Connect October 2021

How to look after your mental health on page 4

Celebrating 75 years of Shuttleworth on page 9

How to save money with The Bedford College Perks scheme on page 17

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

Sarah Nolan, Head of Care, Early Years & Access at Tresham College supported the Great Britain Boccia Team Paralympic victory. Read more on page 7.

BCS BEDFORD COLLEGE SERVICES

October 2021

Connect

Casey Essom

Corporate Communications Assistant cessom@bedford.ac.uk

Editor’s

Your October Issue of CONNECT Magazine!

I hope everyone had a lovely break, managed to catch some of the late summer sun, and you are feeling recharged for the new academic year. In this issue, we are celebrating victory at the Paralympics and 75 years of Shuttleworth College as well as sharing how to look after your mental health.

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

Contents

Your Diary The Bedford Sixth Form Open Day

6 October, 5.00pm-8.00pm

Official Opening for The Connolly Centre for Modern Construction

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Key Dates

20 October

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Principal’s Update

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Wellbeing

Course Manager Toolkit

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Corporation News

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Group News

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BCS News

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Equality, Diversity And Inclusion

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Job Opportunities

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Quality Update

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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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Staff Perks

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Wellbeing Centre

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25 October

Half term

W/c 25 October For more diary dates visit www.bit.ly/collegecalendars

October 2021

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Principal’s Update

Ian Pryce CBE

CEO The Bedford College Group

Principal’s Back to the Future

Although last year was a successful one for the College, with record income, 16-18 students, student feedback, staff survey results and capital investment, it was also difficult and the lockdowns disrupted the learning of many students.

It is important therefore we return to our pre-Covid successful approach, but also use what we have learned during the pandemic to make things even better for students and staff.

We are already seeing major benefits in using Microsoft Teams and webinar software, for example.

For the first half term though our key priorities are to settle in the students, and get them into productive learning habits. In order to ensure we can monitor the quality of the service we are providing we also need to make sure our student data, our registers and our timetables are perfect as soon as possible.

We also need to be sure every programme has a course manager and student rep. Finally, we want every student enrolled to generate funding. In particular, this means making sure our full-time students complete and pass short additional courses within these first few weeks.

75 Not Out

The history of further education is usually a tale of philanthropy and partnership. Shuttleworth College celebrated its 75th birthday in September and is an example of both. Dorothy Shuttleworth’s gift to the region started with six students in 1946, took in 250 students in its 1960s heyday, fell to no students for a while, and this year we will probably recruit 1,200. It was lovely to celebrate Dorothy’s philanthropy and our partnership with the Shuttleworth Trust and to have Dorothy’s granddaughter Princess Charlotte von Croy, who remains an active supporter, as the special guest.

2021-22 promises to be a tricky and challenging year due to the discontinuity caused by Covid and its impact on learning.

Let’s still enjoy that challenge and do all we can to aid the educational recovery many students deserve and need.

World Class

We want as many of our students as possible taking part in skills competitions to test themselves against world standards. It is great to see our Computing team continuing their tradition of leading the region in cybersecurity, with two students Aleksander Budny and Ben Grayson through to the national finals in November.

Black History

The College has done a special deal with TV presenter and author David Olusoga that means we can provide a free copy of his bestseller Black and British to any full-time student that wishes to read it. At Bedford, we are linking it to the Black Heroes & Heroines Exhibition produced by SpectaculArts, in the South Bank exhibition space, but the offer is open to all our campuses. Please let me know if your students want one.

Ian Pryce with Dorothy Shuttleworth’s granddaughter Princess Charlotte von Croy.

Did you know you can follow Ian on Twitter?

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October 2021

Caroline Biddle

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

HOW TO LOOK AFTER It is important to take care of yourself and get the most out of life. Below are practical ways to look after your mental health. Making simple changes to how you live doesn’t need to cost a fortune or take up loads of time.

Anyone can follow this advice – why not start today?

1. Talk about your feelings Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled.

2. Keep active Regular exercise can boost your selfesteem and can help you concentrate, sleep, and feel better.

3. Eat well Your brain needs a mix of nutrients in order to stay healthy and function well, just like the other organs in your body. A diet that’s good for your physical health is also good for your mental health.

