Jess Staufenberg

A silencing sector? Non-disclosure agreements and media policies in FE

Everyone gets why non-disclosure agreements and strict media engagement rules are used in colleges. But concerns are growing that a tight-lipped approach is detrimental to the sector. Jess Staufenberg reports Non-disclosure agreements and confusing freedom of speech policies are silencing college staff with potentially valid insights and criticism of the sector, FE Week can reveal. […]

Palvinder Singh, principal, Kirklees College

Pally Singh, principal at Kirklees College in West Yorkshire, has to juggle all the usual demands of college leadership – funding, regulations, rules. But the biggest job facing leaders is much more ambiguous than that, he tells Jess Staufenberg  As you walk down the hill from Huddersfield train station towards Kirklees College, the town unfolds […]

Online CPD can be brilliant – if you plan it properly

Although Zoom strain is a risk, strong IT support helps to make online mentoring courses effective, writes Yvonne Williams Pre-pandemic, I doubted the efficacy of online teaching and learning. But as a trainer involved in delivering the Education and Training Foundation’s Advanced mentoring skills for experienced mentors programme – and having seen first-hand the value […]

Lots on sustainability – less on skills: Notes from the Labour conference

Promising noises were made at the Labour conference in Liverpool, but there are two big lessons the party must bear in mind if it is to truly lead on FE, writes Olly Newton Despite rain and blustery winds in Liverpool, concerns over the government’s so-called ‘mini’ budget, the ongoing cost of living crisis, and news […]

I’m beginning to think Labour has got it at last – well almost!

The Labour leader’s close alignment with his chancellor Rachel Reeves is also good news for FE providers if he comes to power, writes Ann Limb So Labour has promised to reform the apprenticeship levy into a “growth and skills levy”. It would be hard not to welcome a move which means money raised can be […]

Do you know the history of October’s Black History Month?

Understanding the origins of next month’s celebratory activity – and when it first arrived in your local area – can be deeply engaging for students, writes Ellisha Soanes Did you know that Black History Month originally started in America? The Association for the Study of African American Life was founded in 1915, 50 years after […]

The dismantling of a sector: Adult education in crisis

Only two years ago, the adult education sector was called ‘the crown’ and community learning its ‘jewel’ by the education select committee. So why is a narrow offer (unless you can pay) possibly set to become even narrower? Jess Staufenberg finds out The “existential decline” of the adult education sector because of drops in funding, […]

Lynette Barrett, chief executive, National Star

From care worker to chief executive, Lynette Barrett has risen up the ranks at National Star, the adult special educational needs college in Gloucestershire. She tells Jess Staufenberg about how to keep staff during a cost-of-living crisis Time clearly flies when you’re a member of staff at National Star. It keeps happening as we walk […]

So you’re a leader in FE for the first time ever?

Leadership courses are often focused on schools or are too costly. To develop as a leader, collaborate and listen hard to your staff, writes Jonny Kay Among those FE staff heading into 2022-23 with a mix of excitement and nervousness will be those who have become leaders for the first time. Many new leaders will […]