CONNECT December 2020

Tips on how to improve your mental wellbeing can be found on page 5.

See our student and staff winners celebrated at the 2020 Achievements Ceremony on page 6.

N E WS

|

U P DAT E S

|

Find some bargains in time for the festive period on page page 15.

D I A RY DAT E S

|

D I S CO U N TS

Every year our Achievement Ceremony is the largest celebration event in our calendar. This year we held our first ever Group Achievements Ceremony to celebrate the achievements of nearly 1000 students during the online event to allow all award winners and their guests to join us from the safety of their homes during the second national lockdown.

BCS BEDFORD COLLEGE SERVICES

December 2020

Connect

Olivia Morton

Communications Executive

Editor’s Still a chance to celebrate in Lockdown!

We couldn’t let 2020 go by without the opportunity to celebrate the fantastic achievements of all of our students in a year like no other. Our Group Achievements Ceremony was a great evening where students and their families joined us online alongside local employers, VIPs and sponsors who showed fantastic support this year.

If you would like to add your staff news to the next issue of CONNECT please send your article and photos to omorton@bedford.ac.uk no later than Friday 15 January 2021.

Ian Pryce CBE

CEO The Bedford College Group

Your Diary

Principal’s Resolutions

Apprenticeship Conference (online) Friday 11 December

Christmas Break, no students attending w/c 21 December

Bank Holiday

Friday 25 December

Bank Holiday

Monday 28 December

College Closed

Contents Pg.2

Key Dates

Pg.3

Principal’s Update

Pg.4

Research

Pg.5

Wellbeing

Pg.6

News

Pg.7

Staff Awards

Pg.9

Group News

Pg.11

Job Opportunities

Pg.12

Welcome to The Group

Pg.13

Equality, Diversity

Pg.14

Diversity Calendar

Pg.15

Training Opportunities

Pg.16

Staff Perks

Tuesday 29, Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 December

I think we will look back on 2020 as one of the most successful in our Colleges’ long histories. Despite it being dominated by the COVID-19 restrictions we began it winning national and regional awards for our marketing, and followed it with our excellent Ofsted report. As in most years we had students winning international, national and regional recognition. We opened our Zoological Education Centre at Shuttleworth College and a new town centre IT learning hub in Corby. And to cap it all we ended the year by opening our wonderful new look campus for Wellingborough; our Estates & Capital team picked up the UK team of the year Oscar, and the group was named UK College of the Year. These are all exceptional achievements but we should be most proud of the way we went about them. They happened because we worked together, just as we have to protect the experience of our students through the COVID-19 restrictions.

It is in that spirit that we now start thinking about 2021. Our communities will need us more than ever as unemployment rises, as furlough ends, and as the economy gets worse before it gets better. We know there are real economic and personal challenges for people, issues around mental health and disadvantage. We know some of our own students and apprentices have not been able to access some of the learning they would expect.

Bank Holiday

Friday 1 January

Professional Development Day Monday 4 January

Term starts, students return Tuesday 5 January

All Staff Meetings 10.00am and 11.30am (online) Friday 8 January

Tresham College Open Day

Wednesday 20 January, 5.00pm-8.00pm

Shuttleworth College Open Day

Thursday 21 January, 5.00pm-8.00pm

The Bedford Sixth Form Open Day

This focus does not mean any reduction in our focus on staff. We remain committed to trying to maximise job security and at least maintaining everyone’s standard of living. But we also want to learn from the COVID-19 experience in terms of how we help with matters like workload, inclusion and wellbeing. We have made some good steps in 2020 but need to go further in 2021.

I hope that chimes with you as we approach the end of the calendar year. Thank you for playing your part in a very successful 2020.

A presidential election the right way I was pleased to see our Students’ Union showing how a presidential election should take place last month, and really pleased to welcome Jenni Borisuth as our new President and her new team of Vice Presidents Morgan Skyers (Bedford), Ashur Boois (Kettering), Megan Winham (Corby) and Jonathan Entwistle (Shuttleworth). I am sure they will hold us to account and help us serve our students even better in 2021.

