Staff Conference 2016 - Brochure

Staff Conference 2016 Wednesday 29 June to Friday 1 July 2016

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Principal’s Opening Address

Dear all.

The Conference is a great opportunity for us all to think together, engage with each other, learn and share our views.

The nature of education is that we continuously reflect on our work, develop ourselves and improve the service we provide as individuals and teams to our students and customers. It is therefore no coincidence that this year’s conference focuses on customer service and team working.

We live in a world where the organisation that provides the best customer service always wins and wins big. This is because technology makes it easier for people to change their service providers; and because the expectations of students, parents and employers rise each year. We cannot always count on loyalty.

It is very important you enjoy the Conference and that is in your hands, it is a choice you make by engaging fully throughout and thinking how you can contribute to each session.

And remember, a Conference is not just the formal sessions you attend. Often you can get huge benefit from the informal chats over lunch or coffee breaks. Use that as an opportunity to discuss what you have learned or meet new members of staff.

Have a great few days and thank you for the commitment you have shown to our community throughout the year.

Ian Pryce Principal and Chief Executive

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Staff Conference Days Why? Following the Staff Survey in the Autumn term, we identified some issues with communication and cooperation between teams.

What?

With the help of the Executive and Development Partners Group this year’s Staff Conference will focus on improved communication, mutual understanding and cooperation between all staff, supporting our commitment to customer service excellence How? Based on seminar and workshop experiences, our plans include plenty of opportunity to explore and develop how the messages apply to each of us and the work we do.

The Conference is also planned to allow you time to network and socialise with other participants as well as with the speakers and workshop facilitators.

Easy online booking with www.bedford.ac.uk/staffconference Where?

Cauldwell Street, Bedford College Specific rooms will be allocated to each workshop and noted on the booking screen and staff intranet.

When?

Wednesday June 29 to Friday 1 July.

Wednesday, 29 June is a day of vocational updating/centre devised activities.

On Thursday, 30 June and Friday, 1 July there are various fun activities, seminars, workshops and breakout sessions for you to participate in. You’ll need to book on to some of these.

Refreshments Thursday, 30 June, this year we are delighted to be able to offer lunch in Munch and Mocha starting at 12noon. To avoid lengthy queues, staff will be sent a link to book onto one of the three sittings available which are;12noon , 12:30pm and 1:00pm.

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On Friday 1 July at 2pm the Mini Olympics will commence hopefully outdoors (weather permitting) or in the Sports Hall if it rains.

At 4pm more food and drink will be available, supplied by the Staff Social Group in the Courtyard. All staff, no matter their location are welcome to attend.

During the three days of the conference, free tea and coffee will be available from the following three locations: Munch & Mocha (Cauldwell Street) Outside The Studio Theatre In the foyer at Springs Wednesday and Thursday between 8am – 4pm Friday between 8am – 2pm Accessibility Please let us know if you have any access requirements, for example materials in an alternative format, hearing loop/BSL interpreter, wheelchair access, accessible car parking bay, etc by emailing staffdevelopment@bedford.ac.uk Bookings Places will be limited on workshops so please review the full programme and book your place well in advance of the date.

Attendance rules:  

minimum of 4 session for core FT minimum of 2 session for core PT

The sessions are not team events, please do not block book as a team. The intention is that we interact with other teams, and you attend a session as an individual and cascade back to your team.

Acknowledgements We would like to thank the Development Partners Group members for their ideas and enthusiasm; our hospitality partners BCS Ltd for the sustenance they have provided and the Staff Social Group for organising our end of year social.

How did we do?

We welcome your feedback on staffdevelopment@bedford.ac.uk

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Guide to the Staff Conference In addition to the delivered sessions, there are a number of ‘breakout’ activities that can be found around the college:       

Giant Jenga Table tennis Fast staff member in a Mario Kart – prize available Treasure trail – prize available Distorted photo challenge – prize available Blue Sky thinking – a post-it wall to write on your most disliked phrases I am an Eagle – In under five minutes, discover:  your strengths and what makes you tick  what you're like as a boyfriend or girlfriend  which celebrities share your personality type

DAY 1 – Wednesday 29 June 2016 Vocational updating day A day designated for Managers to arrange their own team events.

