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edition30March 2013

Exploring cultural differences Equality and diversity week - see centre pages

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A word from the Principal

WE HAVE PREPARED WELL: Derek Branton

Planning aheadAs we begin to put together our detailed plans for 2013/2014 there can be no doubt that we are dealing with unprecedented levels of change.

Our funding is being allocated through two new funding methodologies being introduced by the Education Funding Agency (EFA) for 16-19 year olds and the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) for adult learners. This follows the radical change in the funding of HE introduced last year. In addition, we will see the implementation of the new study programmes which must be followed by all young people aged 16-19, together with the introduction of advanced learner loans for 24+ adults studying at level 3 or level 4.

These changes are compounded by the inevitable reductions in funding we are anticipating as we move into the fourth year of the Comprehensive Spending Review. So we certainly have a lot to contend with in planning for the next academic year.

While the challenge of

dealing with this volume of change at one time cannot be underestimated, I believe we have prepared well, anticipated the impact of the reforms, and are equipped as a College to respond effectively. We have become skilled at adapting to new circumstances and have been innovative in our approach to handling change. Staff have shown a great deal of flexibility in recent years to ensure we continue to flourish despite reductions in funding rates which the Comprehensive Funding Review has brought about. An excellent example has been how we have successfully taken on new types of training contracts to replace lost adult provision and funding, such as our work providing skills training for the unemployed through European funded training contracts.

Effective planning processes hold the key to our future success. These are inclusive, involving all staff and governors. They are designed to calibrate our resources to meet the requirements of learning programmes, meaning the internal distribution of funds will be optimised and the important curriculum developments will be effectively supported. This will ensure we continue to provide new courses, grow and maintain our high quality education and training. However, it does also mean that we must redirect resources from those areas that are not recruiting well.

One of our success stories this year has been the imaginative way we have responded to the changes in the way HE is funded. By developing new programmes where there is a clearly assessed need locally and offering them at a competitively priced fee level we have increased recruitment. The outcome from the recent HE national student survey showed our students being more positive about their experience than students at any other college or university in the Humber. Maintaining this excellent quality will be essential as we seek to further expand provision in 2013/2014. We have no plans to increase HE fee levels next year meaning we shall continue to offer excellent value for money and encourage further expansion to recruitment.

It is pleasing to see the impact of the new Business Development Unit. The structural changes we made in this area last year are now reaping the benefits of increased numbers of apprenticeships. Throughout the College we need to be looking at every opportunity to generate more business activity and win new training contracts. I have asked Heads of Curriculum Area to consider how their teams could contribute more to bringing in new business.

With other Humber colleges we have formed a consortium to bid for European funding to meet the needs to upskill the local workforce in the areas not eligible for SFA funding.

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A word from the Principal cont.We are also being very active in our work with the two Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) in helping identify and meet emerging skills needs to support economic recovery. All these developments and new funding sources for the training programmes we offer are critical

as we prepare ourselves for funding reductions from the SFA and EFA.

In January I informed you all of the disappointment at not gaining planning permission for our Gallows Lane site despite the recommendation of Council planning officers. Above John

Doris gives details of our current position. I can assure you the College will continue to pursue its Beverley relocation plans even if there is a delay in the eventual time of moving into new facilities.

Derek

The College has resubmitted a planning application for the Gallows Lane site, which is an essential element of the Beverley relocation project.

The outline planning application for 36 homes is expected to go before East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s planning committee in April.

It comes after the original application was turned down by councillors in January, despite being recommended for approval by planning officers.

Securing planning permission is important because it allows the College to realise a higher value for the Gallows Lane site which is important to relocation to Flemingate.

John Doris, Vice Principal, Finance and Resources, said: “As with our initial application, I believe we have a very strong case in support of our planning application

“We are working to ensure the councillors who will make the final decision are fully aware of the facts of our proposal so they can come to an informed decision.”

Gallows Lane decision expected soon

PRIME SITE: The College’s Gallows Lane campus

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Governance mattersKeeping College staff regularly and better informed of governance issues

The intention of this article is to keep College staff regularly and better informed of Governance issues.

The Board of the Corporation met on Wednesday 5 December 2012 at Gallows Lane, Beverley and highlighted below are the key discussions and decisions of that meeting.

College PerformanceGovernors learned that 16-18 full-time recruitment was expected to achieve the College’s stretch target. Adult recruitment to classroom-based and workplace-based provision was strong and ahead of the previous year’s position, despite the increase in fees and the tightening of fee remission rules. The recruitment of apprentices – particularly in terms of adult apprentices – remained challenging, given employers’ reluctance to take on additional staff at a time of economic uncertainty, but recruitment was ahead of last year and it was anticipated that the funding target would be met. There had been very strong recruitment to HE programmes.