We must therefore make sure 2021 is a year when we focus fully and constantly on our students, apprentices and employers. Reduced face-to-face contact, particularly outside the classroom, means we have to be cleverer at identifying issues and potential complaints. We need to focus perhaps more than ever on helping students progress to higher levels, getting great jobs, staying employed. We need to try to help some employers get through this crisis, not simply train their apprentices. We need to make sure our curriculum allows people to create new futures for themselves.

Tuesday 26 January, 5.00pm-8.00pm

Bedford College Open Day

Did you know you can follow Ian on Twitter?

Wednesday 27 January, 5.00pm-8.00pm Pg.2

Connect

Principal’s Update

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

December 2020

@ipryce Pg.3

Connect

Connect

Sam Jones MSc (Oxon)

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

Research at Bedford

Caroline Biddle

Olivia Morton

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

Communications Executive

Country clothing Schoffel, manufacturers of the finest country clothing, have been delighted to show their support and sponsor an award for students from the Shuttleworth campus.

Whilst smaller pieces of action research can be great for developing an individuals’ practice, these projects can also be useful for shining a light into areas of our work that aren’t looked at elsewhere. This idea of ‘mapping the sector’ through smaller pieces of work is really catching on, however, we can only do this if we share our work with others, either by publishing through blogs, podcasts or academic journals, or by sharing at conferences or research groups.

This is what Bedford College Group staff are doing!

Lecturer in Maths, David Jarvis thought it would “add up” to ask the country wear company to link up with agriculture students by sponsoring a GCSE award.

The winner of the award, Dion Braid-Feasey, who passed his GCSE maths this summer showed “determination, consistency, a positive attitude and a hard-working ethic” to become the worthy winner. As part of his price, Dion was awarded the premium high quality £150 Oakham fleece gilet, produced by Schoffel in recognition of his efforts.

Dion, from Newport Pagnell, said: “I really enjoy my agriculture course here [at Shuttleworth] and it simply made maths easier to study in this setting.”

The educational charity Villiers Park is setting up a researchers group looking at social justice in Further Education and I am pleased to announce the four projects from within The Bedford College Group are going to share their work.

The projects include a ChIRPs project led by Isolde Walker, as well as new and experienced researchers sharing their work in the shape of Emma Boulton-Roe, Kevin Norley and Olivia Flynn.

4. Give to others

Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.

Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:

1. Connect with other people Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can:

Creating positive feelings and a sense of reward

•

Giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth

•

Helping you connect with other people.

•

Help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth

•

Give you an opportunity to share positive experiences

•

•

Provide emotional support and allow you to support others.

Saying thank you to someone for something they have done for you

•

Asking friends, family or colleagues how they are and really listening to their answer

2. Be physically active

•

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

Spending time with friends or relatives who need support or company

•

Offering to help someone you know with DIY or a work project

•

Raising your self-esteem

•

•

Helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them

Volunteering in your community, such as helping at a school, hospital or care home.

•

Causing chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood.

Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

I know we all wish these researchers well and hopefully updates will follow once the Villiers Park project gets underway.

•

It could be small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones like volunteering in your local community.

Some examples of the things you could try include:

3. Learn new skills

By sharing their work, these researchers will hopefully move understanding of and practice in the sector forward and will help to spotlight the leadership that The Bedford College Group is providing in this area.

5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness) Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.

•

Boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem

•

Helping you to build a sense of purpose

Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”.

Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

•

Helping helping you to connect with others

Source: NHS England

Even if you feel like you do not have enough time, or you may not need to learn new things, there are lots of different ways to bring learning into your life.

