My first visit of 2024 to Stoke-on-Trent College reminded me of the importance of having a clear strategy and moving forward with it. The college’s new strategy Skills ready, future ready, focuses entirely on the learners with clear objectives on their progression and achievements.
Having met with the CEO and Principal, Lisa Capper MBE, my colleague Claire Nicholson-Clinch, Head of Regional Engagement, and I reflected that we can best describe her as ‘strategic and ambitious’. Lisa is looking to the future and brings an outward facing approach to her organisation. She works hard on her engagement with employers, the community, national bodies, and her staff and colleagues. She is proud of putting the learner at the heart of the college and makes the best use of all her previous experience and networks to drive the college forward.
During our visit to both campuses we saw everyone’s commitment to move forward with the strategy and its ambition. From construction to catering, creative or digital, it is clear that the college creates a place where learners are highly motivated and well supported. And, as we stepped into a fabulous lunch prepared by the students and heard directly from them, I couldn’t fail to notice the pride in their teachers and the college’s leadership team.
I spent some time in the afternoon supporting Lisa in presenting certificates to the digital and creative industry students. Every student story is powerful and ambitious and their teachers ensure they are not only supported in their learning but encouraged to thrive and be innovative. I particularly like how the art students work with digital and then gaming to bring all their learning together as part of group working.
A discussion with Lisa’s senior team reminded me of the need for all CEOs and Principals to encourage their senior leaders to embed staff professionalism in all discussions at the Executive whether they are about strategy or operational delivery and process. Strategically, Stoke-on-Trent College is looking at driving professionalism within its Quality Strategy and use of observation, as well as, and moving forward with, being a Corporate Partner of ETF with SET membership for staff. Operationally, ETF standards are embedded across teacher training, appraisals and human resources processes. We discuss the value of group reflective conversations, putting professionalism at the front and building confidence in colleagues. I encourage Lisa’s colleagues to ‘look out’ to the sector and continue their community-focused work.