WELCOME FROM GROUP PRINCIPAL AND CEO Dr Sam Parrett CBE
Adding social value in all that we do Few could have imagined we would end the year as we started. Over the past few weeks the constant hope that prepandemic ‘normality’ is just around the corner has, once again, been replaced with uncertainty and fresh challenges wrought by Covid-19. Twenty months is a long time to operate in ‘crisis response mode’, however, we must not forget that this year has also been characterised by successes, collaboration, innovation and resilience. The pandemic has driven us to collectively forge a renewed sense purpose and understanding of our role. In my view, our mission to add social value and promote social mobility in every community we work with has never been so important. Furthermore, our mission has helped us to navigate the ups and downs of the pandemic. After months of online learning, it was exhilarating to welcome new and returning students at the start of this academic year and to see our schools and campuses become hives of learning once again. Last term, some of you may have had the privilege of watching a short film entitled A Day I could have lived. The film was produced and directed 02 | ISSUE 4 | 2021
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by student Aashish Shrestha. She was the winning entry of a Student Film Making Project funded by our Tackling Inequality Student Projects and Grants programme. A key theme is the importance of ‘seizing the day’, but the film is also a poignant reminder that we exist to help our learners discover their talents and gain the skills and knowledge needed to realise their ambitions. Across our Trust and the College, we know the Covid-19 pandemic continues to adversely impact our students, staff and the communities in which we work. Over the past few months much has been said and written by policy makers and commentators about the need to nurture and protect the wellbeing of our students. According to the Education