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DAY 2: Thursday 30 June 2016 - morning                      

Barista Workshop The Scholarship project How could we use the learning in Bedford College?

How could ideas from the scholarship project be used to inform the college’s research network?

Communication theory (in general) Pecha Kucha: Infotainment for everybody using short visual presentations Influencing without Authority – The Art of Vertical Communication Managing Unconscious Bias Communication with teenagers and their parents Open discussion: “Chevy to the Levy” (apprenticeships) Navigating the Financial Landscape New developments in the Moodle GradeTracker and ePLP Getting the most of Microsoft 365 ‘‘Either you run the day or the day runs you!’

Awarding bodies all you need to know (contain your excitement!)

A minute of Magnificence - How to tell your story in 60 seconds Sand to the Sahara Laughter Therapy for team building Communication with young people and their parents Open discussion: FE Area Review.

‘Without Words!’

WAMedu Uncovered

Day 2: Thursday 30 June - afternoon             

Communicating theory (for mentors) ‘The four monkeys’- Exploring ways to communicate Laughter Therapy Vertical Communication - influencing upwards Room 101 Open Discussion - Higher Education, Scholarships & Research.

New developments in the Moodle GradeTracker and ePLP Getting the most of Microsoft 365 ‘‘Either you run the day or the day runs you!’

WAMedu Uncovered Managing Unconscious Bias Communication with teenagers and their parents Open discussion - Does a comfortable work environment make employees more productive?  Matrix Revolutions –back to flexible funding for non-accredited courses 6

      

‘Without Words!’

Sand to the Sahara Communication theory (Mentoring) Navigating the Financial Landscape The Future of Apprenticeships Awarding bodies all you need to know - (contain your excitement!)

A Minute of Magnificence – how to tell your story in 60 seconds

DAY 3: Friday 1 July 2016 - morning  ‘Posters’ sharing posters outlining findings of research undertaken at Bedford College (drop-in)  Communication ‘Mind your language…’ What it’s okay to say  Pecha Kucha: Infotainment for everybody using short visual presentation  Positive negotiation  Open discussion: Maths & English – is it a huge challenge?  Open discussion: How do we get back to outstanding?  Open discussion: Is cyber communication good for society?  Barista Workshop – learn to serve coffees - skill, mix with others  Six Degrees of Separation a Linkedin Masterclass  Room 101’ practice your influential and persuasive skills in a competitive fun debate  Awarding bodies all you need to know (contain your excitement!)  Building effective eLearning with Moodle  Getting the most of Microsoft 365  Successful Stakeholder Management  ‘‘Either you run the day or the day runs you!’  ‘Without Words!’

Day 2: Friday 1 July - afternoon  ‘POSTERS’ Sharing of posters outlining findings of research undertaken at Bedford College (drop-in)  Positive Negotiation  ‘Matrix Revolutions – back to flexible funding for non-accredited courses’  Six Degrees of Separation a Linkedin Masterclass  Building effective eLearning with Moodle  Getting the most of Microsoft 365  Communication Preferences  ‘Either you run the day or the day runs you!’  ‘Without Words!’

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Mini Olympics.

This year we are holding a number of ‘sport’ activities, staff will be sent an email to with a link to book on the events of their choice teams will be drawn based on the numbers available.

The proposed events are:       

Swing ball Badminton Volleyball Mini tug of war Giant Hoopla Pitching pennies Fun triathlon:  3 legged race  Wellie throwing  Egg & spoon race

End of Summer Term Celebration Please join us and relax in the Courtyard of Cauldwell Street between 4-5pm with food and drink kindly supplied by the staff Social Group.

