Let's Go Further: Recent Episodes
Skills and Education Group
Let's Go Further is a podcast from the Skills and Education Group that aims to challenge the way we think about skills and education. In Series 4, launching February 2024, we’re shining a spotlight on the education and skills policy issues that will take centre stage at the forthcoming General Election.
From apprenticeships to the role of FE in a green economy, the skills gap and the brave new world of AI, we'll be looking at what the key talking points will be and what commitments we might expect to appear in party manifestos. And we'll be asking what policies are needed to give learners, employees, employers and society more widely the understanding and skills needed to create people and businesses who can thrive.
Stepping into the chair for this special series is the Editor of FE Week, Shane Chowen. Shane will be joined by education and skills policy experts, pundits, employers and providers across this six episode series to bring our listeners fresh insights and understanding in this crucial year.
So if you're interested to know more about what skills and education issues we can expect to take centre stage in this important election year, please make sure you join us for another inspiring and insightful series of Let’s Go Further.
In this episode we’re looking at the FE and skills curriculum and asking what a new government needs to do to ensure it is fit for purpose and future-proof.
To do this we’re joined by David Gallagher, CEO of NCFE, an educational charity and leader in vocational and technical learning, and Karen Spencer, Principal and Chief Executive of Harlow College. From the importance of Level 2 qualifications to the need for better relationships between employers and educators, and the need for Government to trust and respect the sector more, David and Karen outline their policy asks and hopes for whoever forms the next Government.
About Karen Spencer MBE
Karen is a highly experienced Principal Chief Executive Officer with a history of working in the further education industry. She was awarded an MBE in 2021 recognition of her contribution to Further Education and Aviation.
About David Gallagher
David is NCFE Chief Executive Officer and a Non-Executive Director of the Federation of Awarding Bodies, as well as Chair of the FAB Policy Board. He has worked for big and small businesses, in the public and private sectors, and have also established several start-up businesses.
Resources:
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
In this episode, we’re talking about the green curriculum and asking how we develop an education and training system that creates a skilled workforce for new and emerging industries. We’re asking what role FE can play and what the next government can do to support colleges seeking to skill and reskill the workers needed to tackle the major global challenges from climate change to food security.
We’re joined by Charlotte Bonner, CEO of the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges, which seeks to lead and empower the post-16 education sector to make sustainability 'just good business', and Jeremy Kerswell, CEO and Principal of Plumpton College, in East Sussex, which uses its large estate to create real-life experiences for students, modelling best current and future practices in all aspects of sustainability and land management.
About Charlotte Bonner
As CEO of Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges, Charlotte is responsible for the strategic leadership of the organisation. She has over fifteen years’ leadership experience across membership and tertiary education organisations where she’s focused on business development, transformational engagement and policy and advocacy. Before joining EAUC, she was the Education and Training Foundation’s education for sustainable development (ESD) lead, and before that was a keystone of NUS’ sustainability work, most notably project managing the UNESCO ESD prize winning Green Impact programme from its inception. She is one of the co-founders of Students Organizing for Sustainability International. She’s previously held senior teaching associate positions at the University of Bristol and was a sustainability consultant working with private and public sector clients prior to her tenure at NUS. Charlotte has an MSc in energy and environmental technologies, is a Fellow of the RSA and a board member at Change Agents UK. She lives in Scarborough and is happiest when on her bike, travelling overland or cooking for friends.
About Jeremy Kerswell
Having worked across England's FE and HE sectors for 18 years, Jeremy became Principal of Plumpton College in October 2015. Originally from West Sussex, Jeremy grew up on a small holding, where his love of the countryside and interest in wildlife and animals began. He went on to study animal science at Reading University, and it was after a short period of employment in both the animal and agricultural industries, he decided to forge a career that would combine his passion for the natural environment with education. Plumpton attracts students from across the South East to study a range of land-based courses from entry to masters level.
Resources:
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
In this episode, we’re talking about Artificial Intelligence in Further Education and asking if it’s something to be feared or celebrated. We’re joined by Hull College Principal and CEO, and self-confessed digital optimist, Debra Gray MBE. We’re also joined by Paul McKean, Director of Further Education, Skills and Training at Jisc, the UK digital, data and technology agency focused on tertiary education, research and innovation. A not-for-profit organisation, Jisc seeks to improve lives through the digital transformation of education and research.
About Debra Gray MBE
Debra Gray MBE is the current Principal and Chief Executive of Hull College, a position she has held since April 2022. Before joining Hull College, Debra worked in various leadership roles in the further education and skills sector. She is the former Principal and Deputy Chief Executive of TEC Partnership, where in 2017, she and her team secured an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted inspection, the only college in Lincolnshire and the Humber to do so. Debra was awarded an MBE for services to further education in the Queen’s 2020 birthday honours.
About Paul McKean
Paul is Director of Further Education (FE), Skills and Training at Jisc. A key focus of his role is to ensure Jisc meets the needs of providers within the FE and skills sector. He also leads the team that provides Jisc’s external training. An adult returner learner himself, Paul is a product of the FE sector. Before joining Jisc, he was a tutor, advanced practitioner, project manager and learning resources and ILT development.
Resources:
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
In this episode, we’re asking who is plugging the skills gap? To discuss this we’re joined by Naomi Clayton, Director of Policy and Research at the Learning and Work Institute, an independent policy, research and development organisation dedicated to lifelong learning, full employment and inclusion.
