Over the past few weeks, I had the privilege of attending three very different but equally inspiring staff conferences at Lewisham College, Walsall College, and New City College – all part of the wider Further Education (FE) and Skills community. Each event offered a unique lens on how we support, celebrate, and develop our people, yet all shared a common purpose: to bring colleagues together in meaningful ways that foster growth, leadership, and connection.
Lewisham College: Spotlight on Leadership
At Lewisham College, the focus was firmly on the NCG Leadership Hub – a powerful initiative that underscores the importance of leadership at every level. The day was purposeful, and energising, with sessions that encouraged staff to reflect on their leadership journeys and explore how they can influence positive change within their teams and beyond. It was a reminder that leadership is not confined to job titles; it’s about mindset, action, and impact.
I was pleased to be able to offer my thoughts at the start of the conference focusing on two common themes of polarisation and innovation affecting today’s leaders. I was pleased to see how Principal Jamie Stevenson is using his learner-centred approach to lead his college and more pleased to note he is one of ETF’s Preparing for CEO programme alumnus in partnership with Oxford Saïd Business School, funded by the Department for Education.
Walsall College: Embedding Values Through “I Care”
Walsall College took a values-driven approach, launching its new “I Care” framework – a bold and heartfelt articulation of what it means to work together with purpose and compassion. The event was a celebration of shared values, with staff engaging in workshops and discussions that brought the framework to life. It was clear that these values weren’t just words on a wall – they were being embedded into the culture, shaping behaviours and strengthening the college community. I was pleased to be there on the day of the launch to position the role of ETF as the professional body and to recognise that ownership of ETF standards, ongoing development and support, and lifelong learning are important key ingredients to career progression and as part of supporting change and evolution within our sector.
New City College: A Marketplace of Ideas
New City College (NCC) opted for a more laissez-faire approach this year, creating a vibrant, open environment with parallel sessions and market stands. This format gave staff the freedom to explore topics that resonated with them, connect with peers across departments, and engage in informal learning. It was a refreshing reminder that professional development doesn’t always need to be tightly structured to be impactful, sometimes the best ideas emerge from spontaneous conversations and shared curiosity.
I am really pleased about the partnership we are building with NCC to ensure ETF as the professional body and NCC as the employer are aligned to ensure all staff benefit from professional development, continuous learning and engagement with reflecting on their practice and articulating their impact.
Despite their differences, all three conferences reinforced a vital message: professional development is a shared responsibility. As professionals, we must take ownership of our growth, seek out opportunities, and stay curious. But equally, employers have a duty to create the conditions for success – through strong leadership, supportive cultures, and spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. When we get that balance right, the outcomes speak for themselves: more confident staff, stronger teams, and ultimately, better experiences for our students.
These events left me inspired and hopeful. They showed that while there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to staff development, what matters most is the intention behind it: to invest in people, celebrate their contributions, and build a future where everyone can thrive.