All staff are invited, regardless of location .

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Workshop Profiles

John Lea John Lea is Director of the AoC/HEFCE catalyst project on College Higher Education Scholarship. John has worked in a number of roles throughout UK adult, further and higher education over the last thirty years. His main research interest is in developments at the FE/HE interface and he has written widely on this subject, including two recent research reports for the Quality Assurance Agency UK (QAA) and the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and most recently Supporting Higher Education in College Settings (SEDA, 2014).

Oliver Henry Oliver Henry is the Business Development Director at LBL Skills and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Housing. He has 25 years’ experience training in the Private and Public sectors including 5 years as a Guest Lecturer at Birmingham City University. His career includes 4 years working in a senior role for a Government Funded Agency in Bedfordshire used to kick start the projected increase in

John Hipkiss Laughter Therapy was established by John Hipkiss (Laughing John!) in 2009 with the aim of promoting Laughter Yoga, health and team building. John is a trained, insured and experienced Laughter Therapist.

Laughter, and thus Laughter Therapy, has been shown to have beneficial effects on various aspects of biochemistry. For example, laughter yoga has been shown to lead to reductions in stress hormones and when laughing the brain also releases endorphins that can relieve some physical pain.

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Chris Mooney Chris is a learning & development consultant with over 14 years experience working in business, management and learning & development. His specialisms include Leadership and Management, Personal Development, Coaching and Mentoring, Team Building and Train the Trainer. He is a Chartered Member of the CIPD and has a Postgraduate Diploma in HR Management & Development, as well as the Certificate in Learning & Development Practice. With a challenging and inquisitive nature, Chris helps participants to focus on actions they can take rather than focus on what they can’t change. His development is always fun yet focused. He cares about what happens after training is finished by making sure people leave knowing exactly how to put their learning into action.

Ceri Roderick Ceri Roderick is a Business Psychologist and Emeritus Partner at Pearn Kandola who has been working in the area of difference, the biases and the thinking errors that get in the way of us living out our good intentions in our practice. Ceri’s work covers the challenges of unconscious processes that are influencing our decision making, including the way we communicate with people. Ceri is a frequent commentator in the HR and broadsheet media, with recent contributions appearing in The Times, The Financial Times and The Guardian.

Susan Walls Susan is a business consultant and trainer who specialises in helping businesses to grow, develop, and improve their efficiency and profit.

Susan’s dedication to providing tailored, bespoke solutions is matched by her positive attitude, experience and practical approach to every client she works with.

She brings a wealth of experience to organisational change and people development and operates effectively at all levels of private and public sector businesses.

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Mark White Mark White helps companies and individuals to use LinkedIn to better achieve their business goals. “I do so without the hype that can often surround LinkedIn - not simply finding out which buttons to press but how you can integrate LinkedIn as a tool to help your sales, marketing or recruitment.”

Georgina Ager Vice Principal With extensive experience within the Further Education sector, School sector and Local Government, Georgina is well placed to discuss area reviews and the future of FE. As well as being Vice Principal at Bedford College Georgina is a musician playing in a local championship section brass band and competing all over the country, most recently in the Whit Friday Marches. Hopefully she won’t be too full of wind in the debate!

Carole Baber Teacher: Science Carole studied biology at Exeter Uni and took a PhD in Biology at Leicester. She then abandoned academia for the marketing and advertising world for 20 years.

Carole decided to return to biology by teaching it, which she describes as ‘a great decision’. Carole has a daughter who has just graduated from Exeter Uni with a zoology degree. Carole lives with her husband George, dog Jake, and pet snake Sydney.

Nicola Beacon HR Manager A professional HR Manager and qualified Lecture who is open-minded, friendly, patient with an optimistic outlook on all things in life.

I have been happily employed by Bedford College for over14 years providing staff advice and support on many aspects of HR services including performance 11

management, training and recruitment. I also have a background in teaching and training and as a result am involved in developing, delivering on Bedford College learning and development programmes to staff and in the evening teaching on CIPD Foundation course.

