CEO’s Update
pg 04
Hair and Beauty: Embracing Every
Strand
pg 08
Official Opening of Kingshill Farm pg 11
Connect
Valuing Teamwork | Inclusive | Student Centred | Improving Continuously | Open and Caring | Nurturing Educational Excellence
At the end of last term all staff came together to attend workshops and talks as well as giving them a chance to network with colleagues. We also had a chance to celebrate staff success and presented the staff awards. Read more on pages 14 and 15.
Mohammed Jaman Communications Assistant mjaman@bedford.ac.uk
Editor’s Note
In this special edition of CONNECT to start the academic year, we share news from across the Group, including a summary of our Staff Conference and Seminar at the end of last term, the official opening of Kingshill Farm at Shuttleworth College, a thoughtprovoking story about inclusivity, hair and culture, along with other updates.
We continue to send weekly all staff email updates to keep everyone updated of activities and news across the Group and staff are always able to add articles to CONNECT intranet. If you need any support with the intranet or have news to share in the all staff updates please send your articles and photos to communications@bedford. ac.uk
Dates For Your Diary
September
Wednesday 18
Central Bedfordshire College Student Awards: 6.00pm - 9.00pm
GroFar Badges Q&A Session
Friday 20
Critical Thinking & Educational Gains
Monday 23
All Staff Performance Reviews Begin
Tuesday 24
The Corby Sixth Form Open Day: 5.00pm8.00pm
Thursday 26
National College for Motorsport Open Day (Online): 5.00pm - 8.00pm
The Bedford Sixth Form Open Day: 5.00pm8.00pm
Safeguarding Workshop
October
Thursday 10
Tea & Talk for World Mental Health Day
Tuesday 15 Safer Recruitment
Thursday 17
Tresham College, Corby, Open Day: 5.00pm8.00pm
Friday 18
Wear it RED Day for Show Racism The Red Card
Saturday 19
Shuttleworth College Open Day: 9.30am - 12.30pm
Tuesday 22
National College for Motorsport Open Day: 4.30pm - 7.00pm
Wednesday 23
Wear it PINK & Coffee Morning for Breast Cancer Awareness
Thursday 24
Tresham College, Kettering, Open Day: 5.00pm - 8.00pm
Saturday 26
Tresham College, Wellingborough, Open Day: 10.00am - 1.00pm
November
Tuesday 5
English GCSE exam (Invigilation): 9.00am11.30am
Wednsday 6
Maths GCSE exam (Invigilation): 9.00am11.30am
Thursday 7
English GCSE exam (Invigilation): 9.00am11.30am
Friday 8
Maths GCSE exam (Invigilation): 9.00am11.30am
Monday 11
Maths GCSE exam (Invigilation): 9.00am11.30am
Tuesday 12
Wellbeing Fair at Bedford College & Tresham College, Corby: 10.00am - 2.00pm
Wednesday 13
Wellbeing Fair at Central Bedfordshire College: 10.00am - 2.00pm
Thursday 14
Central Bedfordshire College Open Day: 4.00pm - 7.00pm
Wellbeing Fair at Tresham College, Kettering: 10.00am - 2.00pm
Saturday 16
Bedford College Open Day: 10.00am - 1.00pm
Tuesday 19
Wellbeing Fairs at The Bedford Sixth Form & The Corby Sixth Form: 10.00am - 2.00pm
Thursday 21
Wellbeing Fair at Tresham College, Wellingborough: 10.00am - 2.00pm
Tuesday 26
The Bedford Sixth Form Opden Day: 5.00pm8.00pm
Wellbeing Fair at Shuttleworth College: 10.00am - 2.00pm
Thursday 28
The Corby Sixth Form Open Day: 5.00pm8.00pm
Friday 29
Safeguarding Workshop
For more diary dates, please click the link here.
Yiannis Koursis OBE CEO, The Bedford College Group
CEO’s Update
As the academic year begins, it is with great enthusiasm and optimism that we welcome both new and returning staff to The Bedford College Group. Each year brings with it fresh challenges, opportunities, and the chance to make a lasting impact on our students, our community, and our own professional journeys.
