September 2026
No 80
STAFF
eNEWSLETTER Your College, Your Future
Principal’s Update
Well, it’s been a really busy start to the year! The College is certainly buzzing again! And with higher enrolment numbers across many of programmes it really is a testament to everyone involved that the start of the year has gone so smoothly. Our Graduation Ceremony was also much busier this year, with over 100 graduates attending, along with their friends and families. It’s always so good to so many people celebrating their success. Thanks must also go to everyone who
made the event happen, to our sponsors and to our Honorary Fellow, Suzanne Mulholland, the Batch Lady. I thought Suzanne’s message for our graduates was so relevant, about doing what feels right for you, and that there are many different paths through life. On a completely different note, along with other members of College leadership, I recently attended a Ransomware Workship, hosted by JISC. This examined the potential impacts, response and assistance that may be required to recover from a cyber attack. This was extremely helpful with some useful pointers as to how we may be better prepared. A number of actions have come from this and some of those will be shared via your manager. A further
update on some of the detail will be included in next month’s Newsletter. Finally from me, we were delighted to be included as one of the Open University’s Catalyst Centres, a project to widen opportunities to access their degree programmes in five colleges across Scotland. Ours will focus on specific areas of curriculum where we believe there is most benefit and synergy. In the medium term, we will see a member of the OU team based in Galashiels and working alongside our College teams. We look forward to seeing how this will benefit our learners over the next few years.
MAR 2026-MAR 2027 UK
Best wishes,
Principal & CEO Pete Smith
STAFF
eNEWSLETTER Items for inclusion in the eNewsletter should be submitted to your Senior Leadership Team staff member two weeks prior to the end of the month.
Your College, Your Future
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News from the People Services Department Upcoming Pay Dates Wednesday 30th September 2026
Friday 30th October 2026
Friday 27th November 2026
Congratulations to
Goodbye and Good Luck to
Mark Catto and John Rafferty who have been appointed as
Fiona Currie – Business and Project Support
Acting Delivery Team Managers on a job share basis within ACE
Gregor Hall – Finance Amy Hamilton – DYW
Sarah McFadyen – Health and Social Care Fiona McIntosh – Student Advice Cameron Reith – Marketing
Sustainability/Environmental Awareness In order to support our Sustainability Strategy, we have taken the decision to change the Sustainability module to an Environmental
Awareness module. From session 2026/27 this module will become an essential module which should be completed every
two years. Therefore, all staff should complete this by the end of session 2027/28 and repeat every second year thereafter.
Sustainability Calendar 5th October
World Habitat Day
International Environment Days - Green Standard Schools
24th October
International Day of Climate Action
International Environment Days - Green Standard Schools
Occupational Health Occupational Health are retained by the College to offer you support. You can selfrefer by giving them a call – their number is 01896 825982. This service is totally
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confidential and no information is shared with the College unless you ask them to.
Debbie Kerr – Director of People Services
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Freshers Fair We had a fantastic time welcoming students to our Freshers Fair at the beginning of September!
A massive shout-out also goes to our Student Ambassadors, who volunteered their time to help make the Fair happen, and to the BaxterStorey team for all their help in making the day a success.
It was great to see so many students getting involved, meeting new people, discovering local organisations and support services, and making the most of everything the Fair had to offer. A huge thank you goes to all the stallholders who joined us on campus. We really appreciate the time and effort they commit to the day.
Thank you also to our Facilities staff for supporting the Fair set-up and to all the staff who encouraged students to come along and get involved. It was great to see the College community coming together to enjoy the day! Your College, Your Future
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Equalities Update Please see our Equalities Campaign Calender for this year. We work closely with both the BSCA, external partners and staff to deliver on these campaigns, many of which will be
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short life groups. If you are intersted in getting involved, or have some ideas please get in touch: hbroatch@borderscollege.ac.uk
Your College, Your Future
Celebrating Esther Hudson
Colleagues and students of Esther Hudson, Health and Social Care Lecturer, wish to recognise Esther’s outstanding contribution to the department. Joining Borders College in 2022, Esther has shown tremendous determination and ingenuity in creating a vast bank of resources to support student learning. With ongoing budgetary restraints impacting on tertiary education, Esther combed through old storage cupboards and appealed to community businesses, enabling her to bring practical elements to Biology lessons. In doing so, she has managed to recreate experiments and give insightful demonstrations, thus enhancing learning experiences and transforming Biology from a subject that students often found difficult and daunting to a favourite class for many. From demonstrations of how lungs work using organs from local butcher shops to supporting students to dissect organs themselves, Esther’s passion for her subject has shone through and helped student groups across the department to engage in meaningful learning. Esther’s reputation as a supportive and committed lecturer has been highlighted by several learners, some of whom wanted to share their experience of studying with Esther.
