The College employs over 600 people across its 5 sites (Rodbaston, Lichfield, Cannock, Tamworth and TORC) in a variety of roles including lecturers, assessors & learning support workers who teach and support our students.
We also employ staff in our Enabling teams some of whom are in the usual professions such as IT, Finance, Marketing, Information Systems and HR. We also have roles for Technicians, working in the Apprenticeship teams and working on our estate amongst other roles
The college is a community and is proud of what we achieve with our students which is a whole college effort leading to our Ofsted Good grade in November 2021. If you want to be part of our continual improvement journey and success, apply for a role where you meet the essential criteria and then come and meet us to find out more.
We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and have achieved our Gold Award. This means that we support the employment of Reservists, Cadet volunteers, Veterans and partners/spouses of serving members of the Armed Forces. We have a separate policy for all of these categories of staff which allows Reservists and Cadet volunteers 2 weeks’ paid time off to undertake training with the Forces. Partners/Spouses can also take advantage of additional Emergency leave to assist when their Armed Forces partner changes deployment duties. Our veterans are encouraged to support other activities such as Remembrance Day.
We are a Disability Confident Leader which means that we welcome individuals with disabilities into our workforce. We are proud of our work with people who have disabilities who are able to work with us and feel supported.
I started work at the College in August 2002, at aged 16, working in the Apprenticeships department as an administrator. I had been diagnosed with Stargardts disease, when I was 13 years old.
After a couple of years I moved to work in the Learner Services department dealing with applications, enrolments and student finance. Access to Work have helped provide equipment and transport to enable me to get to and from work and to adapt the working environment to assist how I do my role.
I feel that I have been supported at the College to enable me to continue to contribute to the team.
I came to the College as a Learning Support Assistant and 7 years’ ago I was promoted to the role of Learning Support Co-ordinator.
My dyslexia was diagnosed within the last 5 years. Up until that time, I was unaware that I had a learning difference. I just knew that reading and writing text was really hard for me. When I had the results of my test, so many things suddenly made sense. I was then able to share my results with my line manager and HR. Using the College’s Occupational Health team, they were able to recommend the support that was needed which has helped me in my role. I have now come to understand that my learning difference is part of who I am – it does not and will not hold me back from succeeding in my chosen career.
I joined the College in 2004 in a Learning Support role. I have a visual impairment and neurological disability which affects my mobility. The College has provided support to enable me to not only fulfil my job role but also make every day less challenging.
I am privileged to support young people with disabilities and when I speak with the individual and when necessary their parents, they are able to see that I understand what challenges at times, disabilities can pose. I can provide a connection and empathy that allows me to put them at ease and ensure that they also feel supported. I feel that my role gives me the perfect opportunity to pay forward the experience that I have received.
We are proud to have been recognised as a ‘Tommy’s Pregnancy and Parenting at Work Champion‘ for the Tommy’s the Baby Charity which provides support during pregnancy and birth or loss of a child. Our managers are being trained with Tommy’s on supporting staff during these events. Our family friendly policies exceed our statutory obligations and our bereavement policies cover baby loss under 24 weeks and over with all types of loss including terminations for whatever reason.
We understand the devastating impact that domestic abuse can have on staff and families. We provide domestic abuse training for all staff and explain what managers can do to support. Our policy is clear and whilst any reporting of this remains confidential, we are able to offer multiple actions of support to meet the circumstances. As a result we have achieved a covenant with EDAC (Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant) because of the policy we have and the work that we have done. The ultimate aim of this covenant is to create cultural change to identify flexible and sustainable opportunities for women to achieve long term financial independence and economic security.
The Matrix Standard is the Department for Education’s (DfE) framework for ensuring the high-quality delivery of information, advice and guidance. When an independent Assessor confirms that all criteria are met, the organisation becomes accredited and is able to display the Matrix quality mark. Following two successful Continuous Improvements Checks in April 2021 and 2022 we are proud to say we again achieved full Matrix re-accreditation in April 2023. You can read the 2023 report below.
I personally found school difficult and did not, for one minute, believe that I would seek a career in education. However, my life circumstances had changed, and I was looking for a role that fitted in with family commitments, which meant that I could only work within term time hours. I had been volunteering in a primary school and this experience led to me join the College as a Learning Support Assistant/Art Technician in September 2000.