4. Drink sensibly We often drink alcohol to change our mood. Some people drink to deal with fear or loneliness, but the effect is only temporary. When the drink wears off, you feel worse because of the way the alcohol has affected your brain and the rest of your body.

5. Keep in touch There’s nothing better than catching up with someone face-to-face, but that’s not always possible. You can also give them a call, drop them a note, or chat to them online instead. Keep the lines of communication open: it’s good for you!

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Connect 6. Ask for help None of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things don’t go to plan. If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can’t cope, ask for help. Your family or friends may be able to offer practical help or a listening ear.

7. Take a break A change of scene or a change of pace is good for your mental health. It could be a five-minute pause from cleaning your kitchen, a half-hour lunch break at work, or a weekend exploring somewhere new.

A few minutes can be enough to de-stress you. Give yourself some ‘me time’.

8. Do something you’re good at What do you love doing? What activities can you lose yourself in?

What did you love doing in the past?

Enjoying yourself can help beat stress.

Doing an activity you enjoy probably means you’re good at it, and achieving something boosts your self-esteem.

9. Accept who you are We’re all different. It’s much healthier to accept that you’re unique than to wish you were more like someone else.

Feeling good about yourself boosts your confidence to learn new skills, visit new places and make new friends. Good self-esteem helps you cope when life takes a difficult turn.

OCTOBER All Month - Stoptober - Encouraging the nation’s smokers to quit https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/resources/ campaigns/6-stoptober/resources All Month - National Cholesterol Month https://www.heartuk.org.uk/

10. Care for others Caring for others is often an important part of keeping up relationships with people close to you. It can even bring you closer together.

Source: Mental Health Foundation

All Month - Breast Cancer Awareness Month https://breastcancernow.org/get-involved/breast-cancerawareness-month 4-8 Oct - Back Care Awareness Week https://backcare.org.uk/event/2021-back-careawareness-week/ 11-15 Oct - National Work Life Week https://workingfamilies.org.uk/nationalworklifeweek/ 18 Oct - World Menopause Awareness Day www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day

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October 2021

Rachel Nicol

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

News At the beginning of this new academic year we would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest governors, Luke Ferebee, who has joined us from being a governor at Milton Keynes College; Alasdair Simmons who is returning after a short break; and Simon Cox who will be joining the Bedford College Services board.

Meet the Governors

“My inspiration and drive to become a Governor is led by the personal satisfaction and reward of knowing that I will be contributing my professional skills to a public system that aims to provide opportunities to young learners.

Also, the role of a Governor is varied and interesting, and provides the opportunity to be involved in the strategic decisions and future direction of the College, and seeing tangible results from the contribution.”

“I am looking forward to meeting and speaking to staff and young students (hopefully face-to-face in a postCOVID world), to hear some of the great achievements and aspirations of those at the College, and being a part of the board that shapes the strategy and governance to help students reach their full potential. I am also looking forward to working with other elected external staff, and student Governors, as I hope I can not only share my own insights from my professional career, but broaden my own views as well.”

For more information on Corporation matters please contact the Director of Governance and Clerk to the Corporation, Rachel Nicol on rnicol@bedford.ac.uk

In this month’s Meet the Governors, we introduce Luke Ferebee who joined us over the summer. Luke is an Audit Assistant Manager and will be sitting on the Corporation’s Audit Committee.

We asked Luke what inspired him to become a governor with The Bedford College Group and what he is most looking forward to in the role.

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joy Sarah Nolan, Head of Care, Early Years & Access at Tresham College, supported David Smith to win a gold medal in the boccia at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Following David’s victory, Sarah said: “We were both seriously crying our eyes out together. It was a great feeling that David knew he was the greatest.”

“It was also a nice year as it was the first year that my impact has been acknowledged.”

Sarah has been David’s assistant since 2010 and has seen him win silver and bronze in boccia at London 2012, gold at Rio 2016, and gold again at Tokyo 2020, making him the most decorated British boccia player in history.

“I have been lucky to be able to combine this commitment with my work at Tresham College, who have been very supportive. I hope that the experiences I have gained from working in such a high-level competitive environment cross over into adding value to my contribution to the training of students. Working with Paralympians gives me a totally different perspective on life.”