This year promises to be an exciting one as we continue to build on the foundations we set during 2023–2024 while embracing new ideas and initiatives. Our commitment to delivering high-quality education and fostering an inclusive, supportive environment remains at the heart of everything we do. As we ended the last academic year, we also welcomed a new government and so we expect an everchanging landscape across the sector which I expect will call for us to continue to adapt and innovate. I am confident that, together, we will rise to the occasion.
Over the summer, teams across the Group have been busy preparing for the year ahead. Our campuses have been buzzing with activity— upgrading facilities, enhancing our digital resources, and refining our offer to ensure we continue to provide the highest standard of education to our students. These improvements are not just physical; we’ve also been working hard to enhance our support systems, professional development opportunities and collaboration platforms.
As we welcome new and returning students, we have a new cohort of students to inspire to achieve their full potential, preparing them for a successful future in their chosen careers. As I mentioned at our staff conference in the
summer, this is only possible by the dedication and passion each of you brings to your role. Whether you’re teaching in the classroom, supporting students behind the scenes, or managing our facilities, your contribution is vital to our collective success.
We have much to look forward to in the coming months. I look forward to seeing you all at the staff meetings being hosted across all campuses as well as being able to celebrate the achievements of last years students at the Student Awards 2024.
Finally, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each member of our staff. Your hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence are the driving forces behind our achievements. As we embark on this new academic year, I am confident that, together, we will continue to make progress towards our strategic aims and welcome any Ofsted visits to show our Group as an environment where both staff, and students can thrive.
As always, I welcome any opportunity to meet with colleagues across the Group so please do get in touch if you wish to discuss any plans or ideas throughout the year.
Yiannis Koursis OBE Chief Executive
Adam Godfrey Group Head of Digital Experience agodfrey@bedford.ac.uk
Digital News
Migration of VLE - Teams Update
We’re excited to share an important update about the migration of our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to Microsoft Teams. This change is aimed at improving our collaborative and educational tools. Providing a more integrated and efficient experience for everyone.
What’s Happening?
The DET/IT/CIS team has been hard at work behind the scenes to ensure this transition goes smoothly. New Teams will be created for the upcoming academic year and will be ready by the end of this month. This gives you time to get familiar with the new setup before the new term starts.
Training and Support
To help you get up to speed with the new system, we’re offering a couple of training options:
Early Access Training: If you’re keen to get ahead, we’ll be sending out individual messages to all staff who interact with students, with details on how you can join early training/migration sessions. This way, you can get a feel for the new system before it officially launches.
Official Training Sessions: We’ll be running full training sessions until January 2025. These will cover all the key features and how to maximise Microsoft Teams in your daily work.
The Digital Experience Team (DET) will be on hand to support you throughout this transition. They’ll be available to help with any questions or issues you might have, ensuring everything runs as smoothly as possible.
What’s New?
We are working on extending some features not normally found in Teams for students. Without revealing too much, we are looking at ways to link ProSolution and Teams together. You won’t have to wait too long for news on what this means from a student/ staff perspective, but for now we can say it will improve the experience for students with the VLE! Our goal is to make your teaching experience even better with improved communication tools, collaborative spaces, and a more user-friendly interface.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this transition period. Your feedback is important to us (the whole VLE change is based on staff and student feedback), and we’re looking forward to this new chapter together.
For any immediate questions or concerns, feel free to contact the DET team at digitalexperienceteam@bedford.ac.uk
Natalie Morris Group Head of Learning and Development nmorris@bedford.ac.uk
Learning and Development News
Meet the L&D Team
Behind the scenes of our dynamic Learning and Development function is a dedicated team of professionals committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning. This team works to design and implement a variety of training programs and initiatives that align with our company’s strategic goals.
• Natalie Morris Group - Group Head of Learning and Development
• Nicola Beacon - Learning and Development Manager
Over 20 L&D Projects
We are working on over 20 projects, ranging from specialist conferences, system training, toolkit days, and other College critical initiatives. Each initiative is carefully crafted to support your professional development and help you reach our goals.
