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Staff Conference 2016
Wednesday 29 June to Friday 1 July 2016
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Principal’s Opening Address
Dear all. The Conference is a great opportunity for us all to think together, engage with each other, learn and share our views. The nature of education is that we continuously reflect on our work, develop ourselves and improve the service we provide as individuals and teams to our students and customers. It is therefore no coincidence that this year’s conference focuses on customer service and team working. We live in a world where the organisation that provides the best customer service always wins and wins big. This is because technology makes it easier for people to change their service providers; and because the expectations of students, parents and employers rise each year. We cannot always count on loyalty. It is very important you enjoy the Conference and that is in your hands, it is a choice you make by engaging fully throughout and thinking how you can contribute to each session. And remember, a Conference is not just the formal sessions you attend. Often you can get huge benefit from the informal chats over lunch or coffee breaks. Use that as an opportunity to discuss what you have learned or meet new members of staff. Have a great few days and thank you for the commitment you have shown to our community throughout the year. Ian Pryce Principal and Chief Executive
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Staff Conference Days
Why?
Following the Staff Survey in the Autumn term, we identified some issues with
communication and cooperation between teams.
What?
With the help of the Executive and Development Partners Group this year’s Staff
Conference will focus on improved communication, mutual understanding and
cooperation between all staff, supporting our commitment to customer service
excellence
How?
Based on seminar and workshop experiences, our plans include plenty of
opportunity to explore and develop how the messages apply to each of us and the
work we do.
The Conference is also planned to allow you time to network and socialise with other
participants as well as with the speakers and workshop facilitators.
Easy online booking with www.bedford.ac.uk/staffconference
Where?
Cauldwell Street, Bedford College
Specific rooms will be allocated to each workshop and noted on the booking screen
and staff intranet.
When?
Wednesday June 29 to Friday 1 July.
Wednesday, 29 June is a day of vocational updating/centre devised activities.
On Thursday, 30 June and Friday, 1 July there are various fun activities, seminars,
workshops and breakout sessions for you to participate in. You’ll need to book on to
some of these.
Refreshments
Thursday, 30 June, this year we are delighted to be able to offer lunch in Munch and
Mocha starting at 12noon. To avoid lengthy queues, staff will be sent a link to book
onto one of the three sittings available which are;12noon , 12:30pm and 1:00pm.
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On Friday 1 July at 2pm the Mini Olympics will commence hopefully outdoors
(weather permitting) or in the Sports Hall if it rains.
At 4pm more food and drink will be available, supplied by the Staff Social Group in
the Courtyard. All staff, no matter their location are welcome to attend.
During the three days of the conference, free tea and coffee will be available from
the following three locations:
Munch & Mocha (Cauldwell Street)
Outside The Studio Theatre
In the foyer at Springs
Wednesday and Thursday between 8am – 4pm
Friday between 8am – 2pm
Accessibility
Please let us know if you have any access requirements, for example materials in an alternative format, hearing loop/BSL interpreter, wheelchair access, accessible car parking bay, etc by emailing [email protected]
Bookings Places will be limited on workshops so please review the full programme and book your place well in advance of the date.
Attendance rules:
minimum of 4 session for core FT
minimum of 2 session for core PT
The sessions are not team events, please do not block book as a team. The intention is that we interact with other teams, and you attend a session as an individual and cascade back to your team. Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the Development Partners Group members for their ideas
and enthusiasm; our hospitality partners BCS Ltd for the sustenance they have
provided and the Staff Social Group for organising our end of year social.
How did we do?
We welcome your feedback on [email protected]
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Guide to the Staff Conference
In addition to the delivered sessions, there are a number of ‘breakout’ activities that can be found around the college:
Giant Jenga
Table tennis
Fast staff member in a Mario Kart – prize available
Treasure trail – prize available
Distorted photo challenge – prize available
Blue Sky thinking – a post-it wall to write on your most disliked phrases
I am an Eagle – In under five minutes, discover:
your strengths and what makes you tick
what you're like as a boyfriend or girlfriend
which celebrities share your personality type
DAY 1 – Wednesday 29 June 2016
Vocational updating day
A day designated for Managers to arrange their own team events.