I am passionate about Arts & Crafts, I am a wife, a mother and an animal lover and believe failures are all part of life, if you don’t fail, you don’t learn. If you don’t learn you’ll never change!

Sue Blackman Executive Director Sue has been employed by the College from 2006 to present. Sue has a Graphic Design background and worked in industry 15 years before taking the plunge as an hourly paid lecturer to support freelance work. Sue moved into management of arts full time at Croydon College and Tresham College, she has taken three Masters Degrees between 1994-2010 after qualifying as a teacher. Sue aims to pursue interest in photography and fine art when she finally retires!

Mark Brookes Head of Department for Teacher Education & Scholarship.

Mark joined Bedford College in 2002 as a Trainee Lecturer and Tutor for a range of Offsite provision in the Sports Department and progressed his career within the College to his current role. Mark has a B.A (Hons) in Sport and Geography, an M.A in Sociology and a Cert Ed in Post-Compulsory Education. Mark has also completed the Level 5 UoB CPD Certificate’s in Mentoring, Tutoring, Numeracy and Special Educational Needs (SEN). His professional interests are in supporting and mentoring new teachers who come into F.E. Mark joined the Teacher Education team full-time in 2009 and became Head of Department in 2014.

Debbie Butler Head of Mathematics Debbie has several years teaching in a local secondary school where she was head of department. Debbie loves the interactions with her team at The Bedford Sixth Form and the students, in a much more mature atmosphere, all working with the best interests of the students at heart.

Debbie has two sons, both grown up now, and three cats; she likes nothing better than reading a good book or watching a good film. Debbie believes that you should treat others the way that you would like to be treated yourself!

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Sharon Chinneck Executive Director Sharon Chinneck joined Bedford College in 1981 as a Computing lecturer after working as a Systems Analyst. She has 15 years teaching experience and a further 20 years management and leadership experience across a range of curriculum areas, cross-college projects and membership of external forums and networks. As an Executive Director she maintains a strong interest in funding changes and Apprenticeship provision when not entertaining her grandchildren.

Gail Cocozza Executive Director Gail has worked at the college for 26 years and has a broad range of management experience cross college. As Executive Director for Service Industries she is enjoying the challenge of working with five teams, each with their own identities, strengths and challenges in the bid to become ‘outstanding’. Gail has an interest in emotional resilience and what motivates staff to remain committed to working in the FE sector in the current climate.

Beth Coles Personal Tutor Bethany could probably be described as the over enthusiastic Personal Tutor for Engineering and Electrical Installation. If you mention something to her stating ‘wouldn’t it be good if…’ she’s mad enough to try and make it happen! She is passionate about providing opportunities and trying to inspire the future workforce, including volunteering with the Staff Social Group to organise events.

Jon Crawford Lecturer: Plumbing, Functional Skills After a twenty year career in Engineering, Jon embarked on a career change to become a teacher. Ten years on, as Functional Skills Coordinator, he is passionate about improving the maths and English skills of young people. He is a firm believer in the power these skills have to improve opportunity and empower our learners in an ever changing world.

Away from work, Jon races his VW Golf in the UK National Drag Racing Championship, and is currently sixth in the VWDRC points. He also has a degree in Ancient History and Archaeology, and has appeared on ‘Time Team’ (though very much in the background).

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Roy Currie Director: Information and Learning Technologies Roy is a member of the Bedford College Executive Management Team, responsible for IT Services and Learning Technologies Team. This includes development and execution of the college's information and learning technologies strategies and management of the college's IT capital investment programme. Responsible for delivery of IT & Learning Technologies services across nine sites with over 3000 network clients and 12,000 users.

Chair of the 157 Group Technology & Innovation network and member of the FELTAG Implementation Group. Currently Project Director of the Moodle GradeTracker & ePLP projects - JISC and Ufi Trust funded project to develop BTEC, C&G, A/AS and other qualification grade-tracking and personal learning planning modules for use with the Moodle open source virtual learning environment.

