• Braintree College


• Chase Action Group, Nottingham


• City LIT


• City of Bristol


• City of Westminster College


• College of North West London


• Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College


• Greenwich Community College


• Harrow College


• Kensington and Chelsea College


• Leicester College


• Lewisham College


• Mid Kent College


• Milton Keynes College


• Newham College


• Orpington College


• Rathbone UK


• Royal Forest of Dean College


• Sandwell Adult and Family Learning


• Shooters Hill Post 16 Campus


• Southall Sixth Form College


• Southwark College


• Stanmore College


• Uxbridge College


• West Kent College


• West Thames College


• Westminster Adult Education Service


• Westminster Kingsway College

Do you know a STAR? The Network for Black Professionals is proud to support the STAR awards scheme and encourages network members and supporters to nominate outstanding colleagues making a difference to the learning experience of young people and adults in the learning and skills sector.

Anyone can nominate, so if you know someone who works hard to improve the quality of teaching and learning then you now have just over one week to make your nomination.

Short-listed nominees attend regional awards ceremonies and a glamorous event in London on 24 November where the winners of the 10 awards categories will be announced. As well as a trophy and certificate, winners receive £500 and access to the STARlight fund for personal and/or professional development. Everyone who makes a nomination will be entered into a prize draw to win £250.

To be eligible for an award, nominees must work in England in a place that is not a school or university. Their organisation or workplace or the programme they help to deliver must either be fully or partly funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

Making a nomination is simple and only takes a few moments: just visit staraward.qia.org.uk and follow three simple steps. If you're pressed for time, ring the STAR team on 0845 225 4523 and they will complete a nomination for you. You can also contact the QIA STAR Awards team by email at excellence.innovation@qia.org.uk

The London branch of the Network for Black Professionals recently celebrated the successes of Network alumni at a glamorous networking event in central London.

Participants on the CEL-funded 'First Steps to Leadership' programme and BLI mentees, secondees and work shadows were joined by college principals, governors, senior managers and fellow Network members to reflect upon the progress of BME colleagues in achieving career success and progression and of the work still to be done.

Lynne Sedgmore, Chief Executive of the Centre for Excellence in Leadership (CEL), received a floral tribute from the Network in recognition of the outstanding support she has given to the work of the Network and the objective of greater equality and diversity in leadership and management in the learning and skills sector. Pictures of the event can be viewed at www.nbm.org.uk/londonlaunch.htm

The evening marked the re-launch of the London branch of the Network under the leadership of Jannett Morgan, NBP London Branch Co-ordinator and a programme of networking and professional development events in the London area is to be published shortly. To contact Jannett to find out how to get involved email her at jannettm@nbp.org.uk.

The Network's Talent Management Service continues to expand and support black professionals' careers. Over thirty professionals have now signed up for the scheme and the first candidate who joined has now been shortlisted for a major new career opportunity.

Spearheaded by Grace Haynes, the Network's senior Talent Management consultant with 17 years of senior HR experience in the FE sector, the service has attracted strong messages of endorsement from black professionals who have joined the scheme as the following testimonies make clear:-

"I thoroughly enjoyed (our)meeting and it helped and enabled me to take another look at my position.At first, I expressed a disinterest in looking for a new position because of my family commitments. However, I found your advice very helpful and I was able to look my work experience, think about my achievements and presentation from another angle. You were able to help me open my eyes to my CV. I had always believed that I had a very good CV, the meeting brought me down a peg (very positive). It showed me that I was suppressing and not bragging enough about my experiences and achievements.

This was a complete different approach to my previous meetings with recruitment consultants."

Ken Agbugba

"Initially I was somewhat apprehensive about what to expect, but after having my initial meeting, I' m raring to go and find it amazing that a short period of time can have such a positive impact. Grace Haynes, who I met with, was very approachable, down to earth and easy to talk to. I found her fountain of knowledge really beneficial. Through her useful questioning skills and the ability to quickly pick up on ones strengths we were able to set clear actions to move forward. I now know about a range of different workshops and options that are on offer as well having the opportunity to get help to tweak my CV to an excellent CV.