More information or if you would just like to chat ideas through, please drop me an email at:

sjones@bedford.ac.uk

Pg.4

5 steps to improve your mental wellbeing

December 2020

Pg.5

Connect

Celebrating Success at our online The first Achievements Ceremony of The Bedford College Group combining students and sponsors from two counties, was held online on Thursday 26 November.

More than 16,000 students and 1,200 staff make up the Group community, supported by employers from across Bedfordshire and Northants. The evening can be seen on https://bedfordcollegegroup.co.uk/achievements/ Bedford College, Shuttleworth College, The Bedford Sixth Form and Tresham College campuses, and the National College for Motorsport were represented in the categories covering Further Education, Higher Education, Apprentice Awards and more.

Among the many awards for those across the various campuses, and study areas like apprenticeships and Higher Education, the Group-wide Outstanding Student Award went to Lewis Bavister, who joined a Hair & Beauty Study Programme initially to enable him to access a Level 3 Hair and Media Make-Up qualification. During his second year he was among the finalists in the Brush Wars tribute to the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen. From there he gained work experience at London Fashion Week as well as on a charity TV show. He is now studying at a specialist arts university.

The Student Participation Award joint winners were Andrew Smith of Shuttleworth College and Will Gerrard of Tresham College. Both contributed to the improvement of student experiences across the Group and both were Student Governors who took part in the NUS event at the NEC Birmingham.

Staff too were in the spotlight. Gemma Crane, who started out in student data at the Brooks Hair & Beauty salon in Bedford then progressed to Human Resources Department won the Professional Service award.

Teacher of the Year was Phil Wells of Shuttleworth College who led on lockdown learning for outdoor and animal welfare and sciences students.

Joint “Unsung Heroes” were the late Chris Bamford of IT who was a “legend” among colleagues but who sadly died this year, and Sharon Warren, the lovely leader of Centre Administrators and who is the friendly face of the South Bank Arts Centre at Bedford College.

Ian Pryce CBE, Principal and CEO of the Group said: “The year began with an excellent Ofsted inspection of the whole Group, our first since the merger with Tresham College. We also opened our stunning Zoological Education Centre at Shuttleworth College and enjoyed national and regional awards for our marketing and our estates and capital teams. The year has ended in similarly impressive style. We opened our landmark new campus at Wellingborough and a new town centre learning hub in Corby. We acquired the highly respected apprenticeship company Aston Training in Northampton, and to cap it all we were named the Times Educational Supplement UK College of the Year.

Pg.6

Connect

December 2020

“Our students enjoyed similar national prominence winning international, national and regional prizes in the arts, in technology, in computing, in construction. The Bedford College Sixth Form became the biggest A-Level College in the area with record numbers progressing to our best Universities.

STAFF 2020 UNSUNG HERO AWARD (JOINT WINNERS)

“And all this in a year dominated by COVID-19. Even here our staff and students showed their outstanding qualities.

Staff used their skills to help the NHS, we created and supplied huge amounts of protective equipment for local hospitals, and created learning materials to help school children study at home.

“You will have heard the expression: ‘It takes a village to bring up a child’. Equally it takes a community to develop a great college. Being UK College of the Year is an achievement of our community, our employers, our governors, our staff, our students, and all those parents, friends and family who have supported them. I would like to thank our community leaders and organisations for their support with projects and the wisdom of their advice.

I should like to thank our superb local employers for the commitment they show to the area and most particularly to our students and apprentices. I should like to thank our governors for their dedication and intelligence in guiding us through such a tricky year. I would like to thank our fabulous 1,200 staff who have had to work even harder than usual this year for their patience and the speed with which they have overcome every barrier they have faced.

I want especially to thank the ‘supporters club’ of parents, family and friends who as always play such a key role in helping our students succeed, and of course I want to thank all our students but especially those honoured this evening, for their diligence and hard work.

“Thank you for making 2020 another great year for The Bedford College Group.”

