Skip to main content

CONNECT July 2020

Page 1

Key dates over the summer to keep note of in your diary can be found on page 2.

Read more about the response staff and students are making to the Covid-19 pandemic in the community on page 7.

After a bargain? Why not treat yourself using the rewards discounts on page 17.

Connect J U LY 2 0 2 0

N E WS

|

U P DAT E S

|

D I A RY DAT E S

|

D I S CO U N TS

Student Services were able to persuade stars from the screen and sports world to provide encouraging words to our students over the lockdown. In this issue we are highlighting all of the work that has already taken place across the Group to uphold the latest government advice and including details of how things will be adapted to ensure everyone’s safety for the start of the new academic year in September.

BCS BEDFORD COLLEGE SERVICES

July 2020


Connect

Olivia Morton

Corporate Communications and Events Manager omorton@bedford.ac.uk

Editor’s Note Hello everyone! Your July issue of CONNECT Magazine! As we quickly approach the summer break I think we can all agree that it has been a term like no other. Read on to find out more about the developments that are being made over the summer to ensure the campuses are as safe as possible for the start of term. There will be no more issues of CONNECT until the end of September, however please upload your latest news to the intranet pages and I’m looking forward to sharing these in the new term.

Dates For Your Diary

Curriculum SAR Deadline 17th July

A Level/GCE/BTEC L3/ CAMTEC Results Day 13th August

Clearing Sessions with HE 13th August

Contents

GCSE/BTEC L2 Results Day 20th August

Open Day 10.00am – 3.00pm (arrangements to be confirmed but will be mainly via online)

Pg.2

Key Dates

Pg.3

Principal’s Update

Pg.4

Research Network

Pg.5

Wellbeing

Pg.6

60 seconds with…

Pg.7

Group News

Pg.13

Training Opportunities

Pg.14

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

FT Courses and Induction commence

Perks

PT Courses and Induction Commence

Pg.17

20th August

FT Enrolment begins 21st August

Bank Holiday 31st August

September Staff Meetings to be confirmed via email. 14th September

21st September

HE Courses commence 28th September For more diary dates visit www.bit.ly/collegecalendars Pg.2

July 2020


Connect

Ian Pryce CBE

Principal & CEO of The Bedford College Group

Principal’s Update A Year of Two Halves As our teaching year draws to a close it is important to reflect on another successful year for the Group, even though it is very much a year of two halves. The period before lockdown probably seems distant now but we should remember its achievements: • an excellent group-wide Ofsted inspection • record 16-18 enrolments • the completion of our Zoological Education Centre and Corby Learning Centre •A number of national awards for our staff, students and colleges. •O ur academy trust also did well with both our Wixams primary and secondary schools now well over-subscribed. The lockdown period has also been a success. We have continued to serve our students and parents well, confirmed by recent surveys that show how much they appreciate our professionalism and speed in responding to the need to deliver learning remotely. Of course we are in lockdown because Covid-19 is an extremely serious pandemic, and sadly we have not escaped its human cost. A number of staff fell very ill and, even more sadly, one of our invigilators, Steve Barker, lost his life to the virus. That came not long after the

non-Covid-related death of two popular and longstanding members of staff, Hilary Jones and Chris Bamford. As we move out of lockdown please let us remember that the virus remains a threat to life even though the risk is rapidly reducing. We know the next years will be very tough for the country, and especially for young people. I know you will be tireless in playing your part in the recovery but it will be a long slog. For that reason it is very important you use the summer to recharge, rest and relax. You deserve it. Thank you, and take care.

New Year, New Campus Wellingborough is one of the largest towns in England without its own FE campus. It has also just been identified as the third-worst place for social mobility in the East Midlands (Corby winning top prize!). It is therefore vital to the town’s future that we make a success of our wonderful development. The new campus building work inevitably slipped a bit during lockdown but we remain on course to open in September, a superb achievement. Did you know you can follow Ian on Twitter?