Stay Informed via Our LMS
All our upcoming events and training programs will be advertised on our Learning Management System (LMS). The LMS is your go-to platform for all things L&D. Here, you can find detailed information about each event, register for sessions, and access a wealth of learning resources.
Building a Dynamic Training Matrix
We are excited to announce that we are currently in consultation with managers and working closely with HR to create a dynamic training matrix. This innovative tool will enable us to establish the specific knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for each role across the group. By identifying these key competencies, we can make informed decisions on all training requests received, ensuring that we meet your needs effectively and efficiently.
Guidance and Support
For more information on how to navigate our LMS and take full advantage of the learning opportunities available, please refer to the guidance provided here. The L&D team is also available to answer any questions and provide support as needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out L&D@bedford.ac.uk
The L&D team is dedicated to providing you with the tools and opportunities you need to grow professionally and personally. We encourage you to participate in our upcoming events and take full advantage of the resources available through our LMS.
Stay tuned for more updates, and happy learning!
Clare Hood Group Director of Learning Excellence chood@bedford.ac.uk
Quality News
My name is Clare Hood, and I joined The Bedford College Group on August 1 2024, as the Group Director for Learning Excellence. I work with a brilliant team. Our priority is understanding our current practices across all the colleges within the Group and finding ways to support teachers in developing, improving, and sharing what they do well.
I wanted to use this opportunity to share the ‘Learning Helps’ process with you. We know that the start of the academic year can be a really busy time for student-facing teams. That’s why our leaders and managers are here to help. If someone knocks on your door to ask you, ‘How can I help?’ that is exactly what they are there to do. They are ready and willing to support you in any way they can. It could be an opportunity for you to invite them into your classroom or workshop for ten minutes to see some of the brilliant experiences you are providing for learners. Alternatively, if there is something you need them to do for you, just ask. We know you only get one opportunity to make a positive first impression on your learners, and we want to support you to do that. Alternatively, if at that point you just want to get on with what you are doing, just let us know.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any member of my team if you need more information about the ongoing work or if there’s anything else we can do to support you. You can contact the team via email at learning-excellence@bedford.ac.uk. Looking forward to meeting all of you in the upcoming term.
New ‘Learning Helps’ initiative
Ashley Spiers Group Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion aspiers@bedford.ac.uk
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion News
Hair and Beauty: Embracing Every Strand
I was lucky enough to attend the latest Hair & Beauty Show (Bedford College) at the Corn Exchange in May. I didn’t really know what to expect because it’s not a world I’m a part of (what with having no hair!). My experiences of going to the barber shop (even recently) to have my beard shaped have been anything but inclusive. There are many, many exceptions, but for me, it’s never been the most comfortable environment for an LGBTQ+ man because the discussions I’ve overheard have been toxically masculine, misogynistic and bigoted. A lot of my gay friends even pretend to be straight when they go to the barbers. Historically, the barber shop has not been an arena that embraces a range of identities. However, for culturally minoritised groups, these places can be the centre of the community. And this positive message of inclusivity is what I learnt from our hair and beauty students at the event.
Hair and Beauty is a realm where people express their uniqueness. The students certainly did this in the show through their models. This year’s theme was ‘Myths and Legends’, and it was wonderful to see the myriad of interpretations of this in itself. The students used their own identities to emphasise differences in every way. There were clearly different expressions of gender, race and culture. Students of all ages and at all different stages of their learning journey demonstrated commitment to their creativity. Some won prizes for their work; the rest applauded their colleagues in the spirit of teamwork.
It got me thinking about what a great celebration of diversity this subject area is. The students study different types of hair or skin. They have an understanding of skin tone, the cultural significance of diverse hair, identity fluidity, selfexpression, representation and colourism.