We’re also joined by Sam Tuckett, Associate Director of Post-16 and Skills at the Education Policy Institute. Sam has also worked as an analyst at the Department for Education for five years.
About Naomi Clayton
Naomi has extensive experience in policy and research with specialisms in employment, skills and labour market disadvantage. Prior to joining the Learning and Work Institute, Naomi was deputy director at the What Works Centre for Local Economic Growth, and policy and research manager at Centre for Cities where she was responsible for developing and overseeing programmes to support effective policy and practice. She has worked with partners across the UK to support them to use of evidence and demonstrate impact through the implementation of skills strategies, youth employment support and in-work progression pilots, and the development of local industrial strategies.
About Sam Tuckett
Sam joined the Education Policy Institute in January 2020, having worked for 5 years as an analyst in the Department for Education. His roles included leading analysis of key stage 2 and 4 accountability reforms and supporting the introduction of Progress 8.
More recently he has worked across government to link education data sets with sources held by the Department for Work and Pensions and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to expand the existing evidence base.
Sam has also supported projects at the Education Partnerships Group, an organisation supporting education policy reforms in developing countries.
Resources:
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
In this episode, we’re speaking to Jane Gratton who leads on employment and skills for the UK’s Accredited Chambers of Commerce and the 50,000 plus businesses they represent.
We’re also joined by Nicola Drury, Head of Skills and Apprenticeships at Amazon, recognised as the top employer in the UK for 2024.
We’re discussing the ever-growing skills gap and asking our guests what employers want and need from a new Government and what needs to change to achieve it.
About Jane Gratton
Jane is Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce. From schools and apprenticeships to lifelong learning, Jane is passionate about shaping an education and skills system that supports people to develop skills for great careers and that helps employers train and develop their workforce. Jane joined the BCC from the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce where she led the delivery of business support programmes – including training, exporting, start-up and scale-up – helping thousands of firms of all sizes and sectors.
About Nicola Drury
After joining Amazon in 2013, Nicola went on to lead the UK teams responsible for training thousands of associates each year on the processes which result in products being delivered to Amazon’s customers. In 2017 she became UK Apprenticeship Manager where she has led Amazon’s efforts to create over 1000 apprenticeship opportunities. Nicola’s career in retail has also seen her working for other big names such as House of Fraser, Debenhams and Marks and Spencer where she has worked across roles in HR and employee development.
Resources:
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
In this episode, we’re speaking to the economist, academic, and life peer, Baroness Alison Wolf CBE, Non-Executive Director at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology since 2023. Author of the Wolf Report which led to major reforms in vocational education for 14 to 18 year-olds, Baroness Wolf specialises in the relationship between education and the labour market and has acted as an adviser on skills and the workforce in the Number 10 Policy Unit.
We are also joined by Sir Michael Barber, a former teacher who went on to work at the National Union of Teachers before becoming the Government’s Chief Adviser on School Standards. As well as heading up McKinsey’s Global Education Practice, Sir Michael was also Pearson’s Chief Education Adviser, where he helped develop their strategy for education in the poorest parts of the world.
We look forward to your company as we begin Series 4 of our podcast which is shining a spotlight on the education and skills policy issues that should take centre stage at the forthcoming General Election.
About Baroness Wolf
Baroness Wolf is the Sir Roy Griffiths Professor of Public Sector Management at King’s College London. She sits as a cross-bench peer in the UK House of Lords. She specialises in the relationship between education and the labour market. She was the founding Chair of Governors of King’s College London Mathematics School, and remains a governor and vice-chair.
Alison served in the Number 10 Policy Unit, as part-time adviser on skills and workforce to the UK Prime Minister, from 2020 to 2023. She was a panel member for the ‘Augar Review’: the independent Review of Post-18 Education and Funding chaired by Sir Philip Augar, which reported in 2019. In March 2011 she completed the Wolf Report which led to major reforms in vocational education for 14 - to 18 - year-olds, and she was also a member of the Sainsbury Review which led to the creation of T-levels.
About Sir Michael Barber
Sir Michael Barber trained as a teacher and worked in schools in Britain and Zimbabwe for many years before working at the National Union for Teachers. In 1997, he joined the UK Government to become the Chief Adviser on School Standards.
In 2001, Michael founded the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit in No 10 - the first of its kind in the world and something which has been since replicated across the globe. His team was responsible for ensuring delivery of the government's main domestic policy priorities including health, education, crime reduction, criminal justice, transport and immigration.
Whilst a Partner at McKinsey & Company, Michael headed up their global education practice. As Chief Education Advisor at Pearson, he led a worldwide programme of efficacy and research, playing a key role in Pearson's strategy for education in the poorest sectors of the world, particularly in fast-growing developing economies.
Resources:
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
Welcome to Series 4 of Let's Go Further, a podcast from the Skills and Education Group that aims to challenge the way we think about skills and education.
In this series, a collaboration with FE Week, we're shining a spotlight on the FE and skills policy issues that should take centre stage at the upcoming general election.
This series is presented by Shane Chowen, editor of FE Week and we'll be asking, 'What do we need from the next government? How does the next government get the right skills to the right people? What exactly needs to change to help providers step up on AI and the green economy, and how well is the sector positioned to fight for the resources that it needs?'
In a year that could reshape further education for decades to come, join us to get the inside track on the future of further education, skills, and apprenticeships.