After my initial meeting I felt I had renewed motivation and I am very much looking forward to support and opportunities Talent Management can offer me. As a coach (and many other things) being solution focused is important to me and I was really pleased to know that what was on offer was going to be useful and allow the possibilities of professional growth and help me achieve what I'm aiming for. I have every intention of using this wonderful opportunity to the fullest."

Miranda Gay

"I signed-up for the Talent Management Service because I felt I needed the support they proposed to offer. Soon after, I received an introductory email from Grace (HR Consultant, Network for Black Professionals) with a request for us to meet. After a few attempts, we finally were able to convene a meeting. On the day of the meeting, I called up Grace to confirm attendance and the venue. Any apprehensions I had entertained about my forthcoming meeting were immediately dispelled by the warmth that exuded from her voice. I looked forward to the meeting with great eagerness, I knew it was 'a step in the right direction', and within me was a feeling of elation from doing the right thing.

The meeting was as I had envisaged; the one hour flew by quickly, too quickly in fact. The discussion centred on my background, current position, career interests, and the nature of continuing professional development (CPD) I should consider pursuing. Grace's wealth of experience enabled her to facilitate the discussion, and I found it quite inspiring and informative.

Having the opportunity to pause and reflect on one's achievements and aspirations is something we sorely lack. We all experience a time when we know we should move forward in our career, but because of inadequate preparation or possibly procrastination, we do not do so. Before we realise it, years go by, and we cease to be that 'sought-after' individual that ticks all the boxes.

I came away from the meeting motivated, enthused and determined. I also felt valued as I had been discussing with a neutral person away from my workplace; one that held no reservations in acknowledging and appreciating my achievements. Since the meeting, I have sent Grace an updated CV, and have also applied for the First Steps in Leadership programme. When the time comes for me to move forward, I will be ready!"

Zainab Yahya

The Network for Black Professionals is fortunate to have obtained funding from the Centre of Excellence in Leadership to run a number of free one day programmes to encourage “new blood” BME professionals onto FE college governing bodies, and to enable existing BME governors to make an enhanced contribution in their role.

It is clear that there is a real need to increase the representativeness of college governing bodies. BME students in FE colleges account for nearly 20% of total numbers, yet staff from their communities only comprise 6.74% of the total. We also know that BME learners, as a whole, have success rates that are up to 15% below the norm. If we are to see improvement all of these, we need to increase the numbers, and effectiveness, of BME governors.

When representation on governing boards was last surveyed in 2005, it was established that there were only 521 BME governors in England, 7.7% of the total of 6705. Of these 521, very few we in influential roles, e.g. Chair of the Board, or chair of committees, and a high proportion were either staff or student governors, categories with little power to influence decisions.

The Network will be organising two free events in May in London and Birmingham (dates TBC) that will:

• Set out the strategic context for FE governance;
• Give an insight into the role of the individual governor, and of the role the board;
• Offer hints and tips on how to be an effective governor
• Highlight the importance of increasing the numbers of governors from Diaspora communities in raising the numbers of BME staff in colleges, and in increasing the success rates of BME learners in FE colleges.

The team delivering the workshop will include a leading Chair of Governors from a BME community, an experienced Clerk to the Board and others with the experience and know-how to give an accurate picture of the duties and benefits of governorship.

For the participant, the workshops will be an ideal opportunity to find out if governance is for them, find out how serving on a Board can enhance their own career prospects and last but by no means least, give something back to improve the prospects of their own and other, Diaspora communities.

BME professionals interested in joining one of the workshop sessions should contact the Network office on 01902 715309 or email rhonaa@nbp.org.uk. A CEL subsidy form also needs to be completed by 27th March and returned to the office.