After his victory, David was selected to carry the flag for Great Britain at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics closing ceremony. Sarah said: “It was extremely emotional; it is the biggest accolade for an athlete to represent their country at the closing ceremony. It is a phenomenal privilege.”

Sarah believes that Tokyo 2020 were the best games she has attended, not just due to the gold medal, but the atmosphere: “There’s still a lot of discrimination in the Paralympics, particularly towards boccia players who need extra support and often are not regarded as serious athletes. This was the first time we felt part of Team GB. People started to acknowledge boccia at Rio in 2016, but Tokyo 2020 sealed the deal.”

Sarah and David in front of The Agitos on Tokyo Waterfront.

Sarah has been amazed by the response from colleagues who have rushed to share support and her team had decorated her office in gold for her return. David’s win on 1st September coincided with Staff Development Day and Sarah said: “I would like to apologise if focus was elsewhere on Staff Development Day, I know a lot of colleagues were with me in Tokyo, but I won’t apologise for the tears as David won, they were all real!”

There is little rest for Sarah as she rushed straight back to work to inductions and timetables: “It has been a whirlwind, and training starts now for the European championships in Seville in November!”

David’s gold medal and the Paralympic mascot Someity.

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October 2021

Eden Art The Eden Art Exhibition takes place at The Arc, Bedford from 6 September until 23 October 2021. Four local artists have joined together to feature a unique collaboration of work at The Arc gallery space which explores the theme of “Eden.” Eden; a sense of freedom, exuberance, possibility, and raw beauty. The idea for Eden flowed from thoughts from the four artists, Sara Sayer, Fi Wilson and The Bedford College Group’s Natalie Wells and Amanda Silk, around our recent shared period of enforced isolation and restriction.

Amanda Silk, Applied Design Lecturer at Bedford College, creates figurative ceramic vessels and sculptures that explore the expressive character of the human form and surface, quietly reflecting and meditative. She delights in the making process and absorbs herself in her creative practice, to manipulate clay. Her collection is adorned, surrounded in lush forbidden foliaged fruit and inspired by ancient distant lands.

Amanda Silk has delved into reveries of lush exotic faraway places. She produces ceramics that are timeless, tactile, and ripe for picking: “Eden has enabled me to take my practice to another level. Collaboration and connection inspire us all, this exhibition embodies this.”

Helping get Corby Outdoor gym equipment has been installed at the Corby campus of Tresham College in Northamptonshire to be used by staff and students in the town.

The project was part of a strategic partnership bid, supported by Corby Borough Council at the time, to the Government’s “Accelerated Fund.” Announced last September, the fund aims to kick-start local projects, driving growth and improving town environments across the country.

Working alongside the local Corby council, staff from the College hope the new equipment will encourage students and staff to participate in outdoor exercise, which has been shown to have a range of benefits to wellbeing including improved mental health and physical fitness.

Georgina Ager, Vice Principal, said: “As part of Tresham College’s commitment to our students’ and staff health and wellbeing, we applied to have improved and upgraded outdoor activity facilities.”

“We are delighted to have been part of a successful combined bid and look forward to our students using our new gym equipment.”

Natalie Wells, Teacher of Art and Design at The Bedford Sixth Form, works with themes of vulnerability and empowerment, representing women in a raw and intimate way. She uses paint to represent femininity, whether this be in a literal form or through colour and marks. Being vulnerable is challenging but she believes it is the state you need to experience in order to accept and regain control of yourself, your body and your choices.

Natalie said: “I use paint to express what I cannot say out loud, to celebrate form and create a strong narrative.

The figures in my paintings have become more confident through the influence of my Eden collaborators, whose work is powerful and vibrant.”

The artwork is displayed in The Arc, in Howard Street, Bedford until late October. The four artists are proudly collaborating with people of Bedford by offering workshops in The Arc to compliment the exhibition on forthcoming Saturdays during the exhibition period.

Artwork displayed at the Eden Art Exhibition.

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New gym equipment at the Corby campus of Tresham College in use.

