibb

Position: Centre Administrator

Karen Hickling

Matthew Johnson

Position: Lecturer - Countryside Management

James Killick

Position: Head of Foundation and Additional Learning Support

Harley Ladbury

Position: Personal Achievement Tutor

Rebecca Newman

Position: Personal Achievement Tutor Pg.12

June 2021

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Quality & Training

Rachel Nicol

Director of Governance and Clerk to the Corporation rnicol@bedford.ac.uk

Professional Development Update Safeguarding 9 June & 7 July Safeguarding Workshop LGBT+ 10 June LGBT+ Workshop Tutor Interview Briefing 21st, 23 & 25 June various times (45 min long sessions) Tutor Interview Briefing

Other Events and Webinar Opportunities

Pearsons: BTEC Higher Nationals in Digital Technologies – An introduction Live Training NATECLA: NATECLA Webinar – Embedding Essential Digital Skills in ESOL Government Events: Supporting and Engaging Women in STEM in Higher Education (Discount Code: STEM100) The Higher and Further Education Marketing and Communications Event 2021 Women in Leadership – Techniques and Pathways to Senior Roles Education & Training Foundation Inclusive Leadership, enabling for step change webinar LSECT Festival of Education I Keynote Alert For more information or to book these sessions, visit the Professional Development pages on the intranet or email professionaldevelopment@bedford.ac.uk

News Meet the Governors Get to know our governors, the passionate volunteers that help to guide and monitor the strategic direction of The Bedford College Group and its subsidiaries.

This month we would like to introduce Dennis Buckley. Dennis is one of our newest governors, joining the Group during the summer of 2020 and now serves on the Audit Committee.

We asked Dennis what inspired him to become a governor and what he enjoys most about the role.

“I have been involved in the financial markets for almost 50 years having worked mostly in London as well as training in Los Angeles and working in the Arabian Gulf region.

One of my grandsons was studying accountancy at Bedford College. When asked for a work experience reference for my grandson I was also asked whether I had ever considered being a Governor and would I like to apply, which I did. My main motivation is to give something back and help in any way I can to assist students in the area of FE. In my first year on the Board, the team of people I have engaged with are some of the most professional, dedicated, and caring people with whom I have ever worked with and I’m honoured to play a small part in the development of BCG.” For more information on Corporation matters please contact the Director of Governance and Clerk to the Corporation, Rachel Nicol on rnicol@bedford.ac.uk.

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SAVE THE DATE Thursday 1 July 2021

Make sure you have saved the date for this year’s Staff Conference which will be held online on Thursday 1 July 2021. This year’s conference offers the chance to join colleagues from across the Group to celebrate the end of the academic year, one where we achieved the status of UK FE College of the Year.

For our 2021 conference, the focus that will be useful for everyone on a personal level to apply both in and out of the workplace will be on:

Inclusion: Belonging without conformity We recognise that inclusion is defined as belonging without the condition to fit within a pre-determined mould of culture, sexuality, ethnicity, gender, body and religion.

If you would like to recommend any speakers to host workshops at this year’s conference, or if you would like to host a session and share your expertise on topics that will be of interest to colleagues to improve their physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing, please send details to professionaldevelopment@bedford.ac.uk by Friday 21 May and we will aim to include as many as possible.

The full timetable of sessions will be shared, including keynote speakers for all staff to book on to early next month.

If you have any questions or would like to join the Staff Conference Working Group, please email professionaldevelopment@bedford.ac.uk.

For instance “Diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being asked to dance” as quoted by Vernā Myers.

Belonging is being accepted and appreciated without the need to hide or adapt any part of your identity.

We create belonging through inclusion in all aspects of our lives, as professionals, teachers, colleagues, members of our communities, friends and family members. Inclusion requires us to make an extra effort to learn, embrace and appreciate our differences and diversity of identities.

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Anastassia Parsons

DIVERSITY CALENDAR

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND WHAT INCLUSION MEANS TO ME

Priscilla Acheaw, Lecturer and Chair of the Race Equality Forum Inclusion is a universal human right and affects every person in every walk of life.

Being inclusive is to accept and embrace all people of different race, gender, disability, ethnicity and heritage and to give people a fair and equal access and opportunities without any discrimination or barriers. Inclusion should not be an afterthought or a check box we tick – it should be engraved into the ethos of the group. Inclusivity empowers the oppressed voices and gives everyone an opportunity to be heard and valued. Inclusive practises support representation in every aspect of our community and helps to improve the culture in the group.

Race Equality Forum

The purpose of this staff group is to provide a platform for discussing issues in relation to ethnic background, cultural diversity and race, for sharing experiences in a safe and supportive environment, for networking with others who have encountered similar barriers, for sharing concerns and making recommendations to ensure inclusion is indeed being practiced within departments and with our students.

If you want to join the staff Race Equality Forum, please contact Priscilla Acheaw or Suzanie Knight.

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History month

The celebration of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture, history and contributions to British Society aims to tackle the negative stereotyping and prejudices, challenge myths and raise the voices of Gypsies and Travellers in wider society. Evidence show that Gypsies, Roma and Travellers are marginalised and suffer extreme levels of prejudice and discrimination.

Visit Friends, Families and Travellers www.gypsy-traveller.org/

14-20 June Refugee Week: We cannot walk alone This year’s theme comes from the historic speech of Martin Luther King ‘I have a dream’. The theme is an invitation to extend your hand to someone new, someone who is outside your current circle, has had an experience you haven’t, or is fighting for a cause you aren’t yet involved in.

Get Involved in #RefugeeWeek2021 #SimpleActs refugeeweek.org.uk/

22 June Windrush Day An opportunity to recognise and honour the contributions of the Windrush Generation and their descendants and to keep their legacy alive for future generations, ensuring that we celebrate the diversity of Britain’s history.

Visit BHM website https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/ section/the-windrush/

Religious Festivals

WHAT INCLUSION MEANS TO ME

Suzanie Knight, Lecturer and Chair of the Race Equality Forum Inclusion is more than simply ‘including’ diversity. It is what we need to give diversity a real impact. It is about my personal experiences and work. It is about creating a positive environment in which we can all influence, share knowledge and have our perspectives valued. An environment where work is enjoyable and every voice is equal and heard.

Inclusion is about getting fair opportunities to contribute and develop in the organisation. It also means having a balance in racial diversity in our workplace with appropriate representation at every level.

3 June - CORPUS CHRISTI Christian 10 June - ASCENSION DAY (40th day after Easter) Christian (Orthodox Churches) 14 June - DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL Chinese 16 June - MARTYRDOM OF GURU ARJAN Sikh 21 June - MIDSUMMER SOLSTICE Pagan / SUMMER SOLSTICE Druid 21 June - WORLD HUMANIST DAY The Inter Faith Network has a more detailed list of festivals and short descriptions.

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Connect

June 2021

Lynsey Travers

HR Manager - Human Resources

PERKS

TOP OFFERS THIS MONTH

Travelodge – Earn 6% Clarks – Save 13% ao.com – Earn 4.25% Uswitch – Earn £30 EE Home Broadband – Earn £100 The school holidays can be a nightmare for working parents. Trying to juggle work commitments with making sure their kids are safe and entertained can be a real challenge and distraction. You can help your employees with peace of mind in the Easter and summer holidays by offering them a great discount at our activity camps.

They can get £10 off our weekly rate and half price extended hours if they need additional flexibility to accommodate their working schedule. The best thing is, this won’t cost you a penny or require any timeconsuming work!

All you need to do is get in touch with us at fun@ barracudas.co.uk - We look forward to hearing from you!

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June 2021