Governors were also informed of the results of the QDP learner satisfaction survey; a benchmarked survey with responses from the College’s learners in all categories being very positive and in the upper quartile when compared to other participating colleges.

Self-AssessmentThe Corporation approved its Self-Assessment Report (SAR) for Governance 2011/2012. The College SAR was also approved, along with its overall effectiveness grade of ‘outstanding’. Governors noted the new key questions within the new Common Inspection Framework and the emphasis on teaching, learning and assessment, and were pleased to see a number of improved SAR grades within the report.

Staff Development and Performance ManagementThe Corporation received an evaluation of staff development and training for 2011/2012 and Governors noted the positive impact of the College’s annual staff development programme and in particular, the success of the Introductory Management Programme and Curriculum Leader Management Programme, both of which had provided a means of developing management skills and potential within the College; an outcome of which had been the appointment of a number of internal candidates to HOCA positions from a field of strong applicants nationally.

Governors also considered and approved the new Performance Management Policy – a substantial revision of the previous Professional Effectiveness Policy – the intention of which is to ally performance management

more closely with the College’s quality assurance processes and the new Common Inspection Framework. Governors also approved the introduction of an Outstanding Performance Payment for teachers, vocational trainers, assessors and learning support advisers, which would reflect the relationship between outstanding performance and pay uplift.

Approvals

After consideration by the Corporation, the following were also approved:• CollegeAchievement,

Retention and Success Rates for 2011/2012, revised targets for 2012/2013 and new targets for 2013/2014

• HEStrategy2012-2015• College’sFinancialStatements

for 2011/2012• ProcurementPolicyand

Strategy• RevisedGiftsandHospitality

Policy• EqualityPolicy• CollegeEqualityReport2012,

Equality Objectives 2013-2016 and Equality Objectives Implementation Plan 2013

• RevisedLearnerInvolvementStrategy

Next MeetingThe Corporation meets again on Wednesday 20 March 2013 at St Mary’s Walk, Bridlington.

Chris Gledhill Secretary to the Corporation

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College shows off educational qualityThe Minster for Skills, Matthew Hancock MP, visited the College to discuss key issues in further education.

Mr Hancock, along with Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart and officials from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, was given a tour of the Gallows Lane campus before meeting with senior managers from the College.

He saw students hard at work in the College’s Learning Resource Centre and in motor vehicle maintenance, construction, hairdressing and beauty therapy, and hospitality and catering.

Mr Hancock then discussed key issues in the further education sector with Principal Derek Branton and other senior managers.

Mr Hancock said: “It was fantastic to meet students at East Riding College who are so passionate about their college, whether it’s learning about catering, training to be a hairdresser or studying the construction trade.

“With plans for a new campus on the horizon, the College is clearly building on its success and will continue to inspire and support students to achieve their very best.”

Mr Branton said: “Mr Hancock’s visit provided an excellent opportunity to raise with a government minister some of the issues facing further education colleges brought about by recent funding and policy changes.

“We were also able to discuss with Mr Hancock our planned move from the Gallows Lane campus to the Flemingate development in central Beverley.

“I was delighted to be able to show him so many of our students hard at work and to give him a tour of the high quality learning environments we have at East Riding College.”

MEETING TOMORROW’S PROFESSIONALS: Matthew Hancock, The Minster for Skills meeting learners at Beverley

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The new Microsoft Lync telephone system is now being rolled out across all College sites.

It is the successor to Microsoft Office Communicator, which has been used at the Bridlington campus for the past three years.

Staff working at Bridlington will keep their existing number but staff at Beverley and Hull will get a new number and will be told how to find out theirs at training sessions in March.

ICT manager Steve Bucknall said: “The key difference for people who are new to this is that your telephone will be linked to your IT user account, meaning you will have to be logged on to use it.

“Under the new system, most staff will have their own number and their number will follow them to wherever they are logged on.”

He added: “Lync includes a range of features that will be a real asset to the College, such as video conferencing, which will increase the flexibility of meetings”.

Other key points include:

• Lync delivers telephony, video conferencing, instant messaging, email, contacts (address book) to your desktop over the network

• You will be given a new handset by ICT Services

• Your availability is displayed to all users and linked to your Outlook calendar

• All users get voice mail delivered as email into Outlook

• More efficient call management using group response, for example, a single number for the restaurants with a choice of pressing one for Bridlington and two for Beverley

• Easy to use features for all users, call forwarding, divert and delegate

• Video conference meetings embedded into calendar invites

• Classrooms will be equipped with phones with preset speed dials for estates, ICT support and reception

The old telephone system will continue to operate so call diverts can be put in place and customers informed of the new numbers. Staff who use business cards will need to order new ones with their new number on.

