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University invites Midlands businesses to sign up to employee mental health support scheme

Businesses across Chesterfield and the Midlands region are being offered the chance to boost productivity by working with the University of Derby to provide better mental health support for employees.

The Mental Health and Productivity Pilot will see the implementation of new workplace interventions at pilot organisations and the rollout of existing approaches in small, medium and large businesses across the Midlands Engine region.

The programme aims to:

● contribute to the reduction of mental health distress
● break down the barriers to accessing care faced by people experiencing mental illness
● support their continuation in and return to work
● make a positive contribution to organisational productivity, in terms of wellbeing and economic outcomes

Dr Paula Holt, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Health and Social Care at the University of Derby, said: “The cost to the economy of mental health across the Midlands could be in excess of £45bn this year. Yet research shows that for every £1 invested in supporting the mental health of employees, the return to the employer in productivity is £5. Those returns are greater still when employers take preventative, rather than reactive, steps to help their staff.”

Around 1,900 employers took part in the first phase of project, exploring the issues of how mental health and wellbeing are currently dealt with in the workplace and its impact on performance.

Around a third of those taking part reported sickness absence among staff due to mental health issues, and a similar proportion recorded presenteeism, particularly in the hospitality and business services sectors.

Factors negatively affecting mental health of employees include:

● Lone or remote working
● Client expectations on time, quality and cost
● Job insecurity
● Recruitment practices

Dr Holt added: “A healthy and inclusive workplace is essential for all businesses, so providing appropriate support for employees, creating a culture of openness and tackling discrimination and stigma, will help to remove some of the barriers to growth and development for firms.

“The research we have carried out shows that employers recognise that understanding how to address mental health issues effectively can boost morale, engagement and motivation, but also reveals that they are not always sure where to obtain the help they need.”

The pilot will link employers directly to initiatives such as Every Mind Matters, This is Me and Mental Health First Aid, which all provide expert guidance. Once embedded into an organisation, the guidance aims to help reduce the prevalence of mental health difficulties and increase productivity among the workforce.

The University is now offering businesses of all sizes and from all sectors in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Stoke and Staffordshire, Shrewsbury and Shropshire, and Herefordshire the opportunity to work with them integrate effective mental health provision into their organisation.

Training courses which not only help to raise awareness but could be used to support continuing professional development (CPD) are also available.

Businesses taking part will be asked to commit to an initial meeting to discuss how the programme would work for their company, creating a roadmap for its success, and promoting their commitment to the pilot in the workplace.

To find out more about the pilot, visit our website: https://www.derby.ac.uk/business-services/midlands-engine-mental-health-and-productivity-pilot/

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UK Asbestos Training Association welcomes its first international member

The UK’s leading authority for asbestos training, the UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA), has welcomed its first international member from Kosovo.

Professor Mimoza Dugolli of Pristina University and manager of Kaizen Environment is now the only provider of asbestos awareness training in Kosovo despite the fact the use of asbestos has been prohibited in in the country since 2005.

Professor Mimoza Dugolli, who is an asbestos trained architect, has worked on many projects including United Nations’ rebuild projects following the Balkan conflicts in the 1990s, and energy efficiency projects for public buildings in Kosovo, will now deliver asbestos awareness training not only in Kosovo but to other Balkan countries that also have no asbestos regulatory bodies.

Explaining why she chose to become a member of UKATA, Professor Dugolli said: “Although I could have gone to other countries for asbestos awareness training, UKATA was the only quality provider where I could become a trainer myself and enable me to deliver much-needed asbestos awareness training.”

Professor Dugolli, who has written a number of academic papers on asbestos safety in Kosovo, added: “Currently in Kosovo there is a huge gap in legislation framework where asbestos is concerned. Most of the industrial complexes and buildings in Kosovo constructed both before and after the war contain asbestos. Unfortunately, Kosovo has been very slow on adapting and preparing specific laws, rules and regulations relating to asbestos, so there is a severe training shortfall in the country.

“Becoming a UKATA member gives me the opportunity to organise and offer asbestos awareness training in Kosovo and other countries like us that lack regulatory bodies. I see asbestos awareness training as a starting point and hope to expand the future training offering to include asbestos removal.”

Professor Dugolli completed her application to UKATA virtually during lockdown. “I received superb support whilst applying and the process was excellent. I even learnt a few new facts and can’t wait to start sharing my knowledge. There is a big job ahead of us,” she commented.

UKATA’s Chief Operating Officer, Craig Evans, added: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Dugolli to UKATA and would like to congratulate her on becoming our first international UKATA-approved training provider.