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75 years The 75th anniversary of the founding of Shuttleworth College by Dorothy Shuttleworth was celebrated in a marquee celebration in the grounds of the Shuttleworth Trust estate on Thursday 9 September.

Princess Charlotte, granddaughter of Dorothy and Patron of the Shuttleworth Trust, joined Ian Pryce on stage to mark the special occasion.

Princess Charlotte reminded the audience of VIP guests how the College was founded two years after the Shuttleworth Trust which was set up in memory of Dorothy’s only son, Richard. The first cohort of students in estate management in 1946 were just six men. Now Shuttleworth College has nearly 750 full-time students (rising to 1,200 including part-time) in a wide range of land-based learning subjects.

“My grandmother believed students would benefit from being in this country setting.”

“Today we can be proud of having such a reliable partner in running the College” said the Princess.

Ian Pryce paid tribute to recently retired Mike Johnston, among the guests, who welcomed Bedford College when it joined with Shuttleworth College in 2009.

Together they continued Mike’s magnificent work in encouraging many more students to the rural campus, and a 40-year lease has secured the foreseeable future of the establishment.

The opening in 2019 of the Zoological Education Centre, complete with tropical biome, was celebrated at this event with guests being given a tour of areas containing animals otherwise found from the Amazon to Australia.

The Princess praised the astonishing achievement of the creation of the ZEC which she said she had found an unforgettable experience when visiting.

Catherine Lloyd, Director of Shuttleworth College, explained to the guests there was a wide range of facilities on campus: from the equine to fisheries specialist centres, the Kings Hill farm and exciting outdoor sporting facilities: “This is a vibrant place with an expanding curriculum which would have been of interest to Richard Shuttleworth.”

Shuttleworth College.

Ian Pryce with Dorothy Shuttleworth’s granddaughter Princess Charlotte von Croy.

Shuttleworth College.

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October 2021

Coast to coast taking On 31 July, staff members Shaun Wilson, Mark Brookes, Mark Tinney and Ash Spiers started a walk from Tynemouth on the Northeast coast in Northumberland with a view of walking to Bowness-on-Solway on the Northwest coast in Cumbria, taking in the historic Hadrian’s wall, within six days.

The idea stemmed from a ‘chat about walking’ back in October 2020. A decision was made to do it in aid of a charity, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). They are leading a movement against suicide for everybody that needs it. Every week, 125 people in the UK take their own lives. And 75% of all UK suicides are male. Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and the cause of 18 deaths every day. CALM exists to change this.

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

“It was tough, some days, especially at the end after walking for seven hours the physicality started to affect your own mind, yet the messages we were receiving form all over the world from Australia, USA and Canada and at home, and of course our colleagues at TBCG and really helped. We kept in the forefront of our minds those that struggle with their mental health on a daily basis, and how we were raising awareness for mental health and suicide.”

“Our target was to reach £1,000. To this date we have raised £1901. Miles walked, 97.5 in six days.”

We would like to heartfully thank each and every one of you that donated and supported us with your messages.

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

Shaun Wilson said: “We walked an average of 15 miles a day, taking in some breath-taking scenery. It was an amazing journey, and we were lucky to meet some wonderful people along the way who would stop and ask, ‘what’s this CALM about?”

“At the halfway mark and the most arduous walking due to the hills, we got a truly inspiring message form a friend who works with young adults at St. Andrews in Northampton.

A young adult she was working with was inspired by what we were doing and they started their own sponsored walk around the hospital grounds, sending us the message, keep going lads. We sent a heart picture to them, only to hear later that day that there were now two wards involved, and they were tracking our journey on a map.”

Hadrian's Wall

Shaun Wilson, Mark Brooks, Mark Tinney and Ash Speirs.

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Importance of Daniel Hulatt, Lecturer and Course Manager for Computing at Bedford, completed his MSc Cybersecurity program of study with the University of Central Lancaster (Cyprus). For his research project Daniel investigated the relationship between the vocational courses offered at Bedford College in all departments and the opportunities available for our students to move into the ever-growing cybersecurity industry which has continued to grow in demand for new talent throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the conclusion of his thesis, Daniel converted the results into a report that was approved for publication in the international community, following a presentation of his findings at the 15th International Symposium on Human Aspects of Information Security & Assurance.