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DAY 2: Thursday 30 June 2016 - morning
Barista Workshop
The Scholarship project
How could we use the learning in Bedford College?
How could ideas from the scholarship project be used to inform the college’s
research network?
Communication theory (in general)
Pecha Kucha: Infotainment for everybody using short visual presentations
Influencing without Authority – The Art of Vertical Communication
Managing Unconscious Bias
Communication with teenagers and their parents
Open discussion: “Chevy to the Levy” (apprenticeships)
Navigating the Financial Landscape
New developments in the Moodle GradeTracker and ePLP
Getting the most of Microsoft 365
‘‘Either you run the day or the day runs you!’
Awarding bodies all you need to know (contain your excitement!)
A minute of Magnificence - How to tell your story in 60 seconds
Sand to the Sahara
Laughter Therapy for team building
Communication with young people and their parents
Open discussion: FE Area Review.
‘Without Words!’
WAMedu Uncovered
Day 2: Thursday 30 June - afternoon
Communicating theory (for mentors)
‘The four monkeys’- Exploring ways to communicate
Laughter Therapy
Vertical Communication - influencing upwards
Room 101
Open Discussion - Higher Education, Scholarships & Research.
New developments in the Moodle GradeTracker and ePLP
Getting the most of Microsoft 365
‘‘Either you run the day or the day runs you!’
WAMedu Uncovered
Managing Unconscious Bias
Communication with teenagers and their parents
Open discussion - Does a comfortable work environment make employees
more productive?
Matrix Revolutions –back to flexible funding for non-accredited courses
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‘Without Words!’
Sand to the Sahara
Communication theory (Mentoring)
Navigating the Financial Landscape
The Future of Apprenticeships
Awarding bodies all you need to know - (contain your excitement!)
A Minute of Magnificence – how to tell your story in 60 seconds
DAY 3: Friday 1 July 2016 - morning
‘Posters’ sharing posters outlining findings of research undertaken at Bedford
College (drop-in)
Communication ‘Mind your language…’ What it’s okay to say
Pecha Kucha: Infotainment for everybody using short visual presentation
Positive negotiation
Open discussion: Maths & English – is it a huge challenge?
Open discussion: How do we get back to outstanding?
Open discussion: Is cyber communication good for society?
Barista Workshop – learn to serve coffees - skill, mix with others
Six Degrees of Separation a Linkedin Masterclass
Room 101’ practice your influential and persuasive skills in a competitive fun
debate
Awarding bodies all you need to know (contain your excitement!)
Building effective eLearning with Moodle
Getting the most of Microsoft 365
Successful Stakeholder Management
‘‘Either you run the day or the day runs you!’
‘Without Words!’
Day 2: Friday 1 July - afternoon
‘POSTERS’ Sharing of posters outlining findings of research undertaken at
Bedford College (drop-in)
Positive Negotiation
‘Matrix Revolutions – back to flexible funding for non-accredited courses’
Six Degrees of Separation a Linkedin Masterclass
Building effective eLearning with Moodle
Getting the most of Microsoft 365
Communication Preferences
‘Either you run the day or the day runs you!’
‘Without Words!’
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Mini Olympics.
This year we are holding a number of ‘sport’ activities, staff will be sent an email to with a link to book on the events of their choice teams will be drawn based on the numbers available.
The proposed events are:
Swing ball
Badminton
Volleyball
Mini tug of war
Giant Hoopla
Pitching pennies
Fun triathlon:
3 legged race
Wellie throwing
Egg & spoon race
End of Summer Term Celebration
Please join us and relax in the Courtyard of Cauldwell Street between 4-5pm with
food and drink kindly supplied by the staff Social Group.
All staff are invited, regardless of location .