Practice had it not been for Esther’s help and support: “When I was doing my Access to Nursing course, I knew there were a lot of Biology units, and knowing that if you didn’t pass them you couldn’t continue to your HNC put an incredible amount of pressure on me. As someone with learning difficulties, it felt like so much of my future was dependent on passing Biology, and at times that was incredibly overwhelming. Esther didn’t just support me during college hours. She went so far beyond what was expected of her. The amount of unpaid time she gave to help me was honestly unbelievable. “When I finally passed my Biology exam, Esther genuinely understood what that meant to me. She understood the emotions, the relief and the achievement because she had been there throughout the whole journey. I am now continuing onto my HNC.”
L4/5 Health and Social Care student Chanielle Pithers said of Esther: “She has always put my needs first and has taken time to listen to my worries in the subject and outside of the subject. She is always understanding and has a great passion about her subject. She is my favourite teacher.” L5/6 Health and Social Care student Michelle Shanks commented: “Esther is completely dedicated to the subject and to her students. She is enthusiastic during class. She allows us to ask questions in class and not feel stupid for asking. She goes above and beyond in class and out of hours. Nothing is too much of a bother to her. I like how she allows us to have a practice test then goes over where we are going wrong as well as what are strengths are.” L6 Access to Healthcare Professions student Stephanie Harris believes she would not have been able to progress to HNC Healthcare
The generosity Esther shows to students is mirrored in the way she supports her colleagues. When help is requested, Esther is quick to respond and willingly shares ideas and resources with others. This was summed up nicely by HNC Healthcare Practice Lecturer, Evelyn Chelley, who said of Esther: “An energy giver who makes time for everyone. An impressive trait. She really is a positive role model and a super valued asset to the team!” On behalf of the whole team and the countless students to whom you have made a difference, thank you Esther.
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GRADUATION
Borders College recently celebrated its Graduation 2026 ceremony, honouring the exceptional achievements of its students. The much-anticipated event took place this month at the Borders Events Centre in Kelso. Having worked incredibly hard to complete their courses, it was time to recognise and celebrate the accomplishments and successes of everyone over
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the last year.
Friday 18th Sep
As part of the ceremony, the Honorary Fellowship of the College was awarded this year to Suzanne Mullholland. Suzanne, known as The Batch Lady, is a bestselling author, TV presenter and organisation
expert from the Scottish Borders. Through her mealpreparation methods, books and television work, she helps families save time, reduce waste, manage budgets and live more efficiently.
at 2.0
Read more here.
Borders Events
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N CEREMONY
ptember 2026
00pm
s Centre – Kelso
Your College, Your Future
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Scottish Apprenticeship Awards The College has approximately 300 Modern Apprentices in training – please see below an opportunity to
nominate them for the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards. Categories include Foundation Apprentice of the Year, Modern Apprentice of
the Year SCQF L5 and Level 6+, SME Employer of the Year, Large Employer of the Year, Leading in Learning Provision. Closing date is 9 October.
ScotAppAwards nominations NOW OPEN! The countdown to Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2027 has officially begun with the launch of Scottish Apprenticeship Awards nominations! Now in their 25th year, the awards showcase the individuals and organisations helping unlock Scotland’s potential through work-based learning. Award categories spotlight the outstanding achievements of Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprentices, and
the employers and learning providers who support them.
Get involved • Nominate an outstanding Foundation, Modern or Graduate Apprentice completing their apprenticeship in 2026. • Recognise the incredible businesses who enable apprentices to succeed by nominating an inspiring employer or learning provider.
Key dates The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Friday 9 October 2026. Winners will be revealed at a live ceremony on Friday 26 February 2027, hosted at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow as the launch event for Scottish Apprenticeship Week. Visit apprenticeships.scot/ awards to find out more about the award categories and to submit nominations.