Connect

Daniel’s research evidenced the importance of ensuring that teaching and learning across the College prepares all learners for a future working in a cybersecurity aware workplace and highlighted opportunities for departments to work together to embed basic cybersecurity skills such as password creation. Doing so would ensure that all learners are presented with opportunities within an industry continuing to experience ever increasing growth and demand.

Daniel also presented his findings during the College’s Staff Conference in July. If you would like to find out more about Daniel’s research or to discuss ideas for embedding cybersecurity skills in your curriculum, please contact Daniel at dhulatt@bedford.ac.uk

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October 2021

BCS discounts for Bedford At BCS, we have a variety of discounts available to all The Bedford College Group staff, available throughout the year.

Trinity Arts & Leisure (Bedford) • 20% off all pay-as-you-go public swimming sessions • 20% off all pay-as-you-go fitness classes

The Venue Hub (Bedfordshire & Northants) • 20% off all Venue Hub facilities across Bedfordshire & Northamptonshire, including sports halls, 3G pitches & dance studios. Please visit www.thevenuehub.com for a full list of facilities.

• 20% off all pay-as-you-go gym sessions • 20% off sports hall hire • 6-month swim & gym membership for £65.00 • 12-month swim & gym membership for £100.00

Munch and Mocha (Bedfordshire & Northants) The Grand Hall (Bedford) • 20% off hire of The Grand Hall for wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions

• Discounts available when you download our Way2Pay App. This includes coffee & bap loyalty cards and flash sales throughout the year. Information on how to download the App is available on Connect.

• 20% off parties & events hire • 20% off for family & friends

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Job Contracts Account Manager

Lecturer in English

Facilities Assistant

Student Services Adviser

Teaching Assistant

Work Placement Co-ordinator

Location: Bedford Salary: Up to £33,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 28/09/2021 Location: Bedford Salary: £18,584 per annum Application closing date: 28/09/2021 Location: Bedford Salary: £18,188 per annum, pro rata. Actual salary, £13,154.10 per annum Application closing date: 28/09/2021

Teaching Assistant

Location: Bedford Salary: £18,188 per annum, pro rata. Actual salary, £13,154.10 per annum Application closing date: 28/09/2021

Work Placement Co-Ordinator (Full time and Part time)

Location: Old Warden Salary: £20,808 per annum, pro rata Application closing date: 28/09/2021

Associate Catering Assistant

Location: Kettering Salary: £8.91 per hour Application closing date: 29/09/2021

Teaching Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Location: Bedford Salary: £18,188 per annum, pro rata. Actual; salary £13,154.10 per annum Application closing date: 29/09/2021

Location: Bedford Salary: £25,500 - £32,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 03/10/2021 Location: Bedford Salary: £18,600 per annum, pro rata Application closing date: 03/10/2021 Location: Bedford Salary: Circa £21,000 per annum, pro rata Application closing date: 03/10/2021

Associate Lecturer in Foundation

Location: Bedford Salary: Associate - (Unqualified) £20.50 per hour.

Associate - (Qualified PGCE/Cert Ed or equivalent) £21.50 per hour Application closing date: 05/10/2021

Student Services Adviser

Location: Old Warden Salary: £19,000 per annum Application closing date: 05/10/2021

Work Placement Co-ordinator

Location: Kettering Salary: £21,000 per annum, pro rata Application closing date: 05/10/2021

Quality & Training

Technician – Brickwork and Plastering

Location: Corby Salary: £18,188 - £20,870 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 29/09/2021

Trainee Lecturer / Lecturer in Electrical Installations

Location: Corby and Wellingborough Salary: £25,500 - £34,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience Application closing date: 29/09/2021

Associate Lecturer in Agricultural Business

Location: Old Warden Salary: Associate (Unqualified) £23.00 per hour. Associate – (Qualified PGCE/Cert Ed or equivalent) £24.00 per hour Application closing date: 30/09/2021

There are Safer Recruitment Workshops taking place on the following dates: Friday 1 October 2021 9:15am – 12:45pm Wednesday 13 October 2021 10:00am – 13:30pm Friday 12 November 2021 8:30am – 12noon Monday 29 November 2021 10:00am – 13:30pm Click here to book. Sessions will be hosted via MS Teams and invites will be sent 48 hours prior to the workshop date.