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Workshop Profiles
John Lea
John Lea is Director of the AoC/HEFCE catalyst project on College Higher Education
Scholarship. John has worked in a number of roles throughout UK adult, further and
higher education over the last thirty years. His main research interest is in
developments at the FE/HE interface and he has written widely on this subject,
including two recent research reports for the Quality Assurance Agency UK (QAA)
and the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and most recently Supporting Higher
Education in College Settings (SEDA, 2014).
Oliver Henry
Oliver Henry is the Business Development Director at LBL Skills and is a Chartered
Member of the Institute of Housing. He has 25 years’ experience training in the
Private and Public sectors including 5 years as a Guest Lecturer at Birmingham City
University. His career includes 4 years working in a senior role for a Government
Funded Agency in Bedfordshire used to kick start the projected increase in
John Hipkiss
Laughter Therapy was established by John Hipkiss (Laughing John!) in 2009 with
the aim of promoting Laughter Yoga, health and team building. John is a trained,
insured and experienced Laughter Therapist.
Laughter, and thus Laughter Therapy, has been shown to have beneficial effects on
various aspects of biochemistry. For example, laughter yoga has been shown to lead
to reductions in stress hormones and when laughing the brain also releases
endorphins that can relieve some physical pain.
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Chris Mooney
Chris is a learning & development consultant with over 14 years experience working
in business, management and learning & development. His specialisms include
Leadership and Management, Personal Development, Coaching and Mentoring,
Team Building and Train the Trainer. He is a Chartered Member of the CIPD and
has a Postgraduate Diploma in HR Management & Development, as well as the
Certificate in Learning & Development Practice. With a challenging and inquisitive
nature, Chris helps participants to focus on actions they can take rather than focus
on what they can’t change. His development is always fun yet focused. He cares
about what happens after training is finished by making sure people leave knowing
exactly how to put their learning into action.
Ceri Roderick
Ceri Roderick is a Business Psychologist and Emeritus Partner at Pearn Kandola
who has been working in the area of difference, the biases and the thinking errors
that get in the way of us living out our good intentions in our practice. Ceri’s work
covers the challenges of unconscious processes that are influencing our decision
making, including the way we communicate with people. Ceri is a frequent
commentator in the HR and broadsheet media, with recent contributions appearing
in The Times, The Financial Times and The Guardian.
Susan Walls
Susan is a business consultant and trainer who specialises in helping businesses to
grow, develop, and improve their efficiency and profit.
Susan’s dedication to providing tailored, bespoke solutions is matched by her
positive attitude, experience and practical approach to every client she works with.
She brings a wealth of experience to organisational change and people development
and operates effectively at all levels of private and public sector businesses.
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Mark White
Mark White helps companies and individuals to use LinkedIn to better achieve their
business goals. “I do so without the hype that can often surround LinkedIn - not
simply finding out which buttons to press but how you can integrate LinkedIn as a
tool to help your sales, marketing or recruitment.”
Georgina Ager
Vice Principal
With extensive experience within the Further Education sector, School sector and
Local Government, Georgina is well placed to discuss area reviews and the future of
FE. As well as being Vice Principal at Bedford College Georgina is a musician
playing in a local championship section brass band and competing all over the
country, most recently in the Whit Friday Marches. Hopefully she won’t be too full of
wind in the debate!
Carole Baber
Teacher: Science
Carole studied biology at Exeter Uni and took a PhD in Biology at Leicester. She
then abandoned academia for the marketing and advertising world for 20 years.
Carole decided to return to biology by teaching it, which she describes as ‘a great
decision’. Carole has a daughter who has just graduated from Exeter Uni with a
zoology degree. Carole lives with her husband George, dog Jake, and pet snake
Sydney.
Nicola Beacon
HR Manager
A professional HR Manager and qualified Lecture who is open-minded, friendly,
patient with an optimistic outlook on all things in life.
I have been happily employed by Bedford College for over14 years providing staff
advice and support on many aspects of HR services including performance
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management, training and recruitment. I also have a background in teaching and
training and as a result am involved in developing, delivering on Bedford College
learning and development programmes to staff and in the evening teaching on CIPD
Foundation course.