Ringing the changes:

the new Lync telephonesystem

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Two beauty therapy students from the College have taken the plunge by opening a salon while still studying.

Jen Middleton, 34, and Emmie Prince, 21, both from Bridlington, have opened Essential Beauty in a unit at Applegarth Court, an extra care housing facility in Applegarth Lane in the town. It serves residents of the complex and the general public.

They were both inspired to make the move while still on their course as a result of the College’s “enterprise” schemes, which encourage students to develop the skills needed to be successful in their working lives.

Jen and Emmie both completed the Level Two Diploma in Beauty Therapy and progressed onto the level three course with a view to opening

Enterprise skills creates new opening

a salon.

Neither thought it would be possible while they were still at College until they saw a presentation by Jane Walton from Youth Enterprise Services (YES), who then gave them further advice.

Jen said: “We really didn’t think it would be an option but after speaking to Jane she showed us it would be possible and gave us advice on issues such as business rates and tax.”

Emmie said: “Then we got a call saying the beautician had left Applegarth and it was a daily rent, which makes it more affordable.

“Now we’re up and running and really enjoying it.”

The College’s “Enterprise Entitlement” seeks to ensure that students are given the skills

in addition to what they learn on their main courses to be successful in their working life, whether they or employed or self-employed.

This includes a programme of guest speakers and an Enterprise Society which enables students to get extra support and advice on issues such as how to set up a business, tax, CV writing and similar topics.

Enrichment officer Tracy Underwood said: “We have recognised as a College that enterprise skills are very important for our students’ success as they are the future employees and employers.

“I’m delighted that Jen and Emmie have been able to achieve their goal of setting up a salon as a direct result of this.”

INSPIRED: Jen Middleton (left) and Emmie Prince (right), encouraged to start their own business by the College’s Enterprise society and Jane Walton (centre) from Youth Enterprise Services.

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Students took part in a range of cultural and religious activities as part of Equality and Diversity Week at the College.

Learners had the chance to enhance their learning experience with activities which combined fun with personal and group development.

The activities included an introduction to Indian Culture and the opportunity to learn more about mental health issues and the traveller community.

A wide range of food dishes from countries and cultures around the world was served in the College refectories throughout the week, allowing learners to try national dishes they may not have experienced before.

The Living Faith Library workshop provided learners with the opportunity to find out about a wide range of religions and what people of different faiths believe and why they believe. They were able to talk to followers of different faiths such as Hindu, Quakers, Christianity and others.

GETTING INVOLVED: Learners discovering about cultural differences through activities in College during the equality and diversity week

Equality and diversity week

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Equality and diversity week

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Catering and hospitality students at East Riding College have met the former head chef of the Ritz Hotel in London, Michael Quinn MBE.

Mr Quinn visited the College’s Bridlington campus to give a talk about alcoholism and drug abuse in the industry, having been addicted to alcohol himself in the past.

Having been head-hunted by the Ritz and turning it into one of London’s top eateries, he descended into alcoholism before losing his home, job and family.

Now, he heads the Ark Foundation, a charity which promotes alcohol awareness to catering students nationwide.

Connor Calvert, 17, a level two catering student, said: “Michael Quinn was funny because of the

way he was explaining things, but he did make us realise the seriousness of the message he was getting across. It really made me think about alcohol and what it can do to you.”

Emma Parker, 16, a level one catering student, said: “I thought Michael Quinn’s talk was great and very interesting to listen to, he made me realise how dangerous alcohol can be.”

Tutor David Leaf, himself a former executive chef at the Willerby Manor Hotel and first head chef at Tickon Grange, said: “Michael’s story is one that is seen all too often in the catering and hospitality industry, and he communicated some very important messages to the students.

“Being around alcohol all the time means there is a lot of

temptation but Michael’s story is a stark warning of how addiction can take you from the top of your profession to rock bottom.”

Mr Quinn said: “In the hospitality industry, you are surrounded by alcohol all the time. There is the social aspect to it – the winding down after a service, working irregular hours and working under high pressure – and the culture of drinking is enormous in the UK, with an explosion of binge drinking and of young women drinking. It is easy to adopt a work hard, play hard mentality.

“It might be that, through its seminars, the Ark Foundation can just plant a seed so that years later someone who heard me speak will think ‘he was right’ and get some help.”

Visit highlights alcohol abuse in catering

AWARENESS: Michael Quinn MBE, tells his own story to students to make them aware of the dangers of alcoholism in the catering industry.