The closing address was given by Chair of the College Corporation Allan Schofield who said the college Group could trace its history back 130 years. “We have an increasingly crucial role in providing the skills to support the new infrastructure the country needs.” *Host for the evening was college staff member Kevin Panter who was in 2019 on stage encouraging people to clap and cheer the awards.

Recognition of the long standing host and “star of the show” Elizabeth Nash, former HR Director of Bedford College, who sadly died this year, was made in the printed brochure distributed to key partners and sponsors.

The event was supported by local businesses. Gold Sponsors were BedfordBID which promotes the town centre under the Love Bedford brand. Our Silver & Bronze Sponsors were Anthology, Ascentis, Axis Electronics, Franklin Roofing and Property Services Ltd, Garrett’s Property Services, Inception, Lockcraft Electrical, Mindful Education, PRD Marketing, Rosetta Publishing and Weetabix.

December 2020

IN MEMORIUM CHRIS BAMFORD

SHARON WARREN

Chris joined the College in 1994 and was most recently based at the Shuttleworth and Kempston sites as the IT Technician. Chris was the longest serving member of the IT Services team. He very sadly passed away from a heart attack earlier this year. Chris was a much loved and respected member of staff who will be sadly missed within the team. He has been described as “the epitome of an unsung hero”, “a legend”, who was a true professional in his work, kind, funny and always ready to go the extra mile. Outside of work Chris was also an expert in creating complex firework displays. He even travelled abroad to assist with shows and competitions, and his colleagues loved hearing his stories. In his day job nothing was too much trouble for Chris; he wouldn’t hesitate to help any member of staff in need of IT support and fully embraced moving technology forward (still, of course, with fond memories of when the College got its first computers complete with floppy discs!) The rural setting of Shuttleworth combined with its exciting new developments, meant Chris was often in high demand. However, without hesitation, he would always appear at the door when needed. Chris was able to support all staff even when under immense pressure himself, and if he did not have the answer, he would find it for you. Here are just a few of the thoughts about Chris from his colleagues: “Chris was quiet, kind and responsive to the many IT questions and requests that I pestered him with.” “I remember Chris helped me so many times when I first started at Shuttleworth; he always had a smile and time for a chat.” “I will miss our funny chats, his fireworks tales and his sense of humour.”

Sharon has been employed by The Bedford College Group since March 2003. In that time she’s taken on and embraced a variety of roles: Centre Administrator; Personal Assistant for the Principal, a maternity cover role; evening Receptionist that she took on alongside her day job; and Centre Administrator Team Leader, a role she has had since 2006. Sharon supports the Art & Design department, alongside the Performing Arts, Media & Music department two days a week, and is Line Manager to nine Centre Administrators across the College. There is no doubt Sharon is a true team player and people person who always takes time to make positive work relationships with colleagues.

Sharon says: “It can feel like I spend a lot of time with my work colleagues, so it’s only right to display a genuine commitment towards them, and I’ve made some good friends along the way.” Sharon has helped at numerous College events and especially loves the annual Achievements Ceremony. She is also part of the Staff Social Group and looks forward to helping arrange events for staff to enjoy with their family and friends. You wouldn’t have to look far to find a member of College staff who will happily share their experience of how Sharon has helped them. Sharon’s colleagues say she is a constant aura of support; someone that staff and students from numerous areas come to for help and advice. “I’d only planned to work at Bedford College for five years max,” says Sharon. “17 years later I’m still here!

“I enjoy working in a young environment and I can see how important it is to get the student experience right for them - that’s what motivates me to give my best.”

Sharon may have worn many hats over the years but her motivation and standards never drop. She really is an unsung hero.

Pg.7

Connect

STAFF

2020 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES STAFF OF THE YEAR AWARD

GEMMA CRANE

Gemma’s self-motivation and desire to reach her goals has seen her go on a tremendous journey in just five short years at Bedford College. Having previously worked in hairdressing and retail, Gemma got a job in Student Data for a year and then moved to BROOKS as a Centre Administrator. However, she always knew she wanted to work in HR. “It’s that typical interview question,” says Gemma. “Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? For me, it was in HR and I actually managed it in only three!”