I am passionate about Arts & Crafts, I am a wife, a mother and an animal lover and
believe failures are all part of life, if you don’t fail, you don’t learn. If you don’t learn
you’ll never change!
Sue Blackman
Executive Director
Sue has been employed by the College from 2006 to present. Sue has a Graphic
Design background and worked in industry 15 years before taking the plunge as an
hourly paid lecturer to support freelance work. Sue moved into management of arts
full time at Croydon College and Tresham College, she has taken three Masters
Degrees between 1994-2010 after qualifying as a teacher. Sue aims to pursue
interest in photography and fine art when she finally retires!
Mark Brookes
Head of Department for Teacher Education & Scholarship.
Mark joined Bedford College in 2002 as a Trainee Lecturer and Tutor for a range of
Offsite provision in the Sports Department and progressed his career within the
College to his current role. Mark has a B.A (Hons) in Sport and Geography, an M.A
in Sociology and a Cert Ed in Post-Compulsory Education. Mark has also completed
the Level 5 UoB CPD Certificate’s in Mentoring, Tutoring, Numeracy and Special
Educational Needs (SEN). His professional interests are in supporting and mentoring
new teachers who come into F.E. Mark joined the Teacher Education team full-time
in 2009 and became Head of Department in 2014.
Debbie Butler
Head of Mathematics
Debbie has several years teaching in a local secondary school where she was head
of department. Debbie loves the interactions with her team at The Bedford Sixth
Form and the students, in a much more mature atmosphere, all working with the best
interests of the students at heart.
Debbie has two sons, both grown up now, and three cats; she likes nothing better
than reading a good book or watching a good film. Debbie believes that you should
treat others the way that you would like to be treated yourself!
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Sharon Chinneck
Executive Director
Sharon Chinneck joined Bedford College in 1981 as a Computing lecturer after
working as a Systems Analyst. She has 15 years teaching experience and a further
20 years management and leadership experience across a range of curriculum
areas, cross-college projects and membership of external forums and networks. As
an Executive Director she maintains a strong interest in funding changes and
Apprenticeship provision when not entertaining her grandchildren.
Gail Cocozza
Executive Director
Gail has worked at the college for 26 years and has a broad range of management
experience cross college. As Executive Director for Service Industries she is
enjoying the challenge of working with five teams, each with their own identities,
strengths and challenges in the bid to become ‘outstanding’. Gail has an interest in
emotional resilience and what motivates staff to remain committed to working in the
FE sector in the current climate.
Beth Coles
Personal Tutor
Bethany could probably be described as the over enthusiastic Personal Tutor for
Engineering and Electrical Installation. If you mention something to her stating
‘wouldn’t it be good if…’ she’s mad enough to try and make it happen! She is
passionate about providing opportunities and trying to inspire the future workforce,
including volunteering with the Staff Social Group to organise events.
Jon Crawford
Lecturer: Plumbing, Functional Skills
After a twenty year career in Engineering, Jon embarked on a career change to
become a teacher. Ten years on, as Functional Skills Coordinator, he is passionate
about improving the maths and English skills of young people. He is a firm believer in
the power these skills have to improve opportunity and empower our learners in an
ever changing world.
Away from work, Jon races his VW Golf in the UK National Drag Racing
Championship, and is currently sixth in the VWDRC points. He also has a degree in
Ancient History and Archaeology, and has appeared on ‘Time Team’ (though very
much in the background).
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Roy Currie
Director: Information and Learning Technologies
Roy is a member of the Bedford College Executive Management Team, responsible
for IT Services and Learning Technologies Team. This includes development and
execution of the college's information and learning technologies strategies and
management of the college's IT capital investment programme. Responsible for
delivery of IT & Learning Technologies services across nine sites with over 3000
network clients and 12,000 users.
Chair of the 157 Group Technology & Innovation network and member of the
FELTAG Implementation Group. Currently Project Director of the Moodle
GradeTracker & ePLP projects - JISC and Ufi Trust funded project to develop BTEC,
C&G, A/AS and other qualification grade-tracking and personal learning planning
modules for use with the Moodle open source virtual learning environment.