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The College has begun to see an increase in the amount of activity taking place since the appointment of sport maker Matt Jeffery.

Matt has been busy visiting classes and talking to students about the kinds of sports and fun activities they would like to take part in.

He said: “Thanks to all the tutors that gave me the time to see their groups and introduce myself to the learners. I’ve met over 300 students face to face now and have had a great response to the student survey.

“This feedback has enabled me to start shaping a really inclusive menu of sport and activity with things starting to happen on both the Bridlington and Beverley campuses.

“With exciting new activities, such as archery and volleyball, coming soon I hope to be able to offer something that appeals

Students snap up sporting opportunities

to each of our students as well as staff.”Matt’s appointment is one of 150 nationally as a result of the Sport England funding. He is a former Hull KR Academy player and captained the Great

Britain Academic Lions whilst at university. After graduating he took up a post managing the college and university competitions for the Rugby Football League.

Old mountain bikes? That’s wheely great!Sport Maker Matt Jeffery is also appealing to staff for unused mountain bikes as he seeks to establish a club at College.

As not all students have a bike of their own, he is asking for do-nations to ensure everyone who wants to join in is able to.

Matt said: “I’m not worried about the condition of the bike, though it must be a mountain/off road style - no shoppers please!

“If you do have anything that you could donate please drop me a line and I will arrange collection.”

EXCITING NEW ACTIVITIES: Matt says meeting students has has helped him create a more inclusive sports offer in the College.

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A green first for the CollegeThe College has become the first in the country to be awarded the highest level of accreditation from a new environmental scheme, only six months after joining.

The official ‘Green Award’ was granted after staff worked hard to meet the criteria set out by the Investors in the Environment scheme and showed a continual reduction in its environmental impact.

Principal Derek Branton said: “We are really proud to have achieved this award so soon into our membership – it shows the level of commitment among students and staff to reducing our carbon footprint and having a positive impact on the environment.

“Our accreditation is proof that by taking a good look at the way an organisation works and committing to change, you can reduce your costs and boost your green credentials at the same time.”

The Investors in the Environment scheme has seen a surge in members, including IKEA and Yorkshire Coast Homes, since its launch this summer.

The scheme is managed by the Yorkshire Energy Partnership – a leading local authority-owned sustainability company – and is open to all businesses in this area.

The College’s award comes as it is introducing training

courses aimed at companies who want to take advantage of the predicted growth in the renewables sector in the region.

The range of courses includes those in construction and engineering but also specialist qualifications such as environmental technologies and carbon management.

Hugh Cripps, chief executive at Yorkshire Energy Partnership, said: “Investors in the Environment is the fastest-growing scheme of its kind in

Yorkshire – offering a new green ‘stamp of approval’ which insists that actual environmental savings are made, rather than just having the right paperwork in place.

“Just by working towards accreditation, organisations will reduce costs, boost their green credentials and attract new customers.

“It’s a one-stop-shop to cutting carbon and businesses are quick to see the resulting financial benefits come rolling in.”

GREEN’S THE NEW GOLD STANDARD: Elaine Hall presented with the Award from Emma Davies, Investors in the Environment.

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Who would you like to nominate? To nominate a member of staff for the Employee Recognition Award, visit the human resources section of the staff intranet, where it is possible to download details of the procedure and a nomination form.

The latest recipient of the College’s Employee Recognition Award is marketing officer Jayne Hood.

Jayne was nominated by secretary to the Corporation Chris Gledhill, who highlighted Jayne’s hard work and dedication in ensuring external events are set up efficiently and run smoothly.

She has led on the organisation of many events including the Celebration of Higher Awards ceremony, during which her attention to detail and sensitivity towards graduates, their guests, staff and governors was witnessed first-hand by Chris.

The fact it went without a hitch is testimony to her dedication that the best possible day is enjoyed by all, but most importantly by learners.

Throughout it all Jayne maintained a remarkable professionalism and a sense of humour that puts

Employee Recognition for Jayne

AWARDED: Jayne Hood collects her Employee Recognition Award from Derek Branton, Principal

More than 100 staff sat down for a Christmas meal at St Mary’s Walk. The meal was cooked by the bistro staff which consisted of Veronica, Alison, Sally, Lynn and June, with David Leaf as head carver. The meal was served by all the staff in staffroom three and with Tracey Murray as entertainments manager. These pictures show staff getting into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas dinner proves to be big hit

everyone at ease, knowing that she has all bases covered.

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Danny’s design helps out St Michaels

DIFFERENT: Danny’s new pully is designed to stop the bell rope wear-ing the church floor out.

