Sunderland College hosts conference

The Department for Education’s Further Education (FE) Commissioner Shelagh Legrave CBE DL and Director of Post 16 Regions and Providers, Roger Cotes, were joined by principals, chairs, governance professionals and senior leaders from across the country to explore the crucial role colleges play in community development, social cohesion and shaping the social and economic fabric of the places they serve.

Hosted at Sunderland College’s City Campus, the DfE-supported ‘Just One More Thing’ specifically focused on how colleges such as Education Partnership North East (EPNE) – which includes Sunderland College, Northumberland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form College – are pivoting strategy to unlock opportunities through systems leadership and society facing solutions.

As well as practice sharing presentations from EPNE’s Chief Executive Ellen Thinnesen and the leadership team, delegates heard from a range of expert speakers who delivered thought provoking insights relevant to national policy and future strategy for boards of corporation and senior leadership teams.

A series of workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities throughout the day also encouraged sector engagement and collaboration.

Following introductions, the conference began with an address from Roger Cotes, who spoke about the importance of coherence, systems leadership and strategic collaboration within post-16 education.

In the wake of the 2024 riots and an era of increasing inequality and economic challenges, building cohesive communities has never been more important, with delegates next hearing from Zaf Iqbal, Co-chair of Sunderland Interfaith Forum who, along with other faith leaders, found himself protecting their mosque when it was targeted by rioters.

Zaf was joined by EPNE’s Social Impact & Engagement Lead, Afsina Begum on a panel alongside Vikkie Morton, Vice Principal for Student Life and Stronger Communities, to explore the college’s strategy through scene-setting and storytelling.

Hayden Taylor, a social entrepreneur, UK Young Leader and Founder of Unloc, delivered a keynote on the role of young people as changemakers, while Professor Ted Cantle CBE DL, an expert on community cohesion and intercultural relations, discussed the impact of local and international events on local cohesion, considerations for policy and the role of further educational institutions.

Angela Hewitt Chief Inspector for Problem Solving and Mental Health at Northumbria Police shared insights into preventing serious and organised crime through education, community engagement and multiagency working – including Sunderland College, highlighting the success of the ‘Trainee Detective Programme’- the only programme of its kind across police forces in England.

EPNE’s Deputy Chief Executive Toni Rhodes, Chair of Governors James Stuart, and Head of Corporate Governance, Christine Stretesky, also led sessions on supporting the most vulnerable learners at college through inclusion strategy.

Ellen Thinnesen said: “It was a privilege to host the FE Commissioner, Department for Education and so many key leaders from various organisations for an inspirational and thought-provoking conference.

“Colleges are uniquely placed to lead change and cohesion, fostering partnerships and empowering individuals to become changemakers who positively contribute to their communities and create a sense of pride, belonging and shared purpose.”

Since 2021 the Further Education Commissioner has engaged with leaders across the FE sector who have identified leadership and governance skills as priority areas for guidance and resource. The ‘Just One More Thing’ programme includes a series of thematic and locally delivered conferences to further explore topics relevant to the FE sector of today and tomorrow, and to promote sector engagement and collaboration.