Listen to the trailer or read the transcript here.
Episode 1 drops on March 26th.
In the final episode of Series 3, we’re putting learners front and centre.
What comes after an adult education course? What guidance do learners need? And what impact can education have on people’s identity and sense of purpose?
To answer these questions, we’re speaking to Jason Richards, an adult learner and winner of the New Directions Award, part of the Festival of Learning Awards 2023. After suffering brain damage and becoming homeless during the pandemic, Jason was on the brink of taking his own life. An adult education course and the employment he gained as a result restored Jason's pride and purpose, and in his words, he "wouldn't be here now" without the support he received.
We are also joined by The Rt Hon. the Baroness Morgan of Cotes, a former Secretary of State for Education, Chair of the Careers and Enterprise Company, and an Ambassador for the Skills and Education Group Foundation.
We look forward to your company as we conclude our focus on adult education.
About Baroness Morgan
Baroness Morgan is the former MP for Loughborough and served in the government for eight years where she held various senior Ministerial and Cabinet roles including Secretary of State for Education and Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. During her time as Secretary of State for Education, she brought forward legislation that enabled college staff to go into schools to speak to students about their post-16 options. She recently became Chair of the Careers and Enterprise Company and is also Chair of the East Midlands Institute of Technology.
About Jason Richards
Jason Richards is an adult learner who won the Festival of Learning’s New Directions Award, sponsored by the Skills and Education Group, in 2023.
Jason was recovering from severe brain damage and years of homelessness when he found training opportunities and a new sense of direction through Newground Together. Jason’s success in learning led not only to an offer of work, but a new sense of purpose and the chance to reconnect with his family.
Resources:
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
What role can adult education play in helping more people to access higher education?
To find out, we’re speaking to two people who have experienced adult education themselves and continue to champion its benefits through their careers. The Rt Hon. the Lord Blunkett is a former Secretary of State for Education who has taken on some of the most challenging roles in politics.
While Emma Beal is Principal and Chief Executive of Northern College, the only adult residential college in the North of England.
Join us for a reminder of the multiple benefits of adult education, the importance of breaking down barriers to higher education, and how we can unite these sectors to create a powerful common purpose.
About Emma Beal
Emma Beal is Principal and Chief Executive of Northern College, the only adult residential college in the North of England.
Northern College has a distinguished history of providing life changing opportunities to hundreds of adult learners every year many of whom have not fulfilled their potential previously. Based in Barnsley, the College attracts students from South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and further afield.
Emma has more than 22 years' experience of leading, managing and delivering provision across a broad spectrum of educational areas within South Yorkshire. Emma’s experience, knowledge and skills include developing new curriculum, quality improvement and partnerships. Her previous roles include being Assistant Principal for Curriculum, Quality and Market Development at Northern College and Assistant Director for Lifelong Learning at Sheffield City Council.
About The Rt Hon. the Lord Blunkett
Lord Blunkett's remarkable 40-year public service journey reflects a resilience few can match. Overcoming blindness from birth and early poverty, he defied the odds, entering the University of Sheffield through evening classes and day releases. Rising from the youngest-ever councillor in Sheffield to Labour Party Chair, he played a key role in shaping New Labour.
Appointed Secretary of State for Education and Employment after the 1997 Labour landslide, David navigated complexities in education, apprenticeships, and equal opportunities. As Home Secretary during tumultuous times, he oversaw controversial portfolios including counter-terrorism and immigration. A 28-year MP, he transitioned to the Lords and assumed roles like Professor of Politics and Chair of the University of Law's board.
Beyond politics, David shares insider perspectives on change management, social responsibility, and diversity. His captivating anecdotes from Labour's era make him an entertaining after-dinner speaker. With a broad policy focus, he contributes to charities and serves on the National Citizens Service Trust board, emphasizing citizenship education and youth well-being. David's extensive media presence includes publications like "The Blunkett Tapes" and a memorable appearance on Mastermind with Harry Potter as his chosen subject.
Read his full biography here.
Resources
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
No money, no trust and the decimation of adult education Adult education can have a hugely positive impact on people's lives and on the communities where they live. But funding cuts in recent years have left education providers less able to offer the learning that people want and need. So, where are we going wrong?
In this episode, Janet Smith, Chief Executive Officer and Principal of Nottingham College, and Shane Chowen, Editor of FE Week, try to get to grips with this important question.
Their conversation provides plenty of food for thought on the purpose of education, the flaws in the current system, and what needs to change.
About Janet Smith
Janet Smith is Chief Executive Officer and Principal of Nottingham College, having joined the college in July 2022. Her career in education has spanned more than 35 years, mostly in further education, with nine years as a university lecturer and two years in a strategic regional role within the FE sector.
As a teacher and manager Janet has developed, delivered and led a wide range of programmes, including apprenticeships, academic and vocational learning, degrees and masters programmes, and research projects. Over the course of her career, she has worked in eight very different FE colleges and has been the senior lead for curriculum and quality in three, securing significant improvement in performance. She has been a CEO since 2015.
As someone who has benefited from a college education herself, Janet is a passionate advocate for further education, the opportunities it creates for learners of all backgrounds and the improved life chances on offer through education and training in a college environment.