An East Riding College student has come to the aid of a group of bell-ringers in an unlikely engineering project.

Danny Coupland, 18, from Beverley, was commissioned to create a bespoke pulley mechanism to prevent the ropes from cutting through the floor of St Michael’s Church in the village of St Michaels, just outside of St Albans, Hertfordshire.

After proposing, designing and carrying out the project, the level three engineering student has earned the gratitude of the local vicar and school children who are now allowed to ring the bell once more.

Danny said: “It was interesting to be doing something different and to be helping someone out so I found that enjoyable too.

“I learned a lot about working independently because I had to plan, design and manufacture it myself.

“I learned more about how to use the machines and experimented with more tools.”

The project came about after the vicar, the Rev Kenneth Padley, asked for a single bell rope to be extended to the ground floor.

A previous change to the alignment of the bells and ringing room meant that a rope could no longer drop straight to the ground floor and the rope was wearing through the floor of the first floor.

When a campanologist friend of engineering tutor John Simpson

told him about the problem, he set the project for his student.

Danny’s design fits in the floor/ceiling void and includes a metal roller which allows the rope to go in at an angle and drop straight down, without wearing on the wood of the floor.

He designed the mechanism using the 3D CAD design software and then machined and assembled the various parts.

John said: “Danny has done

a great job of designing and building this pulley, and all I’ve done is check his design and machining along the way.

“It has now been fitted and is working well. Danny has been sent thank you cards by the vicar and a group of local school children who had had to stop ringing the bell. They’re delighted they can now do it again.”

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Fashion student Charlotte Guest (above left) enjoyed success in a competition to design and create outfits from recycled clothing.

She was one of a number of college students and school pupils across the East Riding who took part in the contest, which was organised by East Riding of Yorkshire Council to highlight the mountain of clothes thrown away every year.

Charlotte was runner-up in the 16 and over category with her blue strapless dress.

The judges were Dr Tracey Cassidy of University of Leeds, a trained fashion designer and author, and Denise Davies, a well-known East Riding textiles teacher for 20 years and now a chief examiner

Recycled design wins an award for Charlotte

Next open eventsBeverley and Hull

Saturday, April 13, 9.30am to noon

Tuesday, July 2, 4pm to 7pm

Bridlington Saturday, April 20, 9.30am to noon

Tuesday, July 9, 4pm to 7pm

Tutor Ian Eade is appealing for sponsors ahead of a charity bike ride from Wetherby to Filey in June.

The annual 72-mile Great Yorkshire Bike Ride raises hundreds of thousands of pounds for a group of Yorkshire-based charities.

Ian said: “This is the 30th Great Yorkshire Bike Ride and the first time I’ve taken part. I’d be grateful if anyone could spare a few pounds to support these worthy causes.”

The charities who will benefit include Ryedale Special Families, the Wilf Ward Trust, The Candlelighters Trust, Yorkshire Cancer Research, Hollybank Trust, Wetherby District Lions Charitable Trust, Heart Research UK and others.

For more information, go to www.gybr.co.uk or to sponsor Ian go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/WBC

Ian rides to help others

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New starter

Matt Jeffery Sport maker

Got a story?If you have a story for inclusion in erc news, please let us know. We are keen to hear about your personal achievements and accomplishments in your job, as well as appropriate lighter stories.

Send your pictures and stories, and any comments or suggestions, to

matthew.croshaw@eastridingcollege.ac.uk or call (01482) 306612.

Previous job role

Worked for the Rugby Football League in the community development department for almost ten years since graduation, and then last year worked at Longcroft School

New job title and what the role involves

College sport maker – Increasing the opportunities at College for students, and staff, to participate in sport and physical activity. Setting up new clubs and activities.

Where are you based?

Gallows Lane, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. St Mary’s Walk, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Why you wanted to work at East Riding College

The job role was an exciting opportunity, bit of a blank canvas, and the College has a great reputation as one of the region’s top places to work.

Hobbies/interests

Gardening, cooking, fine wine, poetry

A funny/strange story from your working life

In my previous role with the Rugby League I was responsible for the Oxford - Cambridge varsity match including the pre match corporate dinner which we sold to the Oxbridge alumni working in the city. Selling these tables always proved a real bind until one year when I’d booked the relatively anonymous ex Wigan player Shaun Wane to do the after dinner speaking I sold twenty tables in less than a week. The disappointment, on those rich city bankers faces once they realised, that instead of the legendary Aussie spin bowler that they’d

hoped to meet, was in fact a twenty stone ex rugby player was priceless!

Who is your role model?

Shane Warne

In two to three words how would you describe yourself ?

Pragmatic, generous and sporty.

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