John Guiney
Quality Manager
I have been at Bedford College since 2002. I spent four years here as a sport
student before becoming a lecturer in the Sport Department before progressing to
Sport Course Manager. In February 2016 I was seconded to the role as Quality
Manager for Bedford College. My main duties are liaising with external awarding
bodies, leading on the internal observation process and proving intervention and
development plans for departments around the college. I am a huge football fan,
supporting Manchester United and I will happily spend hours a week watching
whatever football is on the TV. I grew up in Altrincham, Manchester and I use to
deliver Roy Keane’s newspapers every morning on my delivery round.
Simon Hardie
Head of English
Simon has taught English across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 since 1999, his focus has
mostly been on the A-level courses which he coordinated for many years at
Redborne before joining The Bedford Sixth Form as Head of English. Simon believes
that a strong understanding of the use and abuse of the English language is
essential for our young people.
Rich Hemery
Digital Marketing and Web Executive
Rich Hemery has worked within the Marketing department at Bedford College since
2010. During this time he has won seven national College Marketing Network
awards, re-developed and launched 15+ websites and implemented a host of new
cost-saving online platforms. A graduate of the University of Leeds, he is interested
in all things digital – with specialties encompassing website design & development,
graphic design, digital marketing, communications theory and emerging
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technologies. Outside of work he is a passionate music fan and attends gigs and
festivals regularly, whether that is on the sunny beaches of Ibiza or the not so sunny
fields of Glastonbury!
Mike Johnston
Vice Principal
My new job, which is based loosely around developing skills and technology just
about encapsulates my favourite things in life. I have always enjoyed doing stuff –
building and creating things, wondering how things work and then fixing them, but I
didn’t really like working on my own so working with and relating to people has
added the extra that makes a job the best ever.
People come with all their different and diverse traits and characteristics which add
to the richness – who’d want anything more?
Pat Jones
Finance Director
A qualified accountant (ACMA) with private and public sector experience. Pat joined
Bedford College in June 2013 having worked at the Local Authority in a number of
roles but most recently as Group Accountant for Schools and Children’s Services.
Having previously worked at the College some 14 years earlier; Pat is one of a
growing number of staff in her Directorate who have left and re-joined the College
several years later.
Having already found the fun in funding she’s now desperately looking for the ding!
Sam Jones
Advanced Practitioner: Teacher Education
Sam joined the college in 2005. Her background is in business and when in industry
she worked in procurement as a Senior Buyer in Retail and Marketing services for
Orange. Sam has taught Business, Economics and Marketing in the Business
department from level 2 to level 5 and until 2014 Sam was the Advanced Practitioner
for the department, with a focus on leading the CPD (Continuing Professional
Development). Sam previously taught for the Teacher Training department between
2005 and 2008 until she went on maternity leave. In August 2014 Sam's AP role
moved her to the Education and Training Department with a focus on CPD and
Scholarship. Sam is presently undertaking an MSc at Oxford University and her
research interest is CPD.
Tony Joyce
Executive Director
Tony started part time teaching at Willesden College in London from 1978 to 1980
and then spent two years in Australia before returning to the UK to take up a full time
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Lecturer post at Willesden College in September 1982. Tony has held a range of
posts over his 34 years in teaching including Site Principal at Barnfield College, Vice
Principal at North Hertfordshire College.
For his sins, Tony is a lifelong Watford season ticket holder, has met Elton John 3
times and played drums with Dudley Moore
Judith Larsen
Advanced Practitioner: Computing
I have been involved in technology for quite a few years – in a previous job role as
well as in my day to day teaching a highly technical subject in the computing
department. Although I am a great advocate for using technology for making life
easier at work and at home, I am not heavily into social media, preferring the one to
one communication and the benefits that come with it. I am looking forward to a lively
debate on “Is Cyber Communication good for society?” We have similar debates with
the computing students with interesting results, so it will be great to compare what us
“educated adults” have to say. I look forward to welcoming you to the debate.