Through a joint project with Aimhigher in 2004 I progressed to the role of mentor and was tasked to set up a pastoral mentoring service for students, and later became a Student Liaison Officer involved in national priorities. The mentoring service remains to this day where we have mentors supporting our students across all our campus sites. I am extremely proud of the work they do as they change lives and futures every day.
In 2010, I became a manager for the first time and over the years managed several teams including safeguarding & mentoring, learner experience, engagement, enrichment, careers, Learner Services HUBS/receptions, work experience, college catering facilities, mental health and personal development. Throughout this time, I was able to gain qualifications and attend training to support me on my journey.
More recently I became the College’s Deputy Safeguarding Lead, alongside being a member of the College Leadership Team and retaining oversight on the Learner Services department.
Through the ongoing support of the College, I was diagnosed officially with dyslexia later on in life, but it hasn’t stopped me being able to pursue a successful career, as dyslexic thinking can be a real asset to a team.
I love Further Education and the difference it makes to people’s lives. Often a person’s school experience can put them off education, but we are able to work with those students and show them they can have a fulfilling and rewarding career.
In 2018 I joined SSC as a in Motor Vehicle teacher as I wanted a fresh start, new opportunities and a different challenge. In 2020 I became a Teaching & Learning Coach which meant that I coached, supported and developed new and existing lecturers within the College.
I thoroughly enjoyed that role and in 2022 there became a vacancy for a Curriculum Manager – Motor Vehicle & Engineering. The team were approached about the vacancy and I decided to put myself forward seeing this as the next step in my career. I was fortunate enough that the College allowed me a “try before you buy” approach and I became interim CM from April 2022 to end September 2022. On 1 October I was appointed to the role permanently which I was delighted to accept. I am still developing in the role and are enjoying the challenge.
I left school at 15 and enrolled at Cannock College, where I completed an apprenticeship in Hairdressing. After finishing my training and working in a salon, I began supporting new apprentices while they attended their college program.
I was later invited back to Cannock to deliver training for learners, and from that moment, I never really left. Over the past 16 years, I have taught across both Cannock and Tamworth, eventually taking on a part-time role supporting new and early-career teachers while continuing to teach Hairdressing.
In September 2024, I was appointed as a full-time Teaching and Learning Coach (TLC). This role brought me to the Rodbaston campus, where I am excited to collaborate with new teams. I look forward to developing in this position and seeing where my journey at SSC takes me.
Achieving the promotion to Curriculum Manager for Service Industries at South Staffordshire College has been an exhilarating milestone in my career. Reflecting on my journey, I am filled with immense pride and excitement. I began my career at South Staffordshire College in 2016 as a full-time lecturer. Those early years were foundational, allowing me to immerse myself in the educational environment and build strong relationships with colleagues and students alike.
In 2018, I was promoted to Programme Lead, a role that significantly shaped my professional growth. My manager during this period was instrumental in my development. Her unwavering support and belief in my potential were truly inspiring. She provided me with numerous opportunities to observe and shadow her, which allowed me to gain invaluable insights into effective management practices. Additionally, she entrusted me with tasks that extended beyond my current role, enabling me to hone my management skills and prepare for future responsibilities.
The chance to attend various management courses and events further fueled my ambition. These experiences not only expanded my knowledge but also ignited a passion for leadership within me. When the opportunity to apply for the Curriculum Manager position arose, I felt ready and confident, thanks to the comprehensive support I had received.
Now, as the Curriculum Manager for Service Industries, I am thrilled to embrace a role that challenges and excites me daily. The dynamic nature of this position keeps me engaged and motivated. I am fortunate to continue receiving support, now from a mentor who is exceptional in her field. Her wealth of knowledge and regular guidance are invaluable as I strive to excel in my new role.
I am genuinely excited about the future and eager to contribute to the continued success of South Staffordshire College. This promotion is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the incredible support and opportunities provided by the college.
I joined South Staffordshire College in November 2022 as a Learner services administrator in the HUBS team at the Lichfield College.
Since August 2024, I have been working across both the Cannock and Lichfield campuses in my new role as Financial Bursary and HUBS administrator. During my time here, I have gained invaluable knowledge and continue to learn every day.
The staff at South Staffordshire College are among the kindest and most supportive individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Their dedication to helping you succeed is truly inspiring. Professionally, I have never felt more fulfilled than I do now.
