College beacon lights way for UK colleges

Around 55 delegates from 30 colleges around the UK came to Torbay to learn from South Devon College’s “journey to Outstanding” from failing college eight years ago to a beacon of excellence other colleges now wish to emulate.

Adele Dawson (left) with the panel giving the employer viewpoint (from left) Neil Turner, director Bovey Construction Ltd, David Leyland, director HR Harrier LLC, Paul Haigney, (chairman) MD, ViTal Educational Charity and college Governor, and Kate Merrick, Operations Leader, Business Support, Centrax Turbine Components Ltd.

They attended a two day Employer Engagement Conference on June 24 and 25 when staff instrumental in gaining the outstanding rating for employer engagement explained how they did it.

The amazing transformation which led to South Devon College mounting this national education conference to inform best practice in employer engagement was outlined by Pat Denham, Vice Principal and Deputy Chief Executive.

“The big draw for other colleges,” said Helen Honnor, New Developments Manager at the College and event organiser, “is that we are scoring Outstanding on pretty much everything. A lot of other colleges are just at the point of setting up new business solutions. Others that have already got it set up, are looking at investing in customer relations management (CRM) software. So basically we are ahead of the game. And we have all the credentials to show we have done it well. The people came to learn from that, but also to share their experiences. There was a lot of two way discussion in the agenda.”

The college gained an Outstanding rating from Ofsted in 2009 and Beacon Status from Learning and Skills Improvement Service the same year and Training Quality Standard and Customer First accreditation.

“It was valuable CPD (continuing professional development) for anyone in a business development role at a college. The fact that we have the experience, the expertise and the track record is a really good news message for the area and the fact of the take up we had for the conference with colleges paying to come and attend showed we have the credibility.”

A key feature of South Devon’s success story is Business Advantage, the college’s one-stop-shop for business.

Head of Department Adele Dawson said: “Many colleges have not yet organised their business team and have an inconsistent approach to their messages for business. Business Advantage is five years old this summer and the whole team takes pride in our successful approach and steady expansion each year. Our customer feedback shows we are at the top of our game and we are always trying to do better.”

Adele added: “The feedback from the delegates was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone was busy in the breaks swapping good ideas as well as working hard during the workshop. The favourite session was the Employer Panel which provided valuable insights into how colleges can more effectively meet their needs. We have been asked to run a similar event next year. Last and not least, the delegates were from across the UK and loved their first visit to the English Riviera.”

Many of the delegates staying at the college’s partner hotel the Barcelo Imperial Hotel were encouraged to bring their partners and stayed on to savour the delights of the Bay.

The event was sponsored by Achiever Software who have supplied software for the college’s CRM system and demonstrated their system to delegates.

Day one started at 2pm with presentations by Adele Dawson, Head of Skills Innovation and Projects at the college, on the right customer journey, Paul Champion, Apprenticeships Manager, on Grade 1 Apprenticeship provision and Matthew Porter, Sales and CRM manager on the implementation of CRM (customer relations management). Following an afternoon of master classes on quality, provision and CRM, it was topped off with a special dinner at the Barcelo Imperial.