Gemma studied for her Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in Business Administration and then self-funded her HR Level 3 CIPD while she was still working as a Centre Administrator. When the role for Recruitment Coordinator came up, she went for it, got the job and has now been promoted to HR Advisor. “I’ve taken opportunities as and when they have come up,” explains Gemma. “I’m planning to study for the Level 5 qualification next year. There is so much to learn in this new role as HR Advisor. “This year has been tough with the COVID-19-19 pandemic moving everything online. It’s been a real learning curve, but I’m the kind of person that just gets on and does it. We’ve all had to adapt but I do miss the knowledge sharing in the office.” It was not only the in-house admin that had to move online, but also the entire external interview process. It was at this time that Gemma showed true commitment to the recruitment service and excellent customer service throughout. Gemma says she is grateful for all the opportunities the College has given her, but it’s also testament to her for seizing them at every step. “I can’t believe it’s been five years since I started; working here has made me the person I am today and I love building up relationships with colleagues.”

Pg.8

Connect

December 2020

Christmas at

2020 TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

PHIL WELLS

Philip has worked at Shuttleworth College for just over a decade. In that time he has achieved his teaching qualifications and gone on to become an outstanding teacher who is highly regarded by both staff and students.

One member of staff said: “Philip is very knowledgeable in their subject area, has a great rapport with the students and always gives 100% to make sure they have the best experience.” Philip started in 2010 as an Equine Lecturer where he spent four happy years down at the Equine Centre while studying for his Certificate in Education (Cert Ed) qualification. Always one to keep challenging himself, Philip then moved over to the Animal Management team to pursue a course management role alongside teaching Level 3 Animal Science. Philip’s motivation has never waned and this year he took the lead in proactively moving all teaching and course administration online when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Philip was quick to embrace the online teaching and support the students during lockdown; not just his own students, but also those students who were progressing from Level 2 to Level 3 or moving into their second year of the Level 3 programme. Alongside all of this, Philip is part of various working groups to ensure teaching standards across College continue to rise. This has included participation in the IT online working group to help with the planning of next year’s teaching, as well as promoting the blended learning activities that the College is working towards next year. Philip says: “I love my job and would like to carry on progressing here at the College. I’m a glass-halffull kind of person and, although this year has been tougher than others, I’ve worked with the whole team to steer and support them, while of course helping the students get through too”.

December 2020

Christmas at The Courtyard Florist

The pop up store for everything festive and floral is back again!

At the Courtyard Florist, Shuttleworth the Level 3 Floristry Students have been busy preparing some wonderful floral Christmas designs to help bring cheer to your home this Christmas. You may even find some great ideas for Christmas gifts.

We have a selection of wonderful wreaths for your door, tasteful table arrangements and perfect planted designs, like our potted bulbs just waiting to bring fragrance and cheer into your home.

How to Order Our website will be live from the start of December.

Online ordering only this year via our website click on the items and pay online using the shopping cart.

You can click and collect from Shuttleworth or from designated drop off points at Bedford College etc. Full details will be on the website so check that you indicate from where you will be collecting your lovely festive goods.

Looking forward to seeing you via https://festivepopupshop.wixsite.com/courtyardflorist

All the arrangements are sold at cost so offer great value for our customers but also give the students an opportunity for some real work experience.

So why not take a peek at our website and see what we have to offer when it goes live at the start of December.

New from the Courtyard florist: Wreathmaking kits During the first lock down many of us took the opportunity to try some new crafts so here at the Courtyard Florist we thought we would offer you the opportunity to make your own Christmas decorations at home.

We have gathered together all the things you need in a kit and prepared some helpful on-line videos to take you through the steps.

So if you are feeling adventurous and why not try one of our wreath making kits.