Nicola Lay-Flurrie
Training co-ordinator
I have worked at the college for over seven years after spending fourteen years
working within industry and have been training people on how to stop the day
running them for the last five years.
My favourite riddle is - You can`t save it, You can`t borrow it, You can`t lend it, You
can`t take it, You can`t leave it, You can only do two things with it – use it or lose it.
Roger Lock
Advanced Practitioner: ELT and Basic skills
Using my BA, CELTA & PGCE, I’ve taught ESL, EFL, ESOL and many other Es, in
SE, TT&D & FE. I left the EU but now remain in the UK, MK43. I’m AP for EFL & BS
at BC. For CPD I belong to IATEFL & MATSDA, building on my MA in L2 MD. I drive
a V40, support Somerset CCC & WBA and like U2, I dream of climbing K2. CU @
PK. Roger Lock aka SPaGman
Dave Lugg
Lecturer: Hospitality
Dave has been a Chef since he left school (many years ago), he is a fan of the
Mighty Rams …Derby County for those who aren’t sure.
A Lover of everything Christmas except panto, enjoys BBQs and Guinness
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Phil Newman
Head of Sport
I've worked at Bedford College since 1996, originally as a lecturer in Sports science
and in the last 7 years as head of the Sports department. In that time I have
delivered a range of maths related subjects including Key Skills; Functional Skills
and more recently GCSE Maths. I was a late "bloomer" and didn't do well at school
(Fun fact - I got a grade D at O Level maths first time round). I graduated from
Sheffield Hallam University in 1995 with a BA Hons in Recreation Management and
Sports Science and a PGCE from DeMontfort University in 1999. I recently achieved
a level 3 maths qualification and have enjoyed delivering GCSE Maths for the first
time this year.
Jo Norman
Student Development Manager
Jo has been with Shuttleworth College for 12 years as the Student Development
Manager, as well as Student Services Jo is responsible for the residential provision
and wardening team at the College. Jo has previously worked within the social care
setting and developed a nationally recognised young people transitions programmes
within Bedfordshire schools as well as support for families and parents. Alongside,
Will Sparrow, Jo has developed and delivered training programmes on effective
communication with young people for social workers, teachers and professionals
working with children and young people.
Kevin Panter
Senior Network Technician.
Kevin has worked in IT since the Millennium Bug failed to do any damage; he
worked at Shuttleworth College for many years before being transferred with the
furniture to Bedford College. Since then he has found a niche presenting awards
evenings, quiz nights, retirement parties and have even popped up on QI!
Ian Pryce
Principal & Chief Executive
What I actually do each year: write over 100 plans & reports; read over 500; study
data until it makes my eyes hurt; meet, listen to, and have heated debates with
hundreds of people; make decisions based on all of this activity; look into the future;
drink too much tea; enjoy every minute; wish I could play guitar like Ry Cooder and
run like Mo Farah.
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Sam Ranasinghe
Restaurant Manager
Sam joined Bedford College 17 years ago as a part time lecturer in Hospitality. From an early age Sam was inspired by the sights and smells of food and qualified in Switzerland as a restaurant manager. During his 35 years in the Hospitality industry, Sam has worked in many 5* hotels in the UK and Sri Lanka. Sam is empowered by his Buddhist faith.
Hugh Rea
Senior Manager
Hugh is currently overseeing all Engineering provision. He has been at the College
for over 30 years and has witnessed many accommodation changes during that
time. Hugh has been involved in curriculum related work for the last 10 years
working directly for Dave Pridmore engaged in projects such as: Development of
CoVEs, Introduction of QCF, Free School and Technical Academy development,
Timetabling and Rooming, Integration of UTC and BTG into the college etc.
Susie Sampson
Lecturer: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Co-ordinator
I am the Deaf coordinator for Bedford College and I support a range of students with
different types of Deafness. I also teach British Sign Language (BSL) which some of
the students use here at the college. I enjoy teaching Deaf Awareness as this is a
great opportunity to educate hearing people with how being Deaf can affect our
education, social life and always coming across with communication barriers.