@ipryce

Wellingborough Campus development Pg.3


Connect

Sam Jones MSc (Oxon)

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

Future of Research at The Bedford College Group

The Bedford College Group is really looking to develop as being sector leading in research over the next few months and years. Central to this will be an initiative to collect and store research from staff across the Group in order to make better informed decisions. The focus will be on trying to use the action research, masters and other work that goes on to develop the policy and practice of The Bedford College Group. That’s worth stopping to think about, this provides a new mechanism for staff to shape and develop the College, it may be a small piece of work and a small change, but there are very few FE colleges that have such a mechanism in order to let practitioner work guide them. The first stages of this will be working with those people who could use the research to make decisions

Pg.4

to decide how to best present any work to make it useful. Importantly we’ll also get groups of people together who can develop the capacity for research by supporting others and helping with the shape of policy and practice. Once we can get the structures and support in place then the Executive have made a commitment to start routinely using practitioner research in the same way as they use marketing research or quality data. Over the coming years there will be opportunities for you to explore areas of interest or areas you may wish to develop and to carry out work for sponsors on the senior team. This should give staff a great platform through which to shape the future at Bedford College….. An exciting future!!

July 2020


Connect

Caroline Biddle

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

Wellbeing

Supporting Your Mental Health & Wellbeing During Restrictions The coronavirus outbreak has had an impact on everyone. Changes to the way we live our lives have been essential to prevent the spread of the disease and it is important to look after your mental health and wellbeing as well as your physical health during this time.

Here are some useful tips to follow: Stay connected:

Maintaining relationships with people you trust is important for mental wellbeing.

Help and support others:

Helping others can make a big difference to them and make you feel better too.

Talk about your worries:

This is a difficult time for everyone and sharing how you are feeling, and the things you are doing to cope, with family and friends can help.

Try to manage difficult feelings:

Focus on the things you can control, including where you get information from and actions to make yourself feel prepared.

anage your media and M information intake:

24/7 news and social media can make you more worried. Try to limit the amount of time you spend keeping up with what’s going on.

Get the facts:

Use a credible source you can trust and fact check information that you get from newsfeeds, social media or from other people.

Think about your new routine:

Life is changing for us all for a while. Think about how you can adapt and create positive new routines.

Do things you enjoy:

Focussing on your favourite hobby, learning something new or simply taking time to relax can give you some relief from anxious thoughts and feelings and can boost your mood.

Set goals:

Setting goals and achieving them gives a sense of control and purpose – think about things you want or need to do that you can still do at home.

Keep your mind active:

Read, write, play games, do crossword puzzles, jigsaws or drawing and painting. Find something that works for you.

ake time to relax and focus T on the present:

Relaxation techniques can also help some people to deal with feelings of anxiety.

Get outside or bring nature in:

Spending time in green spaces can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. Sit in your garden if you can or open windows to let in fresh air.

Take action for happiness:

Stay calm, be wise, be kind.

More information and details of organisations that can offer support can be found via https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-thepublic-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-forthe-public-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-aspectsof-coronavirus-covid-19 or via the intranet pages. Pg.5


Connect

Olivia Morton

Corporate Communications and Events Manager omorton@bedford.ac.uk

60 seconds with...

Amanda Riches Operations Director for BCS Three traits that define you...

Favourite Movie?

Favourite place to visit?

Favourite thing about working at TBCG?

Devil wears Prada

Conscientious, helpful, honest

Maldives and of course my homeland Wales

Favourite Hobbies? Gardening & fitness

Pg.6

No two days are the same, friendly working environment

Favourite Music? Anything 80’s

July 2020


Connect

How the Group Has Helped

During Lockdown Very Special Staff at The Bedford Sixth Form Staff at The Bedford Sixth Form are all special but Deputy Head Alex Townsend goes above and beyond the call of duty as a Special Police Constable. “I have been a Special since September 2018,” “Training was 16 weeks and I have all the same powers as regular officers and can drive vehicles too. We cover a variety of events across the year such as football matches and local fetes / parades but also conduct night time economy (bars and nightlife) patrols on the weekends and other duties like exercising warrants for people who are wanted.”

the current crisis we have been “ During patrolling lots of local areas across the

country being visible, answering questions and advising people about the restrictions to make sure they stay safe.

”

Image approved for use by Bedfordshire Police shows Alex in Bedford Town Centre with a police colleague Lisa Miller.

Alex Townsend going above and beyond the call of duty as a Special Police Constable

Stars support college students Students at The Bedford College Group have been sent inspirational messages from celebrities encouraging them to keep working hard during the lockdown. From TOWIE’s Gemma Collins, to Australian “Neighbours” star Alan Fletcher, Queen Bee of Goggle Box Sandra Martin, to paralympic swimmer Jack Bridge and drag queen Davina de Campo, the stars have been posting special videos on the Students Union Instagram page @live_bcgsu The connections were made by the Student Services team, who have been maintaining links with students throughout the campus closures. “Even though our students are not here in class, we have been staying in touch, supporting and advising them about what will be happening here at The Bedford College Group,” said Will Sparrow of Student Services. In addition Student Services are in regular touch with students to support their welfare. Naj Mistry speaks for the team when he says: “We have made changes to support students who may have experienced changes in their home or financial circumstances during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis and are now wondering what the future holds for them. But rest assured we are all here to help.”