“Professor Dugolli’s commitment to raising awareness of the dangers of this deadly material in her country is highly commendable and we wish her every success and are delighted that we are able to assist in her mission.

“Asbestos is an incredibly dangerous material when handled incorrectly which is why widespread training is so important. The UK and UKATA has long strived to remain at the forefront of asbestos training and awareness since use of the mineral was banned in this

country in 1999. Hearing about a shortfall in legislation in countries like Kosovo, highlights the progress we have made both as an industry and country over the last 20 years.”

Since being established in 2008, UKATA has gone from strength to strength, now numbering more than 190-member organisations from all corners of the UK and now also in Kosovo who, together, deliver asbestos training to in excess of 200,000 people each year.

For details on becoming a UKATA member or to find a UKATA-approved training provider in your area, please visit www.ukata.org.uk, call 01246 824437 or email info@ukata.org.uk.

 

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Chesterfield businesses encouraged to register for free Covid-19 test kits for staff

Businesses across Derbyshire are being reminded by the county’s Director of Public Health to register to receive free coronavirus testing kits for employees that cannot work from home.

Local companies can sign up to a Government scheme to receive free rapid lateral flow test kits to test staff who do not have any coronavirus symptoms twice a week in the workplace.

The scheme has been set up because one in three people who have the virus do not have any symptoms.

Those businesses which are unable to provide testing in the workplace and which have 10 or more employees can order free lateral flow tests for their staff to collect from their workplace and use at home twice a week.

Dean Wallace, Director of Public Health for Derbyshire, said: “Regular testing is highly effective in breaking the chains of transmission in the community and workplaces.

“With around one in three of those with coronavirus having no symptoms we’re keen to see all businesses in Derbyshire regularly testing their employees, and there are several ways to do this.

“Whatever route you choose, the tests are completely free and you will receive all the information and equipment you need.”

Businesses must register and order kits by 12 April 2021. To get workplace coronavirus tests, go to https://www.gov.uk/get-workplace-coronavirus-tests

Staff from small businesses and sole traders can visit a community testing centre to check if they have the virus. There’s no need to book and testing is free. Find your nearest community testing centre here.

Chesterfield businesses can find out more about various business support and grant schemes here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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Entire FM announces partnership with iconic motorcycle manufacturer

Chesterfield’s Entire FM has announced another major partnership, this time with possibly one of the most iconic names in British manufacturing and motorcycling; Royal Enfield.

The facilities management company, which has recently moved into a new 4,000 sq.ft headquarters in Bolsover are delighted to announce the new deal to provide support to Royal Enfield’s facilities management requirements in the UK.

Managing Director, Peter Currey said: “This partnership is one I’m particularly proud of. To have successfully joined forced with such an iconic brand is great and affirms our continuous development in the FM sector. It has been a pleasure working with the team at Royal Enfield and I look forward to a long and successful relationship.”

Over the past six months the team at Entire FM has worked with Royal Enfield to propose a seamless facilities management solution to support their UK operations and in March of 2021, working with both their UK and India offices, pen was put to paper to seal the deal.

Now with a strong work force of 52 employees across the UK, 12 of which are local to Chesterfield, Entire FM is continuing its rapid growth  in the facilities management industry and firmly making roots as a leading service provider. The company also has satellite offices in several major UK cities, and one in Chicago, USA.

The latest partnership comes fresh off the back of very positive Q1 2021 figures for Entire FM, which showed business growth up five-fold when compared to Q1 2020.

The oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield has created and crafted motorcycles since 1901, and proudly celebrates it’s 120th anniversary this year. From its British roots, a manufacturing plant was established in modern-day Chennai in 1955, a foothold from which Royal Enfield spearheaded the growth of India’s mid-sized two-wheeler segment.

Entire FM supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Derbyshire Voluntary Action celebrates 30 years

An organisation which supports the work of the health and wellbeing charities and volunteer organisations in the North Derbyshire area, is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA), which has created a network of more than 300 organisations with the aim of making the voluntary sector stronger and more joined up with each other, has reached the milestone after forming in 1991.

The organisation specialises in supporting health and wellbeing related voluntary and community sector organisations – from tiny volunteer-led self-help groups through to local and regional charities delivering projects to the benefit of large numbers of Derbyshire residents.

Charlotte Repton, Project Manager at DVA, said: “If you were going to sum up what DVA does, I think the simplest version is that we is a charity which supports other charities – but there is much more to it than that!