About Shane Chowen
Shane took an interest in further education policy while studying A levels at his local FE college 18 years ago, and has worked in a range of policy, campaigning and representative roles ever since. He was the vice president (further education) at the National Union of Students during the 2010 general election and helped lead the largest mobilisation of students seen in a generation. Since then he’s led on public affairs for the adult education body Learning and Work Institute and worked closely with around 50 colleges as the Midlands area director at the Association of Colleges.
Outside of work, Shane served on the board at Capital City College Group, overseeing two mergers to form on of the country’s largest college groups and chaired by the board’s quality and standards committee.
He is now editor of FE Week, a weekly newspaper and online news service, where he leads a team of reporters covering further education, skills and apprenticeships.
Resources
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
Adult education has been called “the jewel in the crown” of the education sector. In this episode, we discuss the huge range of benefits that adult education has, not just for individuals but places and communities too.
Our guests are two powerful advocates for lifelong learning: Dr Sue Pember CBE, Policy Director for HOLEX, and Simon Parkinson, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Workers Educational Association. Through their work, they have seen countless examples of how adult education positively impacts lives and communities.
In this conversation, Simon and Dr Sue put forward a passionate case for adult education deserving more recognition and more support from policymakers.
About Dr Sue Pember CBE
Dr Sue started her career as a teacher and is one of the few people in the FE sector who has had senior leadership roles in colleges, local authorities and government. Dr Sue is now the Policy Director for HOLEX, the professional body for adult education services, centres and institutions. Her work concentrates on ensuring the voice of adult learners is heard and she is a keen advocate of lifelong learning
About Simon Parkinson
Simon Parkinson is the Chief Executive and General Secretary of the WEA - Adult Learning, Within Reach, the leading adult education charity.
Simon joined the WEA from Co-operative College where he was Principal and CEO for four years and previously worked for 19 years at the Royal Mencap Society, including as Director of Education, Learning and Work.
Passionate about education and its ability to empower and inspire, Simon believes that through working together, individuals can have a hugely positive impact on their own lives and the wider community.
Resources
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
The skills gap. It’s a phrase you’re likely to hear whenever adult education is discussed. But do we focus on gaps and deficiencies too much?
Giving adults the skills they need to adapt to the rapidly changing economy is important. However, Dr. Fiona Aldridge says lifelong learning shouldn’t only exist to fill gaps but should be something positive that all of us do.
Dr. Fiona has pursued her interest in lifelong learning throughout her education and career, studying the subject at the Open University and working at the Learning and Work Institute for 18 years before her current role at the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Informed by her extensive knowledge in this field, Dr. Fiona gives her own suggestions for making adult education more accessible for all and, ahead of the 2024 general election, calls for a long-term national strategy.
About Dr. Fiona Aldridge
Dr. Fiona Aldridge is Head of Insight - Economic Delivery, Skills and Communities at West Midlands Combined Authority at West Midlands Combined Authority. Previously, she was Director of Policy and Research at Learning and Work Institute.
Dr. Fiona has more than 20 years of experience in undertaking research to support the development of policy and practice across adult learning, skills and employment. Her current role involves shaping devolved policy on employment and skills for the West Midlands region.
Resources
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
Adult education has been described as a permanent national necessity that should be both universal and lifelong. So, why does it matter so much?
John Holford, Robert Peers Professor of Adult Education Emeritus at the University of Nottingham, was Joint Secretary to the Centenary Commission on Adult Education, which marked 100 years since the publication of the 1919 Report on Adult Education. Having published a range of books, papers and articles on the subject of adult education over the last 40 years, John is the ideal guest to set the scene for the new series of Let’s Go Further.
In this episode, John talks about the last 100 years of adult education, the current policy landscape, and his hopes for the future.
The successes of adult education are best shown by the inspiring stories of adult learners. And so what better way to start the new series than by revisiting the thoughts of Mamello Atisa – a previous guest in series one – about why she is passionate about learning.
Join us for the first episode of Series 3 as we begin our focus on adult education.
About Professor John Holford
John Holford has worked in adult education since the 1970s, as a teacher, researcher and manager, and edited the International Journal of Lifelong Education for two decades. He currently edits a book series, Palgrave Studies in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning.
Over the last 25 years, he has led several major research projects and written or edited many books and articles including, most recently, Lifelong Learning, Young Adults and the Challenges of Disadvantage in Europe.
Who is Mamello Atisa?
Mamello Atisa is currently studying for her Level 2 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles (Pattern Cutting) qualification at Fashion Enter Academy in London and is continuing to find her place in the fashion industry.
Resources
- Learn more and download the Centenary Commission on Adult Education report here.
- Listen to Mamello's episode in series one, where she shares her experience of being an adult learner here.
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
Hi, this is Joe Mcloughlin, presenter of the Let's Go Further podcast. I'm delighted to announce on October 3rd we'll be back with Series 3, when we'll be putting Adult Education under the spotlight.
Across this six episode series, we'll be joined by key players in the sector, and asking whether as a nation we're still committed to the century old vision of adult education as both universal and lifelong. From what and who adult education is really for, to how it should be funded and can benefit individuals, employers and society we will be looking to shed some light on what is gearing up to be a key talking point in the run up to the next general election.
So whether you're a provider, an employer, a politician, policymaker, or someone who simply feels passionately about what adult education can do, please make sure you join us for another inspiring and insightful series of Let's Go Further.
The Church of England is the largest provider of faith-based schools in the UK and has representation in around 80% of further education colleges. So, what is its current role in education and what is its long-term vision?