Googlebox star, Sandra Martin showing support to our students during lockodown

Drag Queen star, Davina De Campo showing support to our students during the pandemic Pg.7


Connect

Going Virtual A huge thank you to everyone who has participated in our recent virtual Open Days. It is a challenging prospect to create a new type of event from scratch, but everyone rose to the challenge and the feedback from prospective students and parents alike has been very positive. The virtual classrooms created an opportunity for students to virtually visit us in a similar way as they would during a campus based Open Day, and this style of event proved very popular. In conjunction with the Open Days themselves we have also created a new Virtual Open Day website, www.bedfordcollegegroupopendays.co.uk, which has received hundreds of visits since its launch on 10 June. For those that have not yet seen it, the new website features location pages for each campus, including 360 images of a range of classrooms and facilities on-site, as well as an overview video from Ian Pryce and short

Pg.8

videos about the subject areas available. The plan is to expand on this going forwards, to provide a place for visitors unable to visit ‘on the day’ to look at the campuses in a little more depth as well as linking to all the resources provided by our existing websites. Our next virtual event will be the A-Level Clearing day on 13 August and GCSE Results day on 20 August, so we hope to see you in your virtual classrooms again soon.

July 2020


Connect

Preparing

for September Following the government’s announcement on Tuesday 23 June staff at the College are now continuing to prepare all campuses to ensure everyone’s safety for their return in September. This process will be updated before the end of August 2020 to reflect the latest government guidance.

Current Level dated 19th June 2020 Alert Level 5

National or local lockdown in place

Alert Level 4 Social distancing continues

Alert Level 3

Gradual relaxation of restrictions

Some of these measures include: ew one way systems around all n campuses, ygiene points on all entrance h and exits, l imited access for students who are learning on site, lassrooms rearranged to accommodate c social distancing Full details of the changes being made in line with the latest government guidance will continue to be uploaded to our dedicated website and shared on social media. We will also be in touch with all returning students and applicants due to start in September with full details of how we are making campuses as safe as possible. All details of the communications that are sent to students, parents, apprentices and employers can be found within the dedicated intranet pages. You can see details of The Bedford College Groups current position in response to the current alert levels set by the government. These steps will be adapted and shared again in September following precautionary measures being put in to place over the summer break.

Alert Level 2

Minimum social distancing in place

Alert Level 1

Coronavirus threat is no longer present in UK

LEARNING ON CAMPUS

5

ll campuses closed except for students that are A vulnerable, on an EHC plan or whose parents are critical to the Covid-19 response and are not safe at home. Students to continue their learning via online.

4

ll campuses closed except for the groups A at Stage 5. Exams and assessments for small numbers will be accommodated where no alternative is available (you will be notified if this applies to you).

3

imited numbers of students will return to L College campus at any one time for practical aspects of their course or any adapted assessments that may be required. All theory and the majority of the knowledge and theory elements will continue to be delivered online from September this will be a blended model of learning in the class and online for theory.

2

educed number of students will return to R College campus at any one time allowing onsite lessons with opportunities to continue learning online. Social distancing guidance will be upheld across all sites with timetables reflecting this.

1

ull return to College for the majority F of students.

Pg.9


Connect

PROTECTIVE MEASURES IN PLACE

5

ll campuses closed with authorised access A for Estates and Health & Safety staff only. All learning to take place online.

4

ll campuses remain closed with exceptions A made for assessments and exams by prior arrangement only. All learning remains online.

3

ampuses to be open for restricted hours C and to small groups of students. The majority of learning continues online. All campuses implementing social distancing measures with signage and additional hygiene points on entrance/ exit.

2

1

ampuses to be open with students timetabled C to reduce total numbers on site at any one time. A mix of classroom and online learning. All campuses implementing social distancing measures with signage and additional hygiene points on entrance/ exit and in classrooms. Access to toilets will be restricted to a maximum of two people. ll campuses will be open to all students with A no restrictions. All facilities and social spaces will be open.