Pg.9

Connect

December 2020

Connect

Job

Keeping Shuttleworth As with all campuses across the Group, Shuttleworth College closed to students, however despite not having students onsite, work had to continue, to look after the animals within the Zoological Education Centre, the horses at Mount Pleasant and the cattle at Kingshill.

The staff teams did a fantastic job keeping everything going throughout, and despite the pandemic it has been a good summer on the farm and this year’s harvest yielded well. The team were particularly pleased with the wheat as this was a new variety which performed well.

The Red Poll herd continues to grow with an additional 23 calves so currently stands at 63 with another 26 calves expected.

Connect

In addition to the stewardship work, staff at Shuttleworth have looked at practices on the farm to improve the soil, for example growing legume crops to improve soil structure and quality. This year they have purchased a weather and environment monitor station and look forward to using it to develop our understanding regarding conditions on the farm.

The Zoological Education Centre is complete with all the animals now settled into their new accommodation. There are large exotic mammal pens for our Coatis and Lemurs.

The biome continues to mature and develop, and this year the banana tree actually had fruit!

In the images you can see the biome and the amphibian zone.

Associate Lecturer in Counselling

Location: Bedford Salary: £20.50 - £21.50 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 04/12/2020

Technician – Science

Location: Bedford Salary: speak with HR Application closing date: 07/12/2020

Learning Support Assistant

Location: Kettering Salary: speak with HR Application closing date: 07/12/2020

Practical Instructor in Horse Management Location: Old Warden Salary: £21,000 per annum Application closing date: 07/12/2020

Customer Contact Advisor

Location: Corby Salary: £20,000 per annum, pro rata Application closing date: 10/12/2020 The images show one of our calves, Shuttleworth Kitkat, just born and at 6 months old. Our livestock lecturer and Level 6 students are currently working on a project to establish a carbon neutral plan to reduce our carbon footprint.

Lecturer - Graphic Design

Kingshill farm is participating in the mid-tier countryside stewardship scheme. So far the staff and students have:

English and Maths Tutors - Maths (Catch-Up) Tutors

Location: Bedford Salary: circa £27,000 per annum Application closing date: 10/12/2020

•

Planted 1,785m of hedging

•

Established buffer strips

Location: Kettering Salary: £35,000 per annum, pro rata Application closing date: 10/12/2020

•

Planted areas of nectar flower mix and legume and herb rich swards

Lecturer in Computing (Maternity Cover)

•

Put in a number of beetle

•

Flower rich margins have been established alongside of all new hedges planted and this year flowered well.

The impact of this work so far is a reported increase in wildlife on the farm for example, grey partridges, pheasants, lap wings, corn buntings and skylarks. This is due to the increase in habitat and food, as there are more insects, bugs etc. living within the flower rich margins for them to feed on and also ground cover for nesting.

Pg.10

Location: Kettering Salary: Circa £30,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 14/12/2020

As with all other campuses, staff at Shuttleworth worked hard over the summer and early part of the Autumn term to provide a supportive and safe environment for students to return to learning during this COVID-19 pandemic. At Shuttleworth there are large amounts of open spaces and over the Autumn term staff focussed on as much outdoor activity and tuition as possible.

December 2020

Computing (Digital Technology) Tutors Location: Bedford Salary: £35000 per annum pro rata Application closing date: 15/12/2020

Computing (Digital Technology) Tutors Location: Kettering Salary: £35000 per annum pro rata Application closing date: 15/12/2020

Associate Lecturer in Adult English and Maths and ESOL Location: Bedford Salary: £20.50 - £21.50 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 15/12/2020

Science Tutors

Location: Bedfordshire & Northamptonshire Salary: £35000 per annum pro rata Application closing date: 15/12/2020

Lecturer in Engineering (Fixed-term Contract) Location: Bedford Salary: £25,500 - £31,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 15/12/2020

Teaching Assistant

Location: Bedford Salary: £18,188 per annum, pro rata Application closing date: 03/01/2021

Head of Foundation and Additional Learning Support

Location: Kettering Salary: Circa £40,000 per annum, dependent on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 06/01/2021

Course Manager (Lecturer) in Animal Management

Location: Warden Salary: Circa £31,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 15/12/2020

» 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.