Professional Development Update

For more information visit the Professional Development pages on the intranet or email professionaldevelopment@bedford.ac.uk.

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Welcome to

October 2021

John Wright

Position: Catch-up Tutor - Maths

Jonathan Dews

Position: IT Technician

Joseph Gallacher

Position: Development & Progression Tutor

Abbey Kemp,

Position: Teacher - Psychology

Abigail Frankish

Position: Teacher - Science

Alison Monaghan

Position: Catch-up Tutor - Maths

Anita Povey

Position: Catch-up Tutor - English

Annette Giscard

Position: Lecturer - English

Antonella Mitchell

Position: Catch-up Tutor - English

Arzu Sherwood

Position: Personal Achievement Tutor

Aziz Benjamaa

Position: Catch-up Tutor - Maths

Casey Essom

Position: Corporate Communications Assistant

Ceylan Corbyn

Position: Library & Learning Resource Support Assistant

Danielle Betts

Position: Lecturer – Health, Care & Early Years

Dexter Smith

Position: Zoological Centre Facilities Coordinator

Diogo Martins Gomes

Position: Study Skills Manager

Fiona Cameron-Mackintosh

Position: Catch-up Tutor – Maths

Forbear Kamaljeet Kaur

Position: Lecturer - Health, Care & Early Years

Gurpreet Dhillon

Position: Finance Apprentice

Helen Clarkson

Position: Catch-up Tutor – Maths

Helen Coutts

Position: Teacher - English

Helen Scott

Position: Catch-up Tutor - English

Jack Tindall

Position: Creative Content Assistant

Jade Giles

Position: Marketing Assistant

Jody Elphick

Position: Technician - Animal Care

Joe Freestone

Joshua Harris

Position: Technician - Motor Vehicle

Judi Harrison

Position: Lecturer - Counselling

Kallash Singh

Position: Teacher - Science

Kat Binley

Position: Catch-up Tutor – Maths

Kathryn Summers

Position: Personal Achievement Tutor

Kay Fensom

Position: Lecturer - Maths

Kevin Taylor

Position: Catch-up Tutor - English

Libby Connelly

Position: Catch-up Tutor - English

Lydia Alexis-Ward

Position: Teacher - Sociology

Madelaine Govier

Position: Data Protection Officer

Marialuisa Lombardi

Position: Personal Achievement Tutor

Mario Colapietro

Position: Lecturer - Motor Vehicle

Martyn Gray

Position: Teacher - Art & Design

Matthew Hunt

Position: Work Placement Co-ordinator - Art & Design

Matthew Lloyd

Position: Technician - Science

Megan Shreeves

Position: Teacher - Sociology

Minuka Weerasinghe

Position: Lecturer - Science

Mouna Vacca

Position: Prince’s Trust Development Worker

Muhammad Sajid

Position: Finance Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Nathaniel Nelson

Position: Technician - Animal Care

Olivia Rose

Position: Trainee Lecturer - Travel

Olukunle Akinola

Position: Lecturer, Electrical Engineering

Onne Okpu

Position: Lecturer, Trainee Lecturer - Engineering

Position: Apprenticeship Liaison Officer

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October 2021

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Owen Cule

Position: Lecturer – Motorsport

Precious McKissick

Position: Executive Assistant

Prem Mistry

Position: Student Registry Strand Lead

Rabia Quazi

Position: Business Development & Apprenticeship Administrator

Rebecca Newby

Position: Catch-up Tutor - English

Rebecca Whitehead

Position: Practical Instructor - Animal Care

Rebekah Barnett

Position: Teaching Assistant

Anastassia Parsons

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND

Rekha Ladher

Position: Catch-up Tutor - Maths

Richard Addo-Tenkorang

Position: Head of Engineering

Ryan George

Position: Teacher - Science

Sabrina Simms

Position: Teacher - Business/Economics

Sarah Sherlock

What is a staff diversity group?

Inclusive groups available to every member of staff, including allies, with an interest in equality, diversity and inclusion, regardless of own identity or background.