FACILITIES AND SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

5

ll support will be provided online using a A variety of tools including Moodle and Microsoft Teams. No access to sites for students.

4

upport continues to be offered online with S limited students accessing sites for practical learning to achieve qualifications only. No facilities open onsite, such as catering facilities, library and shared social spaces.

3

mall numbers of students allowed on campus S for face-to-face learning supported with online teaching. No refreshment facilities available and support services and Library continue to be offered mainly online.

2

imited opening hours of facilities and L social distancing measures in place including take-away orders and pre-booked sessions within the Library and Student Services.

1

ll campuses open and classes running A following the latest government guidelines. Students will have staggered breaks and start/ finish times. All support areas will be based in person on campus.

Pg.10

STUDENTS WHO HAVE RECEIVED A SHIELDING LETTER OR CLASSED AS AT RISK

5

No students to access any campuses.

4

tudents must not attend a campus before S informing Personal Achievement Tutor/ Tutors that they have a letter. Support measures will be put into place to adapt your learning and assessments where possible for your safety.

3

tudents must not attend a campus and inform S their Personal Achievement Tutor / Tutors that they have a letter. Support measures will be put into place to adapt your learning and assessments where possible for your safety.

2

tudents must not attend a campus before S informing Personal Achievement Tutor / Tutors that they have a letter. Support measures will be put into place to adapt your learning and assessments where possible for your safety.

1

tudents must not attend a campus before S informing Personal Achievement Tutor / Tutors that they have a letter. We will support a safe return to onsite learning to enjoy the full student experience.

EXAMS AND ASSESSMENTS

5

ollowing the latest Ofqual guidance to ensure F students achieve by providing centre assessed grades where possible.

4

dapted learning and assessments for small A numbers of students to be completed where there is no alternative (mainly practically assessed qualifications) following Ofqual guidance.

3

dapted learning and assessments for small A numbers of students to be completed where there is no alternative (mainly practically assessed and professional qualifications) following Ofqual guidance.

2

ixture of adapted learning and assessments M following Ofqual guidance and reduced class sizes.

1

ll courses will follow the latest Ofqual guidance A following the ‘new normal’ processes for assessments and exams.

July 2020


Connect

WORK PLACEMENTS

APPRENTICES

5

I nterviewing, recruitment and assessments will be hosted online alongside your employer and Training Coordinator. Apprentices in the workplace to follow employer’s health and safety guidelines.

ork placements may resume in person W depending on sector but encouraged to continue online as per the employers risk assessments. It is expected that this will resume where possible in September.

4

I nterviewing, recruitment and some assessments will be hosted online. Adapted assessments for small numbers of apprentices to be completed where there is no alternative. All to follow employer’s health & safety guidelines.

2

ork placements may resume in person W depending on sector and the employers as per the employers risk assessments.

3

1

Work placements may resume in full.

mixture of face-to-face and online interviews, A learning and practical assessments and exams will take place to adhere with latest social distancing measures and Ofqual guidance if they cannot be carried out in the workplace. All to follow employer’s health and safety guidelines.

2

mixture of face-to-face and online interviews, A learning and assessments will take place to adhere with latest social distancing measures and Ofqual guidance. All to follow employer’s health and safety guidelines.

1

eturn to face-to-face learning, interviews and R assessments will take place to adhere with latest social distancing measures and Ofqual guidance. Online meetings may continue depending on employer’s preference.

5

No work placements for students.

4

ork placements may resume online or in W person as per the employers risk assessments to offer a real experience of the sector.

3

HIGHER EDUCATION

5

ll campuses closed. Online learning via university A partners or HE Moodle to be completed.

4

ll campuses closed. Online learning via university A partners or HE Moodle to be completed.

3

educed numbers of students will return to R College campus at any one time for practical aspects of their course. All theory and the majority of the knowledge and theory elements will continue to be delivered online.

2

tudents will return to College campus allowing S onsite lessons alongside learning online. Social distancing guidance will be upheld across all sites with timetables reflecting this.

1

ull return to College for the majority of F students. Some part time sessions will continue to be delivered online.

TRIPS AND EVENTS

5

o trips or College events will take place N following the government guidance.

4

o trips or College events will take place N following the government guidance.

3

urrently no trips taking place. It is expected C from September some trips may take place in line with government guidance and if it allows for social distancing. College events will remain mainly online.

2

rips can be made following government T guidance and if it allows for social distancing. College events will remain mainly online although small pre-booked events may take place face-to-face.