Pg.11

Pg.11

Connect

Connect

December 2020

Welcome to Rebecca Newby

Rekha Ladher

Viviana Pennetta

Bulraj Bassral

Robin Wojdat

Lucy Cox

Position: English Tutor

Position: English Tutor

Position: Estates & Facilities Assistant

Position: Maths Tutor

Position: Teaching Assistant

Harry Tearle

Benjamin David

Katrine Brosnan

Rhys Badman

Helen Warmington

Position: IT Technician

Position: Learning Support Assistant

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND

Position: Teacher - Economics

Rachel Boyle

Position: HR Administrator

Anastassia Parsons

Diversity and Inclusion Advisor

Position: Technician - Agriculture

Position: Technician - Art & Design

Position: Technician in Hair & Bauty

Aklima Islam

Krishnakumar Lekha Nethramangalath

Helena Jelinkova

Tom Lane

Geoffrey Lidyard

David Beaumont

Afra Siddique

Mark Painter

Shakila Aziz

Rhianna Deeble

Position: Learning Support Assistant

Position: Learning Support Assistant

Position: Lecturer - Brickwork

Position: Lecturer in English

Position: Marketing Business Partner

Position: Trainee Lecturer - Computing

Position: Trainee Lecturer - Countryside Management

Position: Training Co-ordinator - Carpentry

Position: Training Co-ordinator - Painting & Decorating

WHAT DOES INCLUSION MEAN TO ME?

Nana Adoma Amoah, Lecturer in Maths

You’ve probably heard the saying that ‘Diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being asked to dance’ (Verna Myers), and better yet, have control of the playlist.

Diversity means representation of a range of voices and perspectives, while inclusion is about belonging and being taken seriously. We continue our series with two more personal perspectives on inclusion: Ian Pryce, Principal and CEO

Whilst inclusion may mean different things to different people, for me inclusion is all about my opinions being valued. It is about everyone having an equal voice within an organisation and ensuring that everyone feels appreciated regardless of their background. Bringing everybody on the table and allowing creativity to take place from all people at the workplace.

For me inclusion is more than being accepted, it is a feeling of belonging, and so inclusion also places demands on me to accept others in return. Inclusion should mean you feel safe and welcome, but that should in turn allow for challenge and debate and difference.

I have often felt an outsider, the only Catholic on our estate, the only kid on the street to pass the 11+, the man with a “posh” accent living in a Moss Side council flat, though rarely felt excluded. Inclusion doesn’t mean uniformity. I might have to slightly change my behaviour to fit in (courtesy), but not change the person I fundamentally am.

Inclusion means everyone coming to terms with and acknowledging their own personal and collective biases at the workplace and making sure we move from inclusivity critics to inclusivity learners. It is also about not just including everyone for the sake of it but including the right people at the right time so that it gives meaning and purpose to the concept thereby leading to maximisation of the benefit inclusion brings to the work place.

On a final note, inclusion means valuing and seeking leverage about the best in people and harnessing the benefits inclusion brings to the workplace.

Position: Work Experience Co-ordinator

Benjamaa Aziz

Position: Maths Tutor

Henry Binley

Position: Maths Tutor

Steven Cutting

Position: Maths Tutor

Pg.12

December 2020

Pg.13

Connect

DIVERSITY CALENDAR World AIDS Day – Tuesday 1 December

Connect

December 2020

Religious Festivals 8 Dec - Bodhi Day (Buddhist) 11-18 Dec - Hanukah (Jewish)

Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day.

21 Dec - Solstice/ Yule (Druid, Pagan)

It’s an opportunity to show support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. It’s also a chance to teach the realities of life with HIV and to take action on HIV stigma.