The Reverend Nigel Genders CBE is Chief Education Officer of the Church of England. In this conversation, he explains how the Church strives to work for the ‘common good’ in education; the link between Christian vocation and vocation in colleges; and the challenges the Church has faced in expanding its work in FE.
We look forward to your company for the last episode of this series, as we conclude our focus on equity, diversity and inclusion.
About Nigel Genders CBE
The Revd Canon Nigel Genders is the Church of England's Chief Education Officer and Chief Executive of the National Society. Nigel leads the work of the Church of England Education Office which serves the church’s ministry with children and young people in churches, schools, colleges and universities. The Church of England provides 4,700 schools educating over a million children and is committed to a vision for education which is deeply Christian, serving the common good.
Nigel’s role in education has developed throughout 31 years of ordained ministry working in a variety of roles, including: vicar, school chaplain, governor of a university, chair of governors in primary and secondary school, Director of Education for Canterbury Diocese, Head of School Policy for the Church of England and he has been Chief Education Officer since 2014.
Nigel was awarded the honour of CBE in the King’s birthday honours list in June 2023.
Resources
- Visit the Church of England's Education and Schools webpages here.
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
Should the care experience be made a protected characteristic?
Our guest in this episode, Josh MacAlister, makes the case that it should be. As Executive Chair of What Works for Children’s Social Care and the lead writer on last year’s Independent Review of Children's Social Care, Josh has learned a lot about what life is like for those who live in care.
Josh says that care-experienced individuals are the most disadvantaged group in society and that we all miss out if they cannot fulfil their potential. Nevertheless, this can change. Josh provides his recommendations for how society, including educators, can better support care-experienced people.
Join us for an important and eye-opening conversation about a group whose stories are rarely told.
About Josh MacAlister
Josh is the Executive Chair of Foundations -the What Works Centre for Children and Families. He is also Co-founder and Chair of SHiFT.
Josh founded the charity Frontline in 2013 and led the organisation for eight years before leaving this role to chair the government commissioned independent review of children’s social care. Josh led the review with a focus on hearing from those with lived experience of and thinking afresh about how we support children to grow up with safety, stability and love. The review concluded in May 2022 and set out a radical plan to reset children’s social care so that it backs those who love and care for children- families, communities and then the care system itself.
Resources:
- Visit the Foundations website here.
- Review the report published in 2022 here or watch Josh's Sky interview where he highlights some of the radical change needed in the UK here.
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
Have you, your daughter, or another woman you know ever been called ‘bossy’?
If so, you might relate to this episode of Let’s Go Further. We speak to two highly successful women from the fields of politics and education: Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley and Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding, and Debra Gray MBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Hull College Group.
Informed by their personal lives and careers, Jess and Debra discuss the value that women bring to leadership, the structural changes needed to break down the barriers that women face, and the potential of education to transform the lives of girls and women. We also look at how women continue to shoulder the vast majority of care responsibilities and why this needs to change.
So, do join us as we aim to shift society’s perspectives of women – and reclaim bossiness as a good thing!
About Jess Phillips MP:
Jess Phillips MP is committed to improving the lives of others, especially the most vulnerable. Before becoming an MP, Jess worked for Women’s Aid in the West Midlands developing services for victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, human trafficking and exploitation. She became a local Councillor in 2012, where she worked tirelessly to support residents. Her hard work was recognised when she became Birmingham's first ever Victims Champion.
Since becoming an MP, Jess has continued her fight to support those who need it most and has earned a reputation for plain speaking. Since being elected, she has been unfazed by threats and continues to call out sexist attitudes and promote women’s rights.
Jess has written three bestselling books 'The Life of an MP', 'EveryWoman' and 'Truth to Power’. All books reflect her commitment to speaking up and having the courage to have your voice heard and make a difference.
About Debra Gray MBE:
Debra Gray MBE is the current Principal and Chief Executive of Hull College, a position she has held since April 2022. Before joining Hull College, Debra worked in various leadership roles in the further education and skills sector. She is the former Principal and Deputy Chief Executive of TEC Partnership, where in 2017, she and her team secured an 'outstanding' Ofsted inspection, the only college in Lincolnshire and the Humber to do so.
Debra was awarded an MBE for services to further education in the Queen’s 2020 birthday honours.
Resources:
- Visit Hull College's website.
- Visit Jess' website.
- View the books Jess has written here.
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia – most of us have heard of these neurodiverse conditions. But even if you do not have a diagnosed condition, you are still neurodiverse in some way – no two human minds are the same.
In this episode, we hear from Dr Louise Karwowski, Director of Education at Cognassist, and Paul Eeles, Chief Executive at the Skills and Education Group.
Louise says that individuals should take neurodiversity assessments to unearth their ‘hidden needs’ so that they have the best chance of succeeding. Paul then shares how taking an assessment has helped him understand himself better and work more effectively.
Join us to increase your understanding of neurodiversity, how it affects us all, and why it should be celebrated.
About Dr Louise Karwowski:
Louise is Co-Director of the Creative Arts Mental Health Alliance CIC and is passionate about breaking down barriers to learning. For 14 years, she worked with disabled higher education students through the DSA funding. She saw first-hand that with the correct understanding and support, disabled learners can have an equal chance of success as their peers. Louise has been at Cognassist since day one, she now supports various teams and leads vital research and development.