Colleagues from many institutions including Lambeth College, Lewisham College, City and Islington College, Joseph Priestley College, Greenwich Community College, Bede College, Rathbone, Leicester College, Leicester County Council, City College Manchester and others were joined by friends and partners. Many participants also invited their line managers to thank them for their support and to hear about the development of the skills and knowledge that they had acquired through participation in the programme.

Funded by the Centre for Excellence in Leadership and developed by the Network for Black Professionals, the First Steps to Leadership course is a positive action programme for first line managers in the learning and skill sector and which is designed to support their progression to the next level of management .

Verity Bullough, Regional Director at the LSC East Midlands, joined her colleague Pauline Stewart for the evening and commented:

"I was delighted to join so many talented colleagues from colleges and sector organisations across the sector to celebrate their success in completing this very inspiring programme".

Graduates were also joined by Yvette Adams Executive Director of Diversity, Culture and Communications and Margaret Adjaye Project Leader, Equality and Diversity at The Centre for Excellence in Leadership. They commented:

"Equality and diversity has been a core part of CEL's mission since we were launched in autumn 2003. First steps has been a huge success for us and we are planning to extend our work further during 2008 both as positive action as well as embedding equality and diversity throughout our portfolio, for which we are currently undertaking extensive research across the sector which will help inform our work."

Robin Landman, Chief Executive of Network for Black Professionals added:

"The partnership between CEL and the Network for Black Professionals (NBP) has clearly made a difference. However, the latest LLUK data for 2005/6 graphically illustrates the distance we still have to travel to achieve a workforce that reflects its learners. What is required now is a step change in the urgency that is applied to make lasting difference, with the commensurate investment from government, and providers, to make our sector one which walks the talk on social justice".

Speaking at the prestigious Corporate Social Responsibility 'Social Footprints, 2007' conference at the ICC in Birmingham, Robin outlined the global and national challenges facing the developed economies of Europe and the social and economic costs resulting from the exclusion of BME communities young and old from the 'good society'.. Robin spoke of the 'untapped talent pool' in BME communities and the opportunities that lay in engaging with younger and dynamic minority communities who will occupy such a significant proportion in the growth of the UK workforce in the next decade. The position of colleges today where only 8 Principals (2% of all Principals) are drawn from BME communities contrasts with the national student population of nearly 20%, implying a requirement for 75 BME college leaders.

The 'Social Footprints, 2007' CSR conference focused on how the operation of organisations impacts on people and communities and why more more and more companies are taking care how their work affects both employees and the wider community.

To download a copy of Robin's presentation, please select this link.

Awards were presented to Sue Dutton, Acting Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, Mark Haysom, Chief Executive of the LSC and Earl Laird, Faculty Director at the City of Wolverhampton College and Vice Chair of the Network.

Mark Haysom, Chief Executive of the Learning & Skills Council, received an award in recognition of his outstanding leadership in the field of race equality. Mark has demonstrated strong personal commitment to the race equality agenda and as Chief Executive of the LSC has seen record numbers of ethnic minority young people participating and achieving in learning. He has also pioneered the development of the first single equality scheme for the LSC. Under Mark's leadership, the LSC is the first sector agency to join the Network as a Premium Corporate member.

Sue Dutton, Acting Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, founding member of the Steering Committee of the Black Leadership Initiative (BLI) and trained BLI mentor, has shown outstanding professional and personal commitment to the cause of race equality in further education. Sue received the NBP Award for her outstanding leadership to race equality in the learning and skills sector.

Earl Laird, Vice Chair of the Network and Faculty Director of Health, Leisure & Hospitality at the City of Wolverhampton College received a highly merited award for his outstanding and continuous contribution to race equality in the sector. Earl has been an staunch supporter of the work of the Network from its inception and his reputation for integrity, hard work and commitment to equality of opportunity is without parallel. In his acceptance speech, Earl charted his rise from college security guard to college Director.

