Part of the Transformation in action blog series
In this series of blogs, Dr Katerina Kolyva, Chief Executive of the Education Training Foundation (ETF), reports on her visits to further education (FE) and skills providers across the sector. She uncovers the transformational learning opportunities available to students alongside the dedicated professionalism of teachers, trainers and leaders from the wide variety of different providers across the sector.
Last week I had the privilege of visiting Sandwell Colleges with Chris Kirk, our Executive Director of Membership and Commercial, to mark an important milestone: the launch of their investment in ETF Partnership. It was an inspiring day that showed both the progress Sandwell is making and the pace with which they are moving.
Lisa Capper MBE, the CEO and Principal, brings a remarkable blend of visionary leadership, deep sector expertise, and a passionate commitment to social justice and learner success. Since joining the colleges in autumn 2024, Lisa has set a clear course for change, underpinned by a new Strategic Plan and the recent launch of THRIVE.
THRIVE is a pedagogical framework designed to be the college’s compass for transformational teaching and learning. It provides a shared set of values and building blocks – from resilience and wellbeing to inclusion and empathy – that guide staff and students alike. Alongside the ‘Sandwell 7 building blocks of brilliant learning’ and Rosenshine’s principles of instruction, it offers a common language and direction that is already beginning to take root.
Walking through classrooms, workshops and specialist spaces, we saw signs of this culture in action. From students boarding a training aircraft to those mastering engineering or dog grooming, every learner we met carried themselves with maturity, confidence and pride. We talked with teaching and learning champions about professionalism, and colleagues shared openly that student outcomes are their North Star – ‘it’s why every member of staff is here.’ But they also highlighted what really matters for them to turn passion into impact: feeling invested in, recognised, and connected, with opportunities to look outward and share practice with the wider sector.
That is where ETF Partnership comes in. For Lisa, and key architects of THRIVE, Emma Brennan and Becky Beaty, the partnership is not just about belonging to a wider professional network. It is about strengthening connections inside the colleges, supporting teaching and learning leaders and champions, and making sure professional development is something staff shape and own – not something done to them.
The launch is not the destination, but the beginning of a journey. Sandwell is moving fast, with THRIVE and their Strategic Plan providing the map. ETF’s role is to stand alongside them – convening, connecting and championing professionalism – as they invest in their workforce, strengthen their culture, and deliver on their ambition for learners.
Sandwell’s direction is clear: learners who succeed, staff who feel invested in, and colleges where professionalism and passion go hand in hand. We are proud to be walking this journey with them.