About Paul Eeles:
Paul has over 35 years’ experience in the post-16 skills sector, including seven years as a lecturer and 13 years managing work-based learning with colleges and independent providers. For the past two decades, he has been on the senior teams of all of the key membership bodies across the further education and skills sector, representing apprenticeship providers and colleges. More recently, along with being the Chief Executive of Skills and Education Group, he has been on the Board of and Chaired the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) representing awarding organisations across the UK. Paul is also a member of the Boards of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), the Helena Kennedy Foundation and safeguarding charity, thirtyone:eight. Paul is also a member of WorldSkills UK’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group.
Resources:
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
- Find out more about Cognassist.
- Find out more about Skills and Education Group.
In the UK, we imprison more people per head of population than any other country in Europe. The financial cost of this is huge and reoffending rates are high – so what needs to change?
In this episode, we look at how education can break the cycle of reoffending, focusing on the example of The Clink Charity, who aim to reduce reoffending by training prisoners in a restaurant setting.
Join us to hear from Yvonne Thomas, Chief Executive of The Clink, and John Gordon, a former offender who was helped by the charity.
This uplifting conversation will challenge your perspectives on prisoners, punishment, and rehabilitation. Let’s explore how re-educating can prevent reoffending.
Who is Yvonne Thomas?
Yvonne joined The Clink Charity in January 2022 having spent her career to date in public and private sector organisations including BT, The Ministry of Justice and Interserve. Latterly, she has been advising organisations including charities and community interest companies, particularly those who help find people good jobs and decent accommodation. Much of her career has been spent trying to find ways to support people in their rehabilitation journey. She is also a trustee of the national charity, People, Potential, Possibilities (P3).
Resources:
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
- Learn more about The Clink Charity here.
At a time when the media is so focused on transgender lives – often in a negative way – it’s important to listen to transgender voices.
Jake and Hannah Graf are the UK’s most prominent transgender couple and are proud champions of the LGBT community. This is a chance to hear about their personal journeys and their perspectives on a range of issues affecting trans people.
In this thought-provoking conversation, Jake and Hannah cover transitioning, familial support, toxic media narratives, and how educational institutions can support transgender learners.
Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or you simply want to know more about what life is like for transgender individuals, this is essential listening.
About Jake and Hannah Graf:
Jake and Hannah Graf are an inspirational transgender couple who have lived their lives in the spotlight to raise awareness of trans issues. Named as the Most Influential LGBTQ Couple on The Independent’s 2018 Pride Power list, the pair are often referred to as the UK’s ‘Transgender Power Couple’.
Highly successful in their own rights, Jake and Hannah first met back in 2015. Jake is widely known as an award-winning actor, director and writer – having appeared in famed titles such as The Danish Girl and Collette. He is also famed for the viral hit Headspace and has impressed with film festival productions such as Brace, Dusk and Chance. Hannah was deployed as an Officer in the British Army, serving across Afghanistan, Canada and Kenya as an Officer of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. After coming out as transgender in 2013, Hannah became one of the highest-ranked transgender officers in the Army and was also named as the Transgender Representative of the Army. She was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to the LGBTQ community in the military.
Married in 2018, the couple are parents to daughters Millie and Teddy and are role models to other transgender and LGBT couples with the dream of starting a family. The pair have avidly supported charity work, acting as Patrons of the Mermaid charity. Jake is also a Patron of The Albert Kennedy Trust and the Ditch the Label anti-bullying project and Hannah is an Ambassador for LGBT Sport Cymru. The pair have also acted as judges for awards, with Hannah a judge of the British LGBT Awards and Jake an Ambassador and judge of The National Diversity Awards, Rainbow Honours and the European Diversity Awards.
Resources:
- Visit Jake and Hannah’s website.
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
- Learn more about the Mermaid's Charity here.
Sex education – some find it uncomfortable, others find it controversial. But Dougie Boyd is here to make the case that it’s essential.
Dougie is Director of Education and Wellbeing at Brook, a charity that supports people with their sexual health and wellbeing. In this episode, he and Joe discuss relationships and sexual health education (RSE) – something that was only made mandatory in schools in September 2020.
Dougie explains the importance of RSE for young people, not only in school but in further education too. He also makes recommendations for policymakers on how we can change the conversation around RSE and support further education providers to deliver this subject effectively.
So, let’s talk about sex, relationships and education.
About Dougie Boyd:
Dougie has 20 years’ experience of working with young people in education and wellbeing settings. He trained as a teacher and spent much of his teaching career in leadership roles including Head of Department and Associate Headteacher.
He has extensive experience of teaching in non-selective and selective schools as well as alternative provision units for young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. He worked on a series of strategic projects with exam boards including the design of GSCE specifications in 2011 in addition to being an experienced marker and moderator.
Dougie joined the third sector in 2016 and has led the transformation of Brook’s Education and Wellbeing offer for young people in addition to providing strategic leadership for Brook’s ground-breaking Let’s Talk Period project and growing Brook’s professionals’ training and workforce development offer. He has also expanded Brook’s Education portfolio to include community-based health promotion services and HIV prevention for adults.
He is a qualified therapist with an interest in childhood trauma and supporting the victims of violence and crime.
Resources:
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
- Learn more about Brook Charity here.
How do we stop talking about racism at school and work and do something about it? In the first episode of our second series, we're in conversation with television presenter Will Njobvu to talk about the need for greater diversity and representation in schools and colleges as well as in the workplace.