1

ll trips can take place. All College events A will be held in the most appropriate way for visitors, face-to-face or online but no restrictions are in place.

RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION AT SHUTTLEWORTH COLLEGE

5

All residential accommodation closed.

4

All residential accommodation closed.

3

urrently no residential accommodation C available. It is expected from September this will resume, upholding social distancing guidance across all accommodation.

2

imited residential accommodation available L for prioritised students. Social distancing guidance will be upheld across all accommodation and will not be opened until this is possible.

1

ull opening of residential accommodation F adhering to the latest health and safety advice from the government. Pg.11


Connect

What’s it like returning to campus? Following the return of some of the first year Sixth Form students at the end of the summer term we asked tutors to share their experiences of what it is like returning to the campus to work.

“The Estates Team really should be proud of themselves. I felt completely safe and it was very clear that they had really thought about all the safety elements from both the tutor and student perspectives.” Genevieve Ollerearnshaw Dance Tutor at The Bedford Sixth Form

“It has felt a lot like ‘business as usual’. Nice to be back dealing with students in the real world and I haven’t felt worried or unsafe since returning.” Kate Drewery Biology Teacher & Course Lead BTEC Applied Science at The Bedford Sixth Form

“I have been in twice this week and again today. I found the experience good. Although there were only a few students that came it was good to chat and see each other face to face. The students wanted to talk and chat about their experience rather than cover work, they felt the work that had been given over lockdown was good and they just needed to see the college and touch base with their tutors. I also felt it very beneficial as I am now reassured for a return in September. The estates team have done a brilliant job.” Angela Hill English Teacher at The Bedford Sixth Form

“I was initially apprehensive about going back into The Sixth Form, but as soon as I arrived it was clear the site team had done a great job. Everything is spaced out, clean and really safe. The classroom had been spaced out and tables and chairs were at a really safe distance.” Tanya Reeves Health & Social Care Teacher at The Bedford Sixth Form

Pg.12

July 2020


Connect

Rachel Nicol

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

Corporation News The final Corporation News of the year, where has the time gone! Ten virtual board and committee meetings down and four to go. Thanks to the IT team most have gone smoothly with no less scrutiny than before. The most ambitious and largest one will be the final board meeting of the year on 8 July 2020. This year the Corporation says goodbye to 4 external governors, Alasdair Simmons, Casandra Daubney, Noel Gray and Sol Miah. All of them made a significant contribution in terms of expertise and time with Alasdair and Sol both having been members for several years. They will be missed. I’d also like to thank Shaun Wilson and Helen Day for their roles as staff governor for the past two years. Both gave great insights to the staff voice.

Job Opportunities Payables Manager Location: Kettering Salary: £25,500 per annum Application closing date: 05/07/2020 Training Coordinator in Electrical Location: Corby Salary: £26,010- £35,478 per annum, dependent on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 05/07/2020 Training Coordinator in Carpentry Location: Bedford Salary: £26,010-£35,478 per annum, dependent on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 06/07/2020

You may have seen the post on LinkedIn recently to support the recruitment of new governors. Please share the link as widely as possible and talk to your contacts to encourage prospective board members apply. Membership can provide a great opportunity for someone with expertise and skills to gain board experience that can help in their own career progression. I can now confirm that following the votes last month we are looking forward to welcoming Melissa Peacock and Amanda Wagstaff as our new Staff Governors 2020-2022. Have a lovely summer. For more information on Corporation matters please contact the Director of Governance & Clerk to the Corporation, Rachel Nicol on rnicol@bedford.ac.uk

Sad News Steve Barker, sadly passed away on 14th May having battled for some time with Covid-19. Steve joined The Bedford College Group as exam invigilator in May 2018 having previously worked for HSBC (Midland Bank) across the Northamptonshire region until he was almost 70. Upon ‘retirement’ he was introduced to invigilating by a close friend and ex-HSBC colleague. His fellow invigilators describe him as a supportive, kind soul; a gentle man who always encouraged the students to have the confidence to complete the exam they were taking. Amongst the Tresham Exam office team he will be remembered for his reliability, his detailed knowledge of exam clock locations, and providing endless supplies of refreshments from Costa! We will all miss his kind and generous nature. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

» View and apply for our full-time and part-time vacancies over the summer via The Bedford College Group vacancy portal which can be found on CONNECT staff intranet. Pg.13


Connect

Training Opportunities There are many ways 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.