“Healthy communities really are the key to why we do what we do. The voluntary sector is vital to delivering specialised, responsive support in the community, enhancing what is offered by public services such as the Council and NHS. I think the pandemic has made that more clear than ever.”

DVA supports the voluntary sector in a range of ways including regular forum meetings where members can meet, share updates and find out about local and national news.

Jacqui Willis, Chief Executive of DVA, said: “When DVA was formed in 1991 it was a very small operation, but the ambition was always there to provide a voice for the voluntary and community organisations and to look for innovative ways to strengthen the sector, and our local area as a whole. You could say that the forum is where it all started.

“But now we do so much more. On top of communicating through our weekly bulletins and the quarterly Network magazine, I attend lots of meetings, committees and boards with statutory partners where I am able to be the voice for the voluntary sector. Campaigning for and championing the voluntary sector is one of the most impactful things we do.”

DVA also leads on a specialist Mental Health Liaison Service, which creates a network and hosts forums for mental health support organisations across the county.

The charity also has a history of delivering ‘social prescribing’ where, rather than medication, individuals are prescribed services and activities in the community to help them improve their health.

As with all essential services, funding is key to the work of DVA. The organisation distributes grants to groups, allowing them to continue the great work they do.

As well as giving out funds, as a charity DVA applies for national funding, bringing money and resource into the local area and allowing the organisation to run innovative projects. Two examples of projects currently running are Community Chesterfield, a partnership with University of Derby, and the ConnectTo… project which promotes social connectedness.

Jacqui added: “We are going to be using our birthday to celebrate the voluntary sector and we hope that we can encourage people to show some appreciation for local charities and groups which make a big difference.”

Derbyshire Voluntary Action supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield cultural venues receive a further funding boost

Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum have received a further funding boost to help support them through the Covid-19 restrictions and ensure they can continue offering unique experiences for Chesterfield residents and visitors.

This funding, received through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, is worth £153,000 which will be shared between the museum and theatres. In total the venues have received more than £500,000 through this fund over the last year.

Anthony Radford, Chesterfield Borough Council’s arts and venues manager, said: “We are delighted that we have been awarded a further grant of £153,000 from the Culture Recovery Fund. We are extremely grateful for this grant which is a contribution towards the operational costs of Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum during the period April to June 2021.

“It is hoped that the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum will be able to re-open during the week commencing 17 May 2021 as per the Government re-opening roadmap. The grant will enable us to re-open during a period when expected income is at a lower level than normal due to the expected restrictions in place.

“The grants received from the Culture Recovery Fund have provided essential support for the provision of cultural services in Chesterfield during the Covid-19 pandemic, and have ensured that Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum can play an important role in the cultural life of the town as the community starts to recover.”

Oliver Dowden, Culture Secretary, said: “Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.

“Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said: “Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work.

“We are grateful to the Government for this support and for recognising the paramount importance of culture to our sense of belonging and identity as individuals and as a society.”

Culture creates jobs, supports livelihoods, and brings joy to everyone. The UK leads the world in the creative industries, and culture is vital not only to the local economy but also to the Chesterfield community.

The Culture Recovery Fund is an unprecedented investment from the government in the cultural sector to show it is #HereForCulture and so the sector can weather the storm of coronavirus and come back stronger.

The funding awarded today is from a £400 million pot which was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed. The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, as well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.

The Grade II-listed theatres, Pomegranate Theatre and Winding Wheel Theatre, offer a broad range of events, which includes drama, musicals, dance, comedy, concerts, talks and cinema.

The theatres opened successfully for a brief period under Covid-19 restrictions during 2020, before having to close again in November. However, they are looking forward to reopening and have an exciting programme of shows throughout the rest of 2021.

Chesterfield Museum tells the story of Chesterfield, from its beginnings as a Roman fort, the expansion of the Market and the Industrial Revolution, which brought ‘Father of the Railways’, George Stephenson, to town.

The Museum regularly holds a wide range of events for the whole family to enjoy. It also holds regular special exhibitions that explore different areas of history.

Whilst the Museum has still not reopened since closing in March 2020, the team have continued to create online events and activities to help people connect with the history of Chesterfield.

Both Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum are proudly owned and managed by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Find out more about the performances planned at Chesterfield Theatres and book tickets by visiting www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk  or by calling the Box Office on 01246 345 222.

For more information on online activities and events planned by Chesterfield Museum, please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum.