Will has regularly featured as a co-host on Channel 5’s flagship daytime chat show, Jeremy Vine. He’s also hosted ITV2’s entertainment news show FYI Daily and previously worked as a co-presenter on BBC Africa’s children’s show, What’s New?
In this frank conversation with our host Joe McLoughlin, Will shares his experiences of racism and homophobia growing up as a black, gay young person. He goes on to explain how accepting who he is and being true to himself has helped him move forward and achieve his ambitions to work in the media and a happier healthier life.
We look forward to your company as we kick off Series 2 of the Let’s Go Further podcast.
About Will Njobvu:
Will Njobvu is a TV and radio presenter, whose infectious personality and extensive live experience singles him out as a real talent to watch. In 2021, he hosted The Masked Singer: Unmasked which aired exclusively on ITV Hub and was repeated on ITV2. Unmasked contains exclusive interviews with that evening’s unmasked celebrity and is home to all the backstage gossip with panelists Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Rita Ora and new recruit Mo Gilligan. At the end of 2022, Will also fronted Channel 4's hit documentary Life After Love Island: UNTOLD.
Will hosts both the Saturday Breakfast Show and Sunday afternoons on Capital XTRA. He also covers the Entertainment Presenter role on ITV’s Good Morning Britain. While The Masked Singer UK series 2 was on air, Will presented and scripted a 4-part digital series for Good Morning Britain called Who’s Behind The Mask? - which received over 3 million impressions online.
Having graduated from De Montfort University with a degree in Media and Communications with Journalism, Will went on to work on the production side for Sky News, BBC Radio London, Channel 5 News and This Morning. Will has regularly featured as a co-host on Channel 5’s flagship daytime chat show, Jeremy Vine. He’s also hosted ITV2’s entertainment news show FYI Daily and previously worked as a co-presenter on BBC Africa’s children’s show, What’s New?
In 2018, Will filmed a short feature documentary called ‘Sudden Cardiac Deaths’ for Victoria Derbyshire’s BBC2 show, about young people living with undetected heart conditions; a topic close to his heart, as he was diagnosed with an acute heart condition himself at the age of 22.
Overcoming adversity, identity, sexuality, mental health and heart health are all topics Will is able to speak about. As a member of the LGBT community who was bullied because of his sexuality in school, Will enjoys speaking about the importance of being comfortable with your identity and taking care of your mental health as he too has overcome depression in the past.
Resources:
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
- Visit Will's website.
- View guest biography.
Could a strong further education system be the key to driving the economy?In the final episode of this series, we welcome Alun Francis OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Oldham College and Deputy Chair of the Social Mobility Commission. Through the two positions he holds, Alun is able to provide both regional and national perspectives on social mobility – how we define it, how we measure it, and how we ensure it is realistic for all. In this conversation, Alun explains the importance of creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds, and the benefits this will have for both local communities and the wider UK economy. We look forward to your company as we conclude the first series of the Let’s Go Further podcast.
Who is Alun Francis?
Alun is the Principal and Chief Executive of Oldham College and was appointed in 2010. During this time the college has been redeveloped with an investment of over £45m, with new facilities to support technical education from entry to degree level. The college has developed a reputation for strong teaching and learning, and has won a number of prestigious awards for its Teaching for Distinction CPD programme and its provision for special needs learners. It was nominated as FE College of the Year at the 2019 TES Awards and in 2020 for innovation around remote learning. Prior to joining the college Alun had a varied career in local government, regeneration and higher education. He has a strong interest in the economics of what is now referred to as “levelling up” and sees FE colleges in general and Oldham College in particular as having a critical role to play in addressing this challenge. He received an OBE for service to education in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List and in November 2021 Alun was appointed Deputy Chair of the Social Mobility Commission.
Assessments, assessments, assessments.
If you’re a practitioner, you’ll know that these can feel like a burden. But what if there was a way to reduce staff workload whilst improving learner grades?
Introducing the DIRT and TOES method – an assessment approach that involves both peer-to-peer feedback and independent reflection. As you’ll hear in this episode, it has worked wonders for staff and learners at Derby College.
So, do join us as Linzi Smithies, Advanced Practitioner in Land-based Animal Science and Equine, tells us all about this method and the impact it has made at the college.
Resources:
- Download the transcript for this episode here.
What role can sport and exercise play in helping learners to reach their potential? In this episode of Let’s Go Further, we hear from Damian Butters, Sports Course Coordinator at Shipley College, whose Ability Counts football team won their regional league earlier this year. Ability Counts football brings together individuals from a variety of backgrounds, giving those with disabilities or learning difficulties the chance to express their talents and be part of a team. Listen as Damian shares how the team has boosted his learners’ self-esteem, developed their life skills, and benefited their studies. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, this episode is sure to put a smile on your face. Who is Damian Butters? Damian Butters is a Sports and Independent Living Course Co-Ordinator working in the Foundation Learning Department at Shipley College. A passionate football fan, he is committed to giving every learner the opportunity to play the game and is the current Manager of the Ability Counts college team.
“My learners gain so much from being part of the team. It makes them feel part of a family and they gain great confidence. I would highly recommend any college to introduce this to their department”.