The Bedford College Group Festival of Learning (24 - 28 August 2020) This one week event will launch the new Professional Development strategy and will feature unmissable headliners. Resources will be online and will not require attendance. Just make sure you put some time aside this week to make a cuppa and have a look through them. Save the date!

Welcome to The Group Jane Heath Senior Trainer in Electrical Installations, Corby Steve Humm Apprenticeship Group Training Manager STEM, Bedford Danielle Lewin Customer Contact Assistant (Apprentice), Bedford Hayley Parker Princes Trust Development worker, Kettering Emilia Sorrentino Learning Support Assistant, Bedford Selai Yebaki Learning Support Assistant, Bedford

Further CPD & Training If you’re not signed up to the weekly email updates from FE News or Association of Colleges, please go to their websites at the embedded links and subscribe. If you have any updates from other organisations that you feel are relevant, please update us at quality@bedford.ac.uk Pg.14

July 2020


Connect

Anastassia Parsons

Diversity and Inclusion Advisor aparsons@bedford.ac.uk

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION JULY 2020

#BLACKLIVESMATTER The anti-racism protests in the world and the UK have resurfaced awareness of both explicit and structural racism. Black people are most likely to be in a low income household, in a low skills job or unemployed, and Black pupils are least likely to gain good passes in GCSE in maths and English (Source: Race Disparity Audit 2017/18). People of BAME ethnicity had a higher risk of death when compared to white British people (Source: Public Health England’s report on Covid-19 deaths). So after #blackouttuesday and the messages for solidarity and support, what can each of us do on a personal level? • Make an effort to learn and understand the lived experience and needs of your Black students and colleagues, and Black people in the local community and the UK • Notice and challenge microaggressions e.g. comments, ‘jokes’ and prejudice of minorities – Black people in particular • Don’t dismiss voiced concerns from students and colleagues as overreaction or ‘playing the race card’ • Don’t hide behind a ‘colour-blind’ approach – if you don’t see colour, you don’t see racism • Join a diversity staff forum and speak up in team discussions on race issues • For all Managers, create a team culture where people feel safe to raise concerns, share experiences and talk honestly about race and racism e.g. offer a space on an on-line forum where people can discuss Black issues and racism openly. Stating a commitment to inclusion and race equality rings hollow when it is not backed up by tangible actions. We may not always have the power to make decisions but we have the power to influence by being informed. Pg.15


Connect

Anastassia Parsons

Diversity and Inclusion Advisor aparsons@bedford.ac.uk

Diversity Calendar July 2020 14 July - International Non-binary People’s Day What does it mean to be non-binary? What is a gender inclusive language? Do you use your pronouns in your email signature or when you introduce yourself? Do you know how you can support non-binary people? Here are some ideas from Stonewall https://www.stonewall.org.uk/about-us/blog/10waysstep-ally-non-binary-people

Religious Festivals in July

Pg.16

7th - 16th

FRAVARDIGAN Zoroastrian

17th NAVROZE / NO RUZ Zoroastrian (New Year’s Day) 22nd - 31st

DHUL-HIJJAH Muslim

23rd

BIRTHDAY OF HAILE SELASSIE I Rastafarian

30th

TISHA B’AV Jewish

The Inter Faith Network has a more detailed list of festivals and short descriptions.

July 2020


Connect

Lynsey Travers

HR Manager (Bedfordshire) ltravers@bedford.ac.uk

Perks You have saved….. A grand total of £2,324 in the last 6 months compared to £1,784 last year. In the last 12 months, employees at The Bedford College Group have

saved £4,700

Top Discounts Currys PC World continues to offer 8% discount if you purchase a Reloadable Card.

ASOS - 8% discount on Instant Vouchers

BooHoo – 7% cashback

Virgin Media – earn up to £125 cashback

Not on the High Street – save 10% online with Instant Vouchers

M & S – save 8% in store or online with Instant Vouchers

Argos – save 6% online or in store

Aviva – earn up to £500

Admiral – earn up to £70 cashback

There are lots of other discounts available through The Bedford College Group’s Perks scheme that can be spent online or in store. More details can be found on https://bedford. rewardgateway.co.uk/Authentication/Login ?r=login&page=login&it=%2FSmartSpending We would love to hear your feedback on The Bedford College Group Perks scheme, please email me with any comments you have!

Pg.17


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
CONNECT July 2020 by The Bedford College Group - Issuu