I learnt that Hair and Beauty is indeed about respecting each other. It could have been my own unconscious bias that coloured my view of the barbering industry. My son loves going to the barbers, and it’s one of the only environments in which he will sit still and be patient (well, he is only 2!) I want him to see diverse creativity and cultural positivity, and it may be that going for a haircut might be a good place to start after all.
Dr Mahruf Shohel Group Head of Research Innovation and Scholarship Engagement mshohel@bedford.ac.uk
Research News
Cultivating a Culture of Excellence: Update on Research and Scholarly Activities
At The Bedford College Group, our commitment to fostering research excellence and innovation is central to our student-centred approach to education, and to unlock their potential for success. We strive to create an environment where scholarly activities thrive and encourage both staff and students to engage in meaningful research.
Highlights from our ongoing projects and achievements are summarised below.
• Higher Education Research Symposium 2024: Held on Monday 4 March at the Kettering Campus, the symposium featured keynote addresses and student research through poster and oral presentations. This event was aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among staff and students.
• BRIEF Project Presentations at the Research Steering Group Meeting: On Tuesday 25 June, researchers presented their BRIEF projects on the effectiveness of VLEs (Adam Godfrey & Nigel Gilbert), AI for teaching and learning (Atheer Mahir), inquiry-based practices (Carmelo Mastrandrea), the informal learning of novice sailors (Charles Whewell), challenges faced by those without a Level 2 Maths qualification (Kevin Norley), and the use of digital tools for enhancing engagement (Vera Duarte).
• Poster Presentations at the Staff Conference 2024: Several colleagues presented their research and scholarly activities through poster presentations on Friday 28 June. Topics included Inquiry-Based Practices (Carmelo Mastrandrea), Teachers’ Well-Being (Shaun Wilson), Education in the Third Reich (Robin Smith), Graphic Novels in FE (Libby Connelly), Independent Learning (Elzbieta Grabska-Moyle), AI Tutors (Atheer Mahir), Blended Learning (Vera Duarte).
• Students as the Co-creators Initiative: Our first project, ‘Students as the Co-creators of Sustainability Curriculum’ has won the Advance HE Innovative Practice Award 2023-24. A conference paper on this project will be presented at the 24th International Conference on Diversity in July. A second project has been funded by the Skills and Education Group Foundation that explores co-creating learning materials for the Introduction to Climate Change, Social Justice, and Sustainability module.
• Advance HE Innovative Practice Grant 2023-24: On 1st May, TBCG received an Advance HE Innovation Practice Grant 2023-24 for innovations in teaching and learning, reinforcing our commitment to student-centred education. As part of our co-creation initiative, which involves students in curriculum development, students are currently engaged in material development.
Further initiatives for research and scholarship engagement across the Group include:
• BRIEF Call for Applications 2024: The BRIEF (BCG Research, Innovation and Evaluation Fund) Application Call was announced through CONNECT and email. The application deadline was Sunday 30 June. This opportunity aimed to fund projects that aim to enhance current policies, procedures, and practices across TBCG with input from colleagues’ ideas and interests.
• Researcher Café: Promoting a vibrant research culture, this virtual space (Teams) operates at 11.00am every Tuesday and provides an opportunity for researchers to discuss ideas, share findings, collaborate, and learn about other research and scholarly activities taking place across the Group.
• Lunchtime Research Workshops: These hybrid workshops, hosted by Dr Mahruf Shohel and Dr Wendy Sall, provide opportunities for colleagues to develop their understanding and build research capacity. The last two workshops explored ‘Research: ‘What is it all about?’ (26 March) and ‘Research Ideas: How to Develop Them?’ (4 June).
• Library-Based Research Skills Support: TBGC libraries offer comprehensive study skills support for staff and students. Topics include approaching projects, research proposals, ethics, literature reviews, and methodologies, and can be tailored for both individuals and groups.
• Published Book: Some of our colleagues’ research was featured in a book titled “Practitioner Research in College-Based Education,” which was set to be published in mid-July. The book included five chapters with contributions from our colleagues. After the publication, contributing authors and colleagues received a discounted price code.