Last season, the Shipley College team were crowned champions of the Yorkshire ad Humber Ability Counts League. Off the back of this success, I sat down to talk with Damian about the power of sport as an educational tool, the benefits it offers students physically, mentally and socially, and what it can ultimately do to help improve learner life prospects Resources: * Download the transcript for this podcast here. * Read more about the team's win at the 2018/19 ECFA pan-disability national cup here.
You’re never too old to start learning something new. That’s the key message of this conversation with Mamello Atisa, a learner studying at Fashion Enter, a Skills and Education Group Foundation grant recipient, and Learner of the Year finalist in the FAB Awards 2022.
Listen as Mamello shares her passion for learning, her love of fashion, and her experience of being an adult learner. Whatever your age or stage in life, you will hear plenty to inspire you in this episode. Mamello could give you the confidence boost you need to return to education, pursue a lifelong interest, or embrace a new challenge.
Who is Mamello Atisa?
Mamello Atisa is currently studying for her Level 2 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles (Pattern Cutting) qualification at Fashion Enter Academy in London and is continuing to find her place in the fashion industry.
A committed adult learner, with a passion for sustainable and socially engaged fashion, Mamello has had a wide variety of work and learning experiences including training as a counsellor, working as a teacher in media and serving as a trainer at Citizens Advice.
Reflecting on her experiences, she comments that:
“I thought about my commitment to study. Two things stood out, my quest for a better life generally and financial independence in order to look after myself and support my family, if the need arose. I study because I love learning and because this opens doors to creating safety.”
Resources:
- Download the transcript for this podcast here.
- Learn more about the work of Fashion Enter.
In this episode, we are joined by Professor Lee Elliott Major OBE who discusses what we mean by social mobility, how we can improve it in the UK, and how we can better support disadvantaged learners in further education.
Lee is the UK’s first ever Professor of Social Mobility. He has written several books and regularly appears in national broadcast and print media. He is also an example of social mobility himself, having come from a working-class background in West London and dropped out of school at 15, before progressing through college and university to eventually become a professor.
Who is Professor Lee Elliott Major OBE?
Lee Elliot Major OBE, is the country’s first Professor of Social Mobility. Appointed by the University of Exeter to be a global leader in the field, his work is dedicated to improving the prospects of disadvantaged young people.
His Penguin book Social Mobility and Its Enemies, co-authored with Stephen Machin, has attracted attention across the world. In his TEDx talk in 2019, Lee describes an ‘escalating arms race of education’ in which the poorest children are increasingly ill-equipped to fight. His Bloomsbury book What Works?, co-authored with Steve Higgins, offers best bets to teachers for improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. He also authored What Do We Know and What Should We Do About Social Mobility?.
Lee was formerly Chief Executive of the Sutton Trust and a trustee of the Education Endowment Foundation. He is an Honorary Professor at the UCL Institute of Education. He is an Associate Member of Nuffield College, University of Oxford, an Associate of LSE’s Centre for Economic Performance, and an Honorary Professor at the UCL Institute of Education.
Lee regularly appears in national media and gives public lectures. As a Professor of Practice he is focused on the impact of research, working closely with schools, universities, employers and policy makers. He argues that social mobility is about securing decent jobs in local communities not just catapulting a lucky few to the top.
He has a PhD in theoretical physics and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Sheffield for services to education. He was an education journalist working for the Guardian and the Times Higher Education Supplement. He is the first in his family to attend university. His OBE was awarded for services to social mobility.
Resources:
- Download the transcript for this podcast here
- Purchase Lee’s book ‘Social Mobility: And Its Enemies‘
- View Lee’s research and publications.
In this first episode of Let’s Go Further, brought to you by the Skills and Education Group, we are joined by Jaz Ampaw-Farr, a teacher, keynote speaker, trainer and 'resilience ninja'. You may have seen her on The Apprentice, in a TEDx talk, or at the Skills and Education Group Annual Conference in 2019.
Who is Jaz Ampaw-Farr?
Jaz Ampaw-Farr is a Human First Leadership Strategist, keynote speaker and author.
Jaz has a unique ability to help people and corporations reframe their stories and situations, bringing transformation in their work, life and communities. This is Jaz’s alchemy.
Jaz is highly recognised for the impact she’s had on the education and health sectors, galvanising and inspiring those around her. She has led national and international projects unlocking potential in leaders and teams and is now highly sought after by business leaders, corporations and governments wanting the same results.
It is fair to say that working with Jaz leaves a mark. She gives you the feeling you can do the impossible so that the next time you face adversity and challenge, you’ll be ready. In her TEDx Talk she re-storied her life as a broken child, highlighting the transformative power we have to make a difference. Jaz’s determination drove her from appalling abuse at the hands of her own parents to running away from foster care and life as a teen on the streets, to the resilience influencer she is today.
As a speaker, Jaz has a disarming ability to captivate her audience and share her story with humour and humility and without anger or bitterness. She invites people into a more authentic narrative around choice and agency, leaving individuals and organisations reporting an increase in determination and productivity.
Jaz’s ability to reframe means she sees the world in a unique way, which challenges and ignites those around her, lifting them out of what she calls ‘mindset poverty’ into previously unachievable outcomes.
Full of practical advice, her message is neatly summed up in her own words to those five teachers from her past and the title of her upcoming book – Because Of You – This Is Me.
Resources
- Download the transcript for this podcast here
- Watch Jaz's TEDxTalk
- Watch Jaz's keynote at the Skills and Education Group Annual Conference 2019.