25 Dec - Christmas Day (Christian)

14 -18 Nov - Diwali Hindu See The Inter Faith Network for the many different ways that the faith and inter faith groups across the UK are responding to the pandemic.

Training There are many opportunities for Professional Development in the workplace including, training courses and joining forums, groups and networks, etc. If you’d like more information please email nmorris@bedford.ac.uk

Reminder that the Professional Development training application has been updated and can be found, please allow at least 48hrs for all application to be processed: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage

Extra Safeguarding Workshop date Monday 4 January 2021

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/safeguarding-workshopdates-times-2021-tickets-117327203825

Please be aware that the new date for the Staff Development Day is Monday 4 January 2021. This day of training is centre devised to give staff an opportunity to work on their Risk it!

All new starters Professional Development Core Skills page:

Further information will be communicated by Professional Development.

Staff Development Day 4 January 2021

https://college.oak.com/Home/Index/7abd4e17-d96a4a3a-a1be-a4fe6fc5105a

International day for persons with disabilities Thursday 3 December The 2020 theme is “Not all Disabilities are Visible”. Some disabilities are not immediately apparent, such as mental illness, chronic pain or fatigue, hearing impairments, diabetes, brain injuries, neurological disorders, learning differences and cognitive dysfunctions, among others. It’s estimated that 75% of people who are disabled do not use a cane, wheelchair or any other visible aid.

Also, it is 25 years since the Disability Discrimination Act became law (succeeded by the Equality Act 2010), but the campaign for equality and inclusion goes on.

The Disability Staff Network is open to all staff members from the Bedford College Group. This is a forum for discussing disability issues and for providing recommendations for college improvements for staff and students with a disability. Interested? Please contact Elli Kyrou ekyrou@bedford.ac.uk or Louise Bedworth lbedworth@bedford.ac.uk (co-chairs of the group)

Elizabeth Nash The Principal sent an all staff email regarding the sad death of our former Director of Human Resources.

COVID-19 restrictions meant many staff who would have wished to attend her funeral and contribute to the suggested charity were unable to do so.

If you wish to make a contribution in Elizabeth’s memory you can send donations to Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support: https://www.sueryder.org/how-we-can-help/sue-ryderst-johns-hospice The family are also compiling a book of remembrance so if staff wish to contribute to it please send any memories by emailing them to Jan Wright jwright@bedford.ac.uk and we will put them together for Elizabeth’s family. Please send this through to Jan by Friday 18 December 2020.

Pg.14

December 2020

Professional Development Day! Monday 4 January 2021 Pg.15

Connect

December 2020

PERKS Lynsey Travers

HR Manager - Human Resources

PAY REVIEW Caroline Biddle, Executive Director of HR, sent an email on 18 November 2020 to all staff outlining details of this year’s pay review, which is above average for the sector.

The email also included confirmation that the Attendance Voucher scheme and Cinderella Bonus scheme have now closed.

BCPS STAFF Staff on Bedford College Professional Services (BCPS) contracts will have received a letter explaining the changes to their annual leave and full time equivalent working hours from 1 January 2021 as part of the harmonisation with other Group contracts.

Please contact your HR Advisor if you have any queries on this.

BEDFORD COLLEGE PERKS SCHEME DAILY DEALS WEEK STARTING 30 NOVEMBER! Save even more with extra special offers on Bedford College Perks. Starting on Monday 30 November, offers will only last for 24 hours so log on each day to find out if your favourite retailer has even bigger savings!

Buyagift.com – Save 12% and Earn 25% on purchases online EE – discounts on iPhones including the new iPhone 12 Wilko – save 7% on all purchases in-store with the EasySaver card or earn 3% cashback online Music Magpie – earn up to 7% cashback on tradeins of books, media and tech items Discounts are available at supermarkets like Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco for your everyday shopping Please check the website or app for the latest offers

bedford.rewardgateway.co.uk

Pg.16

December 2020