John Guiney Quality Manager I have been at Bedford College since 2002. I spent four years here as a sport student before becoming a lecturer in the Sport Department before progressing to Sport Course Manager. In February 2016 I was seconded to the role as Quality Manager for Bedford College. My main duties are liaising with external awarding bodies, leading on the internal observation process and proving intervention and development plans for departments around the college. I am a huge football fan, supporting Manchester United and I will happily spend hours a week watching whatever football is on the TV. I grew up in Altrincham, Manchester and I use to deliver Roy Keane’s newspapers every morning on my delivery round.

Simon Hardie Head of English Simon has taught English across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 since 1999, his focus has mostly been on the A-level courses which he coordinated for many years at Redborne before joining The Bedford Sixth Form as Head of English. Simon believes that a strong understanding of the use and abuse of the English language is essential for our young people.

Rich Hemery Digital Marketing and Web Executive Rich Hemery has worked within the Marketing department at Bedford College since 2010. During this time he has won seven national College Marketing Network awards, re-developed and launched 15+ websites and implemented a host of new cost-saving online platforms. A graduate of the University of Leeds, he is interested in all things digital – with specialties encompassing website design & development, graphic design, digital marketing, communications theory and emerging 14

technologies. Outside of work he is a passionate music fan and attends gigs and festivals regularly, whether that is on the sunny beaches of Ibiza or the not so sunny fields of Glastonbury!

Mike Johnston Vice Principal My new job, which is based loosely around developing skills and technology just about encapsulates my favourite things in life. I have always enjoyed doing stuff – building and creating things, wondering how things work and then fixing them, but I didn’t really like working on my own so working with and relating to people has added the extra that makes a job the best ever.

People come with all their different and diverse traits and characteristics which add to the richness – who’d want anything more?

Pat Jones Finance Director A qualified accountant (ACMA) with private and public sector experience. Pat joined Bedford College in June 2013 having worked at the Local Authority in a number of roles but most recently as Group Accountant for Schools and Children’s Services.

Having previously worked at the College some 14 years earlier; Pat is one of a growing number of staff in her Directorate who have left and re-joined the College several years later.

Having already found the fun in funding she’s now desperately looking for the ding!

Sam Jones Advanced Practitioner: Teacher Education Sam joined the college in 2005. Her background is in business and when in industry she worked in procurement as a Senior Buyer in Retail and Marketing services for Orange. Sam has taught Business, Economics and Marketing in the Business department from level 2 to level 5 and until 2014 Sam was the Advanced Practitioner for the department, with a focus on leading the CPD (Continuing Professional Development). Sam previously taught for the Teacher Training department between 2005 and 2008 until she went on maternity leave. In August 2014 Sam's AP role moved her to the Education and Training Department with a focus on CPD and Scholarship. Sam is presently undertaking an MSc at Oxford University and her research interest is CPD. Tony Joyce Executive Director Tony started part time teaching at Willesden College in London from 1978 to 1980 and then spent two years in Australia before returning to the UK to take up a full time 15

Lecturer post at Willesden College in September 1982. Tony has held a range of posts over his 34 years in teaching including Site Principal at Barnfield College, Vice Principal at North Hertfordshire College.

For his sins, Tony is a lifelong Watford season ticket holder, has met Elton John 3 times and played drums with Dudley Moore Judith Larsen Advanced Practitioner: Computing I have been involved in technology for quite a few years – in a previous job role as well as in my day to day teaching a highly technical subject in the computing department. Although I am a great advocate for using technology for making life easier at work and at home, I am not heavily into social media, preferring the one to one communication and the benefits that come with it. I am looking forward to a lively debate on “Is Cyber Communication good for society?” We have similar debates with the computing students with interesting results, so it will be great to compare what us “educated adults” have to say. I look forward to welcoming you to the debate.