TBCG remains dedicated to advancing research and scholarly activities, ensuring that our institution remains at the forefront of educational innovation, striving to make learning for future generations as enjoyable and effective as possible.
Group News
Official Opening of Kingshill Farm
On Tuesday 21 May 2024, the Group celebrated the official opening of the newly redeveloped Kingshill Farm at Shuttleworth College in Old Warden Park, near Biggleswade. The event was marked by a commemorative plaque unveiling ceremony led by Yiannis Koursis OBE, CEO of the Group, and Tim Routsis, Chair of the Shuttleworth Trust, on which the campus is situated. This £2 million investment, funded by Government grants and the Group, has transformed the farm into a state-of-the-art educational facility with the latest farming technologies and modern classrooms and workshops designed to deliver T Levels in agriculture, environmental and animal care.
Joining them, addressing the audience of enthusiastic staff and students, was Dr Catherine Lloyd, Vice Principal of the Bedford College Group for Shuttleworth College, who highlighted the farm’s educational impact. “The Farm provides an educational setting for students who are involved in all aspects of farm and habitat
management. It plays an important role in developing skills with both arable and livestock enterprises and helps students gain a wider understanding of land management,” said Dr Lloyd.
The event was well-attended, with guests including representatives from Beds Rural Communities Charity, Devonshire Architects, East of England Agricultural Society, and the Shuttleworth College Association. Gary Buckle from Tuckwells, the renowned John Deere farming equipment supplier, was also in attendance.
The redevelopment of Kingshill Farm is a testament to the Group’s and its partners’ commitment to advancing agricultural education and ensuring students have access to cutting-edge resources and training.
Brooks Annual Hair & Beauty Show
On Thursday 9 May 2024, the Bedford College and Brooks Annual Hair, Beauty and Barbering Show took place at the Bedford Corn Exchange. The colourful spectacle highlighted fun fashion and super styles created by students at the college’s High Street training salon. This year’s theme, “Legends and Myths,” inspired a range of stunning looks. Yiannis Koursis OBE, CEO of the Group, opened the show, expressing his excitement about being part of a beautiful tradition and thanking both staff and students at Brooks for their hard work and commitment during the year.
The event was generously sponsored by BedfordBID, which represents 100s of businesses in the town centre. They hosted an Instagram photo competition for attendees, with prizes of Love Bedford vouchers redeemable at local shops, restaurants and more. Baker Brothers Diamonds also sponsored a special award. Other sponsors included Goldwell, Dermalogica, Aston & Fincher, Ellisons, The Arc, 360 Photo Booth, and All Ears.
The show was well-attended, with guests including judges from local hair salons and barbershops, staff, students, friends and families.
Celebrating 25 Years of The Prince’s Trust
The Group celebrated 25 years of partnering with the Prince’s Trust in late April. During that time, it has helped over 5,000 young people gain valuable support and training.
Local Prince’s Trust courses are conducted in Bedford, Northampton North and South, Wellingborough, and Kettering. There are also satellite groups in Peterborough, Luton, and Dunstable. Over the past 25 years, with the support of the Group, these free courses have provided training to over 5,000 young people, many of whom have gone on to gain employment or pursue further education. Interestingly, several of the Prince’s Trust Team Leaders attended a course themselves and were inspired to lead the teams.
During the free 12-week programme, young people acquire valuable skills and experience, earn a qualification, and build confidence. Participants take part in an action-packed residential trip, gain two weeks of work experience, obtain a nationally recognized qualification, and receive assistance in creating a standout CV. They also learn techniques to make a positive impression during interviews.
In honour of the 25-year celebration, Jonathan Townsend, the Chief Executive of Prince’s Trust UK, wrote to the Group’s staff, acknowledging the vital work of delivery partners like us in Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire. He emphasised that the relationships forged in these communities are invaluable to the ongoing commitment to young people.
Bedford College Embraces Artifical Intelligence and Welcome Universal
Studios
Proposal
In late March, the Group made Artificial Intelligence (AI) a top priority for teaching and learning. The initiative included being involved in a BBC News documentary series aired in April. Vice Principal Nina Sharp welcomed BBC TV presenter Janine Machin to speak with inspiring math and English tutors who use Century Tech AI to improve their classes and student learning.
