Working for Us
Training & Development
We offer a wide range of opportunities to develop your skills and improve your career prospects. This is achieved through both on-the-job training and more formal staff development. The Staff Development department organises and, where appropriate, approves courses, conferences and activities for support staff and College managers.
Through the probationary and appraisal processes, your development needs are identified in consultation with your line manager and the appropriate course of action implemented. In-house training courses are run regularly and it may also be possible to enrol on a course run at the College as well as to attend external courses and conferences.
Teacher Development similarly offers training and development opportunities for teaching staff including: induction for new staff, teaching for achievement, in-house IT training, and various workshops designed to improve classroom techniques, planning and teaching skills.
We also run a mentoring programme to support all new teaching staff members, including visiting teachers. Through an agreed schedule of meetings you will meet with your mentor and consider ways to raise standards of teaching and learning and provide opportunities for continuous professional development. The scheme aims to develop and share good practice by providing support and guidance.
Working Practice
The College encourages the sharing of best practice within the organisation as we strive to develop and maintain good working systems.
Senior managers hold regular consultations with staff to ensure good two-way communication and effective dissemination of information.
The College is also committed to employer engagement and working in partnership with local communities to ensure that we serve our local areas as effectively as possible to guarantee growth and a high quality service.
College Ethos
The College values and promotes application, effort and achievement. We are working hard to create an environment which is welcoming and supportive. We recognise the interdependence of the College, its staff and its students and the significance of its role in the local community.
College Structure
Each College has a director who is supported by local Community Councils to ensure that the Colleges are responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.
Staff Appraisals
We are committed to a formal appraisal process. All staff are annually appraised and in support of this, all staff and managers are offered appraisee training and all managers will be trained in carrying out effective appraisals. Your annual appraisal is the mechanism for raising the quality of teaching and learning in the College and to provide staff with both personal and professional development. It is a continuous process, which builds upon any previous appraisal records. Appraisals operate in a climate of mutual trust and respect where equal opportunities also play a fundamental and integral role in this confidential process.
Diversity
The large numbers of staff and students means that there is enormous diversity in the College. This makes for an exciting and dynamic environment where individuals can learn from each other and expand their understanding. The College operates a strict equal opportunities policy and encourages students to take part in an annual Diversity Competition.
Family-Friendly Policies
We support our staff with a variety of family-friendly policies, with paid and unpaid leave provision for absences such as maternity; paternity; and dealing with domestic crisis and other situations.
College Life and Activities
There are various activities available at the College including yoga and fitness classes and staff can also use the gyms at each site free of charge from 9am - 5pm during term-time. We also provide an annual Christmas and summer party for all staff.