Nicola Lay-Flurrie Training co-ordinator I have worked at the college for over seven years after spending fourteen years working within industry and have been training people on how to stop the day running them for the last five years.

My favourite riddle is - You can`t save it, You can`t borrow it, You can`t lend it, You can`t take it, You can`t leave it, You can only do two things with it – use it or lose it.

Roger Lock Advanced Practitioner: ELT and Basic skills Using my BA, CELTA & PGCE, I’ve taught ESL, EFL, ESOL and many other Es, in SE, TT&D & FE. I left the EU but now remain in the UK, MK43. I’m AP for EFL & BS at BC. For CPD I belong to IATEFL & MATSDA, building on my MA in L2 MD. I drive a V40, support Somerset CCC & WBA and like U2, I dream of climbing K2. CU @ PK. Roger Lock aka SPaGman Dave Lugg Lecturer: Hospitality Dave has been a Chef since he left school (many years ago), he is a fan of the Mighty Rams …Derby County for those who aren’t sure.

A Lover of everything Christmas except panto, enjoys BBQs and Guinness

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Phil Newman Head of Sport I've worked at Bedford College since 1996, originally as a lecturer in Sports science and in the last 7 years as head of the Sports department. In that time I have delivered a range of maths related subjects including Key Skills; Functional Skills and more recently GCSE Maths. I was a late "bloomer" and didn't do well at school (Fun fact - I got a grade D at O Level maths first time round). I graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 1995 with a BA Hons in Recreation Management and Sports Science and a PGCE from DeMontfort University in 1999. I recently achieved a level 3 maths qualification and have enjoyed delivering GCSE Maths for the first time this year.

Jo Norman Student Development Manager Jo has been with Shuttleworth College for 12 years as the Student Development Manager, as well as Student Services Jo is responsible for the residential provision and wardening team at the College. Jo has previously worked within the social care setting and developed a nationally recognised young people transitions programmes within Bedfordshire schools as well as support for families and parents. Alongside, Will Sparrow, Jo has developed and delivered training programmes on effective communication with young people for social workers, teachers and professionals working with children and young people.

Kevin Panter Senior Network Technician.

Kevin has worked in IT since the Millennium Bug failed to do any damage; he worked at Shuttleworth College for many years before being transferred with the furniture to Bedford College. Since then he has found a niche presenting awards evenings, quiz nights, retirement parties and have even popped up on QI! Ian Pryce Principal & Chief Executive What I actually do each year: write over 100 plans & reports; read over 500; study data until it makes my eyes hurt; meet, listen to, and have heated debates with hundreds of people; make decisions based on all of this activity; look into the future; drink too much tea; enjoy every minute; wish I could play guitar like Ry Cooder and run like Mo Farah.

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Sam Ranasinghe Restaurant Manager Sam joined Bedford College 17 years ago as a part time lecturer in Hospitality.

From an early age Sam was inspired by the sights and smells of food and qualified in Switzerland as a restaurant manager. During his 35 years in the Hospitality industry, Sam has worked in many 5* hotels in the UK and Sri Lanka. Sam is empowered by his Buddhist faith.

Hugh Rea Senior Manager Hugh is currently overseeing all Engineering provision. He has been at the College for over 30 years and has witnessed many accommodation changes during that time. Hugh has been involved in curriculum related work for the last 10 years working directly for Dave Pridmore engaged in projects such as: Development of CoVEs, Introduction of QCF, Free School and Technical Academy development, Timetabling and Rooming, Integration of UTC and BTG into the college etc.

Susie Sampson Lecturer: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Co-ordinator I am the Deaf coordinator for Bedford College and I support a range of students with different types of Deafness. I also teach British Sign Language (BSL) which some of the students use here at the college. I enjoy teaching Deaf Awareness as this is a great opportunity to educate hearing people with how being Deaf can affect our education, social life and always coming across with communication barriers.