Position: Lecturer - Adult English & Maths

What does it offer?

Sharon Jones

• (Confidential) support for group members

Position: Library & Learning Resources Support Assistant

Sharon Stephenson

Position: Lecturer - Health, Care & Early Years

• Share experiences, coping strategies and support available • Voice concerns in a safe environment

Sonia Ellahi

• Access to an informal “listening ear” when you need to talk

Position: Lecturer - English

• Serious (advocative) business

Swati Kamble

• A collective voice to ask difficult questions and call for action

Position: Catch-up Tutor - Maths

Thandiwe Mkosana

Position: Teacher - Maths

Thomas Preece

• A critical resource for information about what is and is not working for individuals in the College and how to improve it.

Position: Teacher - Politics & Philosophy

Interested?

Valeria Bragar

See Connect intranet/ E&D/ College Groups for details https://college.oak.com/Content/Page/Index/d782ecd7-8c864d36-992e-fc458557df05

Position: Teaching Assistant

Victoria Hadlow

Position: Library & Learning Resources Support Assistant

William Gibbs

Position: Course Manager - Electrical Installation

Zane Sheridan

Position: Technician - Plumbing

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October 2021

DIVERSITY CALENDAR Black History Month 2021 Proud To Be: we highlight and celebrate the achievements of Black Britons in every area throughout our history blackhistorymonth.org.uk

ADHD Awareness Month 2021 Reframing ADHD: Discovering New Perspectives. Check out answers to common questions, memes, art and stories, myths and facts about ADHD adhdawarenessmonth.org/

1 October - International Day of Older Persons

4–10 October - Dyslexia Awareness Week

Raising awareness of the impact of an ageing population and the need to ensure people can grow old with dignity.

Invisible Dyslexia – the invisible challenges for people with dyslexia e.g. MH, being overlooked within education and the workplace.

10 October - World Mental Health Day

26 October - Intersex Awareness Day

Mental health in an unequal world: access to MH services remains unequal. Stigma affects access to education, job prospects, current and future earnings.

Developing understanding of intersex issues and visibility of people born with intersex bodies.

Religious Festivals

Sept/Oct - HARVEST FESTIVAL Christian (Western, Anglican and Free Churches) 6 Oct - ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF THE BAHA’U’LLAH Baha’i 6 – 14 - NAVARATI Hindu 19 Oct - THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD’S BIRTHDAY Sunni Muslim 20 Oct - CONFERRING OF GURUSHIP ON THE GURU GRANTH SAHIB Sikh 24 Oct - THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD’S BIRTHDAY Shi’a Muslim 31 Oct - SAMHAIN Wiccan Pagan / Druid The Inter Faith Network has a more detailed list of festivals and short descriptions.

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Lynsey Travers

HR Manager - Human Resources

PERKS

TOP OFFERS THIS MONTH Rewards for staff at The Bedford College Group – Saving you money everyday What is The Bedford College Perks Scheme?

The Perks Scheme is a smart spending tool available to all core staff and offers a variety of discounts at retailers from fashion, books, dining, travel and any more.

Cashback – earn money when you shop online. Any cashback you earn can be used as you wish either towards future purchases or transferred to your bank account. Current offers are: • Boots – earn up to 5% • British Gas & EDF – earn up to £120

How can I save money?

Instant Vouchers – you can purchase vouchers for a set amount and a discount will be applied. Current offers are:

• House of Fraser – earn up to 9%

• Currys PC World – Save 7%

Visit www.bedford.rewardgateway.co.uk/SmartSpending

• Halfords - Save 10%

Access Bedford College Perks via the Quick Links on Connect.

• John Lewis – Save 5%

How do I access the Perks Scheme?

Download the ‘SmartSpending’ app through Google Play or Apple App Store

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Connect

October 2021

The Wellbeing This month we have launched The Wellbeing Centre and this can be accessed through the Perks Scheme.

There are four categories:

Move

Munch

Money

Mind

There are tips and tools to improve your financial wellbeing, fitness videos to help you meet your fitness goals, tasty recipe inspiration and a collection of mindfulness videos and tips to reduce stress Pg.18

October 2021