Borders College recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces in Education and Training™ 2026! The 2026 UK’s Best Workplaces in Education and Training ™ list was revealed by Great Place To Work® UK, recognising Borders College in the large and super large category. The Best Workplaces in Education and Training™ list is created using the anonymous feedback from employees working in the industry about their workplace experience. Read more here. 8
Your College, Your Future
£37.8m UK Government Local Growth Fund provides Green Light for Major New Housing and Green Skills Hubs Five new skills training centres across South East Scotland are to be created with £25m of UK Government funding, it was announced today (3 September 2026).
The investment is part of an overall award of £37.8m for Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region from the UK Government’s Local Growth Fund and
will support future housing delivery, retrofit and green economy jobs in the region. Additionally, the funds will drive regional employability and business growth initiatives, while financing transport planning and research into the impact of AI. Read more here.
Scone... but not forgotten! Well, it’s certainly the end of an era but goodness knows, she’s certainly earned it. Yes, this month we said farewell, and a very happy retirement, to our very own Joy Black. If you know Joy at all, you’ll know that she’ll be
much missed (and I’m not just talking about the scones!) by everyone. We all wish Joy many happy years of rest and relaxation (not to mention a spot of whale-watching), after a brilliant career in Supported Learning.
Your College, Your Future
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Become an MCR Pathways Mentor MCR Pathways (Motivation, Commitment and Resilience) is bringing its award-winning mentoring programme to the Scottish Borders, working with Scottish Borders Council, DYW Borders, Skills Development Scotland, local secondary schools and Borders College. The programme connects young people with a trusted
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adult mentor who can offer encouragement, support and someone to talk to as they work towards their goals. Just one hour a week, a listening ear and a willingness to support a young person can make a lasting difference. Mentoring can also be hugely rewarding for you, offering a chance to make a real
Your College, Your Future
difference while building a positive connection with a young person. • Interested in becoming a mentor? If you can spare around an hour a week and would like to find out more, sign up using the Mentor Registration Form. Amy Brydon Director of Student Support
New funding to unlock skills partnerships in the Borders Three-year programme will create clearer routes from Borders college to degree-level study Major new investment will help open up more opportunities for people in the Borders by creating partnerships that improve access to higher education, strengthen local skills and allow more learners to progress without leaving the region.
The Open University in Scotland has secured support through the Scottish Funding Council’s University Transformation Framework to expand its ‘Catalyst Centre’ partnership with Borders College.
will create more flexible progression opportunities, enabling learners to build higher-level qualifications while remaining in their communities and, where appropriate, combining study with employment.
The three-year programme
Read the full story here.
Student Commission on Racial Justice Scotland Do you know a student who wants to make a difference? We’re recruiting up to 5 students aged 16–25 to join the Student Commission on Racial Justice Scotland, delivered in partnership with Leaders Unlocked. Students will come together to share their experiences, have their voices heard and work with college staff to make meaningful change at Borders College.
✨🗣 💡 🫱🫲
It’s a great opportunity for students to: Meet young people from across Scotland Have a voice and influence positive change at Borders College Develop valuable skills and experience Get involved in a national project
Colleagues: please encourage any students with an interest in social justice, equality and inclusion to apply.
🗓 📽
Deadline: Monday 19 October
Watch the short video to find out more
Please share the names of interested students with Hilary Broatch or Eilidh Forrest who can get in touch with them directly.
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Borders College - Galashiels Campus Opening Hours
Please make sure sure that that you you have have left left the the building building in in good good time time as as the the Please make buildings buildings will will be be locked locked at at these these times. times.
OUT OUT OF OF HOURS HOURS ACTIVITIES: ACTIVITIES:
Any Any additional additional delivery delivery or or events events outside outside of of standard standard opening hours must opening hours must --
be agreed agreed by by Senior Senior Leadership Leadership Team Team in in the the first first be instance instance AND AND -- be be costed costed to to cover cover additional additional out-of-hours out-of-hours costs costs
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BORDERS BORDERS COLLEGE COLLEGE Galashiels Galashiels Campus Campus
Monday Monday
07:00 07:00 to to 18:00 18:00
Tuesday Tuesday
07:00 07:00 to to 18:00 18:00
Wednesday Wednesday
07:00 07:00 to to 21:00 21:00
Thursday Thursday
07:00 07:00 to to 21:00 21:00
Friday Friday
07:00 07:00 to to 17:00 17:00
Saturday Saturday
Closed Closed
Sunday Sunday
Closed Closed
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