The Culture Recovery Fund is administered by Arts Council England, learn more about this funding by visiting: www.artscouncil.org.uk/CRFgrants

Posted in Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield welcomes Windowcharm into new office space in the heart of town

Windowcharm, a third generation family-owned company has revealed exciting details of its expansion into new office space on Whittington Way in Chesterfield.

Having served South Yorkshire and beyond for over 45 years, the team felt that reaching out into Derbyshire would be hugely beneficial to both them and to the area as they spread their expertise in window dressings further throughout the UK.

In 1975 Leonard Warrilow, father of James, the current CEO, began Windowcharm, seeing the need for quality window furnishings in the Rotherham and Sheffield region. Shortly after the company was started, it occupied small premises in Wellgate, Rotherham, and from there the company has evolved.

The company tagline, which has now evolved into a hashtag, dates back nearly as far as the company itself, as Leonard said “every window needs a blind and there is a Windowcharm blind for every window”.

Now in its third generation, Windowcharm Blinds & Curtains has seen excellent growth over the years and 2020 has been no exception! Already well-established partners with the NHS, the company’s products were converted to meet the demands of the pandemic and the team worked with the NHS to provide additional bed spaces and to increase infection control on the frontline.

Sales Director, Arné Warrilow, grandson of founder, Leonard, and actually a resident of Chesterfield, says “As a group, we are excited to be strengthening our position in Chesterfield and the new office will certainly give us further focus and direction to support the town and the development in the area. Our passion and keen interest for the town dates back many years.”

Windowcharm’s impressive timeline of progression through 2020 alone, can be seen on their website, highlighting their innovative support of the healthcare sector. That too, expanded into the other sectors that they work with, including education, construction, residential-developments, leisure, hospitality, retail…

Two excellent achievements of 2020 were the opening of a franchise serving the West Midlands, and partnering with an excellent company who hold distributorship in the South West – carrying window furnishing excellence to other regions of the UK.

Pleased to offer the full ‘concept to completion’ service, the company’s manufacturing plant, based in Sheffield is currently undergoing works that will nearly double its size, resulting in increased efficiencies and improved turnaround for all products. Being basically on the doorstep from Derbyshire will mean delivery times into the area will be excellent.

Find out more about Windowcharm at https://www.windowcharm.co.uk/ or by calling 01246 586 056

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, HomeTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield non-essential retailers gear up for re-opening

With April 12 on the horizon, Chesterfield’s non-essential retailers are gearing up for the reopening of their stores as we enter step two of the easing of lockdown.

While the town’s retailers have shown resilience and adapted in the face of adversity, adapting to lockdown with social media promotion, click and collect and online sales, both essential and non-essential retail business owners and shoppers are looking forward to heading back into physical stores once more. To find out more about shopping in Chesterfield and how you can support local independent businesses, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/wereback

Steph Mannion, owner of Steph’s Sustainable Stuff who was named Market Trader of the Year in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards, explained: “As an essential trader on Chesterfield market, I’ve stood throughout the latest lockdown. The market hasn’t been the same without my fellow traders and I’m eager to see them back and feel the market buzzing again.

“It’s more important than ever that we all support our independent retailers, whether that be in shops or on the market, to make sure that our lovely town bounces out of covid restrictions and moves forward into a better future.”

Steph's Sustainable Stuff

Looking forward to re-opening Laura Jo, Owner of Adorn Jewellers in The Shambles commented: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming our customers back to Adorn when we can. At the moment, we see our lovely shop as the sleeping beauty and we are hoping that when she awakes, people will enjoy visiting again.

“We are very fortunate in Chesterfield to have a fabulous mix of independent shops, bars and restaurants along with some of the bigger familiar high street names. There is no doubt that the world looks different after the pandemic, however the people of Chesterfield are a wonderful community and I have no doubt that our lovely town will continue to thrive with their support.”

Adorn Jewellers

Luke Shah, Director of Huckleberry Willow agreed with Laura Jo saying: “I believe the best thing about independent businesses is that they are run by individual people, which gives us and the other great independent businesses in Chesterfield more character and personality. We have had regular customers for over 40 years, which I hope means our customers have a great shopping experience at Huckleberry Willow.”

Mr Shah, who was the winner of last year’s Home, Gifts and Leisure Retailer of the Year category in the Chesterfield High Street Awards, added: “We are looking forward to welcoming our regular, new and old customers back to the shop.”

Huckleberry Willow

Theresa Goldsmith of The Goldsmith Clinic is also looking forward to welcoming clients back. She said: “Clients have missed us as much as we have missed them. As a business specialising in wellbeing and health we have had to close at a time when, arguably, people needed our services the most. Within minutes of Boris Johnson announcing the road map out of lockdown, my inbox was full of people requesting appointments. The diary is already full and we have everything crossed that the roadmap for the 12th April goes to plan.”