I feel I am a positive role model for the deaf students here at the college
Will Sparrow
Student participation Co-ordinator
Will has been working at Bedford College and Shuttleworth College for the past 7
years and has recently taken the role of Study Programme Enhancement Team
Leader. Prior to working at the College Will had been working in the youth and
community sector for over 10 years, with experience at both local and national levels
and developed a delivered a national research programme into youth participation.
Alongside Jo Norman, Will has developed and delivered training programmes on
effective communication with young people for social workers, teachers and
professionals working with children and young people.
Ashley Spiers
Lecturer: Education and Training
Ashley is responsible for the course management of the part time PGCE and the
University Certificates in Literacy, Numeracy, SEN, Mentoring and Tutoring. He
started his FE career in Student Services at Central Bedfordshire College. His work
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then took him to Milton Keynes College where he launched the Performing Arts
department which he successfully led for 10 years.. His career highlight was being
invited to the House of Commons by the speaker of the house to discuss male role
models in Education. Starting at Bedford College in November 2014, he has
established an interest in the key areas of technology within the classroom, equality
and diversity and curriculum design. Ashley is inspired by current practitioners such
as David Weston and hopes to develop new teachers to create innovative, active
and inclusive sessions. Ashley is currently undertaking an MA in Education.
Rob Stonehouse
Head of Engineering Apprenticeships
Rob worked in the defence industry for 15 years prior to joining Bedford College, as
a Trainee Lecturer in Computing, in September 2002. He has been an Assistant
Director at the college since 2007 and, at various times, had responsibility for
Computing, Engineering and Electrical Installation. He is currently based at the
Brunel Road site with responsibility for Engineering Apprenticeships. A strong
believer in life-long learning Rob has completed two degrees with the Open
University – a BSc(Hons) in Psychology and Neurobiology and an MSc in
Computing.
Jeffrey Tribe
Advanced Practitioner: Art and Design
City Broker turned student, turned designer, turned educator, turning grey. Staunch
supporter of Higher Education in FE and the development and promotion of
employer links. Recent cross-college observer of our HE provision and currently
engaged in sharing the outcomes arising from this opportunity.
Kate Tumani
Teacher: Business and Arts
Kate Tumani started working at Bedford Sixth Form College in September 2014.
Currently she teaches Art and Design, Photography and Textiles. She has worked in
art galleries and a library, as a practicing textile artist as well as teaching in
secondary schools and Bedford prison. She loves her studio and would quite like to
move in.
Conn Warwicker
Learning Technology Manager
Learning Technologies Manager, in charge of administrating Moodle and leading the
development of the Bedford College suite of Moodle plugins, such as the
Gradetracker, PLP and Parent Portal.
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Charlie Whewell
Advanced Practitioner: Sports, Public Services and Outdoor Education
Charlie is a member of the Sport, Public Services and Outdoor Adventure team and
has been teaching at Shuttleworth since 2006. After completing his degree in
Environmental Science in 1999 he spent time working both in outdoor education
centres and schools before moving to FE, and is currently enjoying life as an AP, a
member of the observation team and as a staff governor. Effective communication,
aspiration and a positive outlook are a key part of his teaching philosophy, as is
remembering not to take life too seriously.
Chris Wilde
Head of Access to Higher education
Chris joined Bedford College 24 years ago as a technician in the Care Department.
Chris has progressed her career to the role she holds today and is passionate about
ensuring Bedford College delivers a high quality HE provision to students.
Chris has a BSc Hons in Computer Science and plays the saxophone in a
saxophone group.
Dave Wilkins
Head of Construction
Qualified as a Level 3 Carpenter and Joiner, then entered lecturing in 2000 part time,
then full time from 2002. Undertook a postgraduate certificate in Subject Learning
Coaching after my CertEd. Moved to Bedford College in January 2008 to take up the
current role I’m in now. By the summer of 2010, I had completed a Master’s in
Education, focussing on Strategic Leadership and Management in FE. I escape the
hub-bub of FE by spending nowhere near as much time as I’d like to, growing
vegetables on my allotment.