Head of Adult and Community Learning at the Group Cheryl Needham said: “It has been a privilege to partner with The Prince’s Trust, supporting thousands of young people over the years. These courses help empower the students, who have often faced various difficulties and struggles to help ensure they have a brighter, more promising future.”
The Group welcomed BBC News once more to speak to excited staff and students in engineering and performing arts about Universal Studios’ proposal to build a new theme park in Bedfordshire. This would create thousands of jobs and bring about potential partnership opportunities. Students welcomed the idea of having one of the world’s biggest entertainment companies and theme parks nearby. At the same time, staff are excited about the new opportunities Universal might bring to their students now and in the future.
Nigel Clauzel, Head of Performing Arts at Bedford College, said: “You go to other theme parks where they’ve got people performing, dressing up, entertaining the kids, so the opportunities for us are really widespread. We’ve got technicians who can work in events management, so it’s quite an amazing opportunity for them.”
2024 Staff Conference
The staff conference on Friday 28 June, began with a keynote address from the CEO, Yiannis Koursis OBE. He highlighted the importance of this year’s theme, “Student Centred Practice”, and the creation of conducive learning spaces and encounters. Yiannis also emphasised the Group’s commitment to educational excellence and stressed the need for continuous learning from all staff. This was followed by a captivating presentation by Musharaf Asghar, Keynote Speaker and Journalist, who shared his remarkable journey to finding his voice as the boy who stammers on Educating Yorkshire. After the break, the conference split into two sessions: one for curriculum staff and one for noncurriculum staff. Each group enjoyed separate presentations on assessment and sequencing (curriculum staff), safeguarding and teamwork (noncurriculum), delivered by passionate professionals in their respective fields.
During the lunch break, which offered a wide range of delicious food options to cater to all dietary needs and preferences, staff had the opportunity to attend a variety of engaging workshops. These were led by staff from across the Group and covered topics such as EDI, Research, Education and Training Foundation. The conference concluded with a thought-provoking talk by Ruby Wax, an Entertainer, Leadership Expert and Mental Health Advocate, who discussed her book, ‘A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled’. She emphasised the importance of mental health, communication and practising
mindfulness in the workplace to avoid feeling frazzled. A social media photo competition was held throughout the day, and prizes were awarded for the best photos that captured the spirit of collaboration, mentoring, interactive learning and networking.
2024 Staff Seminar
Like the staff conference, the staff seminar on Monday 1 July, began with an opening address from Yiannis, who emphasised the importance of building skills for a sustainable future and outlined the strategic plan for the upcoming years. The plan included the Group’s vision, purpose and strategic pillars: educational excellence, community leadership and reputation, and sustainability. He also stressed the need to communicate more effectively across the Group and share information and processes between Colleges, stating that it was everyone’s responsibility to do so. This was followed by short presentations led by various Executives, covering topics such as new senior appointments, business process updates, new initiatives, and upcoming challenges.
During the morning session, talented performing arts students at Bedford College gave live musical performances. The seminar concluded with the 2024 Staff Awards. This year, there were 6 categories, each based on the Group’s values, with more nominations than ever before. The winners were:
• Keith Mattingly (Team Player Award): Keith was recognised for his exceptional commitment to teaching, positive attitude, and support for colleagues and marginalised populations.
• The Student Services Team at Tresham College (Continuously Improving Award): The team won the award due to their dedication and commitment to enhancing support
for staff, learners, and stakeholders through self-reflection and active engagement.
• Jess Day (Outstanding Contribution to Student Experience Award): Jess was acknowledged for her exceptional dedication to enhancing students’ experiences at Shuttleworth College and prioritising their needs in every decision she made.
• Kirsty Baker (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Champion Award): Kirsty won the award for her exceptional dedication to supporting students with special needs, particularly her efforts to empower her colleagues and implement tailored strategies for an autistic student.