I feel I am a positive role model for the deaf students here at the college Will Sparrow Student participation Co-ordinator Will has been working at Bedford College and Shuttleworth College for the past 7 years and has recently taken the role of Study Programme Enhancement Team Leader. Prior to working at the College Will had been working in the youth and community sector for over 10 years, with experience at both local and national levels and developed a delivered a national research programme into youth participation.

Alongside Jo Norman, Will has developed and delivered training programmes on effective communication with young people for social workers, teachers and professionals working with children and young people.

Ashley Spiers Lecturer: Education and Training Ashley is responsible for the course management of the part time PGCE and the University Certificates in Literacy, Numeracy, SEN, Mentoring and Tutoring. He started his FE career in Student Services at Central Bedfordshire College. His work 18

then took him to Milton Keynes College where he launched the Performing Arts department which he successfully led for 10 years.. His career highlight was being invited to the House of Commons by the speaker of the house to discuss male role models in Education. Starting at Bedford College in November 2014, he has established an interest in the key areas of technology within the classroom, equality and diversity and curriculum design. Ashley is inspired by current practitioners such as David Weston and hopes to develop new teachers to create innovative, active and inclusive sessions. Ashley is currently undertaking an MA in Education.

Rob Stonehouse Head of Engineering Apprenticeships Rob worked in the defence industry for 15 years prior to joining Bedford College, as a Trainee Lecturer in Computing, in September 2002. He has been an Assistant Director at the college since 2007 and, at various times, had responsibility for Computing, Engineering and Electrical Installation. He is currently based at the Brunel Road site with responsibility for Engineering Apprenticeships. A strong believer in life-long learning Rob has completed two degrees with the Open University – a BSc(Hons) in Psychology and Neurobiology and an MSc in Computing.

Jeffrey Tribe Advanced Practitioner: Art and Design City Broker turned student, turned designer, turned educator, turning grey. Staunch supporter of Higher Education in FE and the development and promotion of employer links. Recent cross-college observer of our HE provision and currently engaged in sharing the outcomes arising from this opportunity.

Kate Tumani Teacher: Business and Arts Kate Tumani started working at Bedford Sixth Form College in September 2014.

Currently she teaches Art and Design, Photography and Textiles. She has worked in art galleries and a library, as a practicing textile artist as well as teaching in secondary schools and Bedford prison. She loves her studio and would quite like to move in.

Conn Warwicker Learning Technology Manager Learning Technologies Manager, in charge of administrating Moodle and leading the development of the Bedford College suite of Moodle plugins, such as the Gradetracker, PLP and Parent Portal.

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Charlie Whewell Advanced Practitioner: Sports, Public Services and Outdoor Education Charlie is a member of the Sport, Public Services and Outdoor Adventure team and has been teaching at Shuttleworth since 2006. After completing his degree in Environmental Science in 1999 he spent time working both in outdoor education centres and schools before moving to FE, and is currently enjoying life as an AP, a member of the observation team and as a staff governor. Effective communication, aspiration and a positive outlook are a key part of his teaching philosophy, as is remembering not to take life too seriously.

Chris Wilde Head of Access to Higher education Chris joined Bedford College 24 years ago as a technician in the Care Department.

Chris has progressed her career to the role she holds today and is passionate about ensuring Bedford College delivers a high quality HE provision to students.

Chris has a BSc Hons in Computer Science and plays the saxophone in a saxophone group.

Dave Wilkins Head of Construction Qualified as a Level 3 Carpenter and Joiner, then entered lecturing in 2000 part time, then full time from 2002. Undertook a postgraduate certificate in Subject Learning Coaching after my CertEd. Moved to Bedford College in January 2008 to take up the current role I’m in now. By the summer of 2010, I had completed a Master’s in Education, focussing on Strategic Leadership and Management in FE. I escape the hub-bub of FE by spending nowhere near as much time as I’d like to, growing vegetables on my allotment.

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