Following his recent comments about the BBC and the dominance in creative roles at the Corporation of individuals from white, middle class backgrounds, Jonathan came to the college to meet students on the newly-launched A+ programme and to inspire students with aspirations to work in the media industry.

"I'm excited to come down here and see so many people from different backgrounds hoping to get into the media industry - it's inspirational. When black men are on television you find it's often associated with crime or something suspicious going on and i know for a fact that is not a reality"

"We need people from different backgrounds in the media industry. We're crying out for an change and scratching our heads. You guys can make a difference."

• the specific support and encouragement that is given to staff from BME backgrounds
• the personal development opportunities that were provided
• the development of the knowledge and skills of BME staff
• the support that was given in the process of achieving promotion

"For BME staff, it's hard work to try to get to the top. I couldn't understand why I wasn't moving. I would still be there, but through the BLI and NBM I learnt strategies, was kept informed and was given confidence."

"The professional development opportunities provided by the BLI enable participants to gain practical experience and the relevant support that enables them to move up the career ladder. The programmes are customised to meet the needs of individuals and the institution, and have resulted in a number of Black staff progressing on to senior posts across the sector."

"The challenge to increase the diversity of our sector's leaders is not something that the Black Leadership Initiative can meet on its own. We need the co-operation and the commitment of our sector's institutions and partners to meet this goal. Building on the momentum of the work of the Commission, and the lobbying of the Network for Black Managers, this project stands as an example of what can be achieved when sector stakeholders co-operate, share their experiences and work on a common agenda."

Download a copy of the BLI study.

Maxine is currently the Principal and Chief Executive of Swansea College, a position she has held for four years. Not only is she the only black principal out of 23 FE colleges in Wales, she is also the only female principal.

Maxine told NBP news: “Working in Wales has been a positive experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time there getting to grips with the vision of an integrated learning network for Swansea working in partnership and collaboration with other deliverers of learning.

"The post in Leeds will give me the opportunity to take that vision and build it in another part of the country. It is an exciting and challenging post that I am pleased to have been offered the opportunity of taking on." PLCL has 38,500 students and a budget of approximately £32m. Recent inspection grades have been good to outstanding and PLCL is a Beacon College which is part of the 157 group - a group of some of the country’s largest and most successful colleges.

Asked what ‘added value’ she would bring as a black principal, Maxine responded: “As a woman I bring a different dimension and perspective to the role of principal that present challenges in male arenas as I have learnt from Wales. As a black woman principal I challenge a number of stereotypes and make people believe that the impossible is possible.Therefore the added value is not just about being black but bringing to the role a number of experiences that are unique and therefore give me a level of understanding and ‘tuning’ in to people that is not available to others.

"To say I am taking on a challenge would be understating the obvious but I am confident that, working with others and the support of colleagues in the sector and the NBP, much will be achieved for the good of learning and learners in Leeds.”

Congratulations to Sunaina Mann, the first Asian Woman Principal and an
active member of the Network for Black Professionals and BLI participant, for
her success in achieving a significant college turn-around following the
publication of an excellent Ofsted Inspection report at North East Surrey
College of Technology (NESCOT).

Sunaina took over as Principal of NESCOT in September 2005. The College was
previously inspected in November 2004 and was judged to be inadequate, with six
out of eleven curriculum areas graded as 4 (unsatisfactory).

In the recently published Ofsted inspection, fourteen months since
taking over as Principal, the college was awarded grade 2 (good) status for both
its leadership and management and capacity to improve in the new inspection
report. It also received a raft of grade two marks for its curriculum areas,
including construction, health and social care, beauty therapy, ICT and
preparation for life and work. No area was judged to be unsatisfactory.

Sunaina said “I feel very proud of my staff on the result of the inspection and
the enormous amount of progress that has been made since joining Nescot. “

Sunaina and her college was featured in the
Education Guardian on 6th February 2007.