• Laurence Shone (Elizabeth Nash Supporting Staff and Students Award): Laurence was celebrated for going above and beyond to support staff, students, and visitors, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Vicky Lloyd Cunningham (Educational Excellence Award): Vicky received the award for her dedication to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment as a Course Manager for Adult ESOL.
P eople N ews
Job Opportunties
Associate – SEND Support Assistant
Bedford
Fixed Term – Term Time
£12.00 per hour
30/11/2024
English Lecturers (Teachers)
Northamptonshire and/or Bedfordshire
Permanent – Part Time and Full Time
From £31,000 to £35,804 per annum (dependent on qualifications and experience)
30/11/2024
Associate – Events Associate
Bedford
Sessional – Hourly Paid
£12.50 per hour
31/12/2024
Associate Invigilator Kettering
Sessional – Hourly Paid
£13.20 per hour
31/12/2024
Level 2 Swimming Teacher
Bedford
Sessional – Hourly Paid
£17.25 per hour
31/12/2024
Teaching Assistant
Bedford
Permanent – Term Time
£22,000 - £25,090
31/12/2024
» 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.
Religious Festivals and Awareness Days
SEPTEMBER Sickle Cell Awareness Month I Childhood Cancer Awareness Month I Blood Cancer Awareness Month World Alzheimer’s Month I Urology Awareness Month
Reglious Festivals
Saturday 14 Feast of the crossChristian
Monday 16 Mawlid al-Nabi - Islam
Tuesday 17 Anant ChaturdashiHindu
Saturday 21 Feast of Saint MatthewChristian
Sunday 29 Feast of Saint Michael and all angels - Christian
Awareness Days
Friday 13 World Afro Day’s ‘big hair assembly’
Wednesday 18 International Equal Pay Day
Saturday 21 World Alzheimer’s Day
Sunday 22 Autumn equinox
Monday 23 Bi Visibility Day
Monday 23 International Day of Sign Languages
Mon 23 - Sun 29 UK National Inclusion Week
OCTOBER
Breast Cancer Awareness Month I Down Syndrome
Awareness Month I Black History Month
Lupus Awareness Month I World Menopause Month
Global Diversity Awareness Month
Reglious Festivals
Thursday 3 Sharada Navaratri beginHindu
Thursday 3Friday 4 Rosh Hashanah - Judaism
Friday 4 Feast of St Francis of AssisiChristian
Sunday 6 Fast of Gedaliah - Judaism
Wednesday 9 Birthday of Guru Ram Das - Sikh
Saturday 12 Yom Kippur - Judaism
Saturday 12 Dussehra - Hindu
Thursday 17Wednesday 23 Sukkot - Judaism
Friday 18 Feast of Saint Luke - Christian
Sunday 20 Birthday of the Guru GranthSikh
Thursday 24 Shemini AtzeretJudaism
Friday 25 Simchat Torah - Judaism
Monday 28 Feast of Saints Simon and Jude - Christian
Thursday 31 All Hallows’ eve - Christian
Awareness Days
Tuesday 1 Anniversary of the Introduction of the Equality Act I International Day of Older Persons
Saturday 5 World Teachers’ Day
Sunday 6 World Cerebral Palsy Day
Thursday 10 World Mental Health Day I World Sight Day
Friday 11 International Day of the Girl Child I National Coming Out Day
Thursday 15 International Day of Rural Women
Friday 16 International Pronouns Day
Saturday 17 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Sunday 18 Anti-Slavery Day I World Menopause Day I Show Racism the Red Card’s Wear Red Day
Saturday 26 Intersex Awareness Day
Tuesday 29 World Stroke Day
NOVEMBER Lung Cancer Awareness Month I Pancreatic Cancer
Awareness Month I Mouth Cancer Action Month I Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month I Movember Men’s Health Awareness Month I Disability History Month
Reglious Festivals
Friday 1 Diwali - Hindu I Bandi Chhor Divas - Sikh I Feast of all the Saints - Christian
Saturday 2 All Souls’ Day - Christian
Thursday 7 Chhath Puja - Hindu
Saturday 9 Feast of the dedication of the Archbasilica - Christian
Friday 15 Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev - Sikh
Sunday 24
Feast of Christ the King - Christian I Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur - Sikh
Saturday 30 Saint Andrew’s Day - Christian
Awareness Days Friday 8 Intersex Day of Solidarity
Sunday 10 Remembrance Sunday
Sunday 10Sunday 17 UK Inter Faith Week
Monday 11 Armistice Day
Wednesday 13 World Kindness Day
Wednesday 13Tuesday 19 Transgender Awareness Week
Thursday 14 World Diabetes Day I Start of Disability History Month
Saturday 16 International Day for Tolerance
Tuesday 19 International Men’s Day
Wednesday 20 World Children’s Day I Transgender Day of Remembrance
Monday 25 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Staff Perks
SmartSpending™ discounts: Enjoy more, pay less.
