Podcast: Jeff Greenidge and Mark Wright: Leading with love - the key to an inclusive culture

Most people in the FE and skills sector would agree that promoting social justice and mobility is an important aspiration, but there’s less agreement on how to get there. Elizabeth Holmes outlines the merits and drawbacks of knowledge-rich and critical/transformative approaches to curricula design, as well as the impact of employer-led learning.

Technology has the potential to expand access to education and boost the understanding and performance of those who may otherwise be left behind. Jo Faragher looks at how this is already helping the FE and Skills sector develop social inclusion.

Understanding people’s multiple identities and how they impact individual experiences and opportunities in the FE and Skills sector is vital if we are to avoid making assumptions and judgements, says Kathryn James.

This session by Juliana Valadares Salli expands on how AI tools like ChatGPT can support both learners and educators in becoming more autonomous, confident, and creative. Drawing on real classroom experience, Juliana will demonstrate how AI has been used to foster digital literacy, critical thinking, and learner independence in ESOL settings, while also empowering teachers to save time, reduce workload, and explore new ways of working.

The second session our Professionalism series with Dr Barbara van der Eecken connects professionalism to quality assurance and development. It encourages quality professionals to foster a culture where ongoing professional development drives meaningful impact, and looks into how to design or reframe quality processes that support curiosity, innovation and continuous development.

Teachers in the FE and skills sector have an important part to play in demonstrating to learners how sustainability is relevant to their subject area, and that it means more than taking small steps to help the planet. Sophie Harris outlines how she’s helping to embed sustainability in her organisation.