With over 800 retailers on our discount platform, there truly is a way to save for everyone.
Travel
There is something about the summer months that just makes us want to pack our bags and get away for a bit. Luckily, you don’t have to go on a long expensive holiday to a tropical place to enjoy the summer. Even going somewhere for a weekend can give you all the holiday vibes you need. Or why not explore a new city on a budget?
Just make sure you don’t make any plans without checking out the Bedford College Perks first. Book a room on Airbnb or Booking. com or Hotels.com for discounts of up to 7%.
Health and personal care
It’s the perfect time to stock up on personal care items, like sunscreen (don’t skip it!) or toiletries that easily fit in your suitcase. Save up to 7% at Boots or Space NK.
Home and garden
If you’re anything like us, chances are there are some DIY home projects that you’ve been putting off. Whether it’s giving your bathroom a makeover or finally painting that wall in your living room, if you do it now you get to enjoy it the rest of summer. Save up to 6% at B&Q and Wickes!
Eating out
Some days you simply don’t feel like cooking, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank by going for expensive dinners.
Take yourself or the family out for a nice meal at Nando’s, Turtle Bay or Pizza Express and pay up to 10% less.
Groceries
No matter the season, groceries are one of our biggest expenses. Maybe you like inviting friends or family members over and having a barbecue, or there are some new recipes you want to try this summer. Remember that you can save on all of your groceries at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Iceland and Morrisons.
Clothing
Of course a new season does not have to mean an entirely new wardrobe, but maybe you do still need some summer essentials like swimwear, comfortable shoes or a nice pair of sunglasses. If that’s the case, head over to the Bedford College Perks to find the best deals! For example, both Zalando and H&M offer 10% off if you use our Instant Vouchers!
On the go? Our SmartSpending™ App gives you access to all of the same deals, so you can save wherever and whenever you want! Simply go to the Apple Store or to Google Play on your smartphone, look for ‘SmartSpending’, download the app and login with the same details as the browser version.
You can access The Bedford College Group Perks by clicking the link here.
Royal & Derngate Business Club Member Discounts
As a member of the Royal & Derngate Business Club, you are entitled to discounts on shows at the Arts and Entertainment Theatre in Northampton.
To get these discounts, please register an account using your work email address, which ends with ‘@bedford.ac.uk’. The discounts will be applied at the final checkout page under ‘business’. The amount of the discounts may vary from show to show, but as a business club member, you will save at least £2.00 per ticket, plus an additional £4.00 transaction fee that is typically applied to most orders. The relevant discount will be reflected in the final price at the checkout, and ticket confirmation will be
emailed to the email address used to set up the account. To create an account, please click the link here
You can also book tickets for shows over the phone through the Royal & Derngate Box Office by quoting ‘Customer ID no. 1151026’. Please note that quoting this will bring up the Bedford account. Therefore, you must inform the Royal & Derngate Sales Advisor that you are making the booking, so the information/tickets can be sent directly to you. If you encounter any difficulties with registering or booking, please contact Royal & Derngate Box Office at 01604 624811 or BoxOffice@royalandderngate.co.uk.