Goldsmith Group

Like many businesses, social media has been used extensively by The Goldsmith Clinic to keep customers engaged and informed during lockdown.

Laura Jo explained how Adorn has been using social media to remain connected with its customers during lockdown: “We’ve been keeping in touch with our sparkly community online through our YouTube channel and with our Friday night live each week on Facebook. We’ve been so happy with the love and support that our customers have shown us throughout this difficult time but we’re very much looking forward to seeing them in person again.”

Emily Lord, owner of Fred’s Haberdashery agreed, adding: “We are looking forward to welcoming customers back into the shop again and hope people will continue to make use of all the shops and services in the town centre.”

Emily bought the long-established business last year and moved to new, larger premises in the town centre just weeks before lockdown. Despite the setback, the business continued to trade using the click and collect service and has since added a new service.

She explained: “There has been one significant change for us during lockdown and we are thrilled to be reopening with the addition of Fred’s Frames, a bespoke picture framing service. I would like to thank all of our customers that have used the Click and Collect service and extend my warm wishes to all of the other town centre businesses as they reopen.”

Fred’s Haberdashery is just one of a number of non-essential retailers that added a Click and Collect service to their offering during the pandemic.

To support non-essential retail and hospitality businesses during lockdown, Destination Chesterfield dedicated a full page on its website to supporting businesses in the sectors by listing details of how shopper could access online shopping, click and collect and delivery services.

A new web page has since been launched to Destination Chesterfield’s website supporting the partial reopening of the hospitality sector. The page – https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2021/03/top-tips-for-outdoor-dining-and-activities-in-chesterfield/ – gives details of business in the sector who are providing outdoor dining and activities from 12 April.

Junction Bar

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “We’re all incredibly excited to welcome shoppers back to the high street and see our town centre thriving once more. Seeing our favourite businesses adapt with online shopping and click and collect services has been inspiring, but shopping in Chesterfield is an experience you just can’t replicate at home.

“We’re encouraging everyone to #LoveChesterfield and support our local high street in what’s such a crucial time for small, local independent businesses – your purchase could make a real difference.”

Neil Johnson, Director – Economic Growth at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Our local shops and retailers really need our support at the town centre opens again. Spending a few pounds a week with local businesses will make a massive difference to them. Chesterfield is a fantastic place to shop. We pride ourselves on being a friendly town, with many great independent businesses who are ready to welcome everyone back.”

To find out more about shopping in Chesterfield and how you can support local independent businesses, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/wereback

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Visiting

Visitors encouraged to ‘walk, taste and explore’ in campaign highlighting national trails

From sleeping under the stars near the Pennine Way to following in the footsteps of Romans along Hadrian’s Wall Path, visitors are being encouraged to ‘walk, taste and explore’ on an English walking adventure as part of a new national campaign in preparation for when it’s safe to travel again.

At a time when health, wellbeing and enjoying the great outdoors are a top priority, the Discover England’s Great Walking Trails project aims to shine a light on the benefits of taking a short break near seven of England’s long-distance National Trails.

Through a collection of inspirational itineraries hosted on the National Trails website, visitors of all ages and abilities can discover the delights of destination-based walking holidays near the Pennine Way, South West Coast Path, North Downs Way, Hadrian’s Wall Path, Norfolk Coast Path, Cleveland Way and Cotswold Way.

Alongside world-class walks and fine food and drink, each itinerary showcases the diverse range of experiences available near each route ranging from wildlife-watching and cycling tours to pottery-making and paddle-boarding.

Highlights include hopping between stately homes and seaside towns on the Norfolk Coast Path; discovering James Herriot heritage and Michelin-star restaurants on the Cleveland Way; taking a two-wheeled tour of ancient Canterbury and the Kent coast on the North Downs Way; and discovering literary legacies and country pubs on the Cotswold Way.

The project is coordinated by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire and supported by the Discover England Fund.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “There’s never been a better time to reconnect with the great outdoors and as we all look forward to travelling again, this new collection of itineraries provides a flavour of the year-round adventures that await visitors on a walking holiday in England.

“Exploring some of England’s most beautiful rural and coastal locations, National Trails offer something for everyone and provide the perfect backdrop for a short break. You can take an easy stroll or challenging hike, enjoy the brilliant benefits of walking and uncover unique experiences; from hands-on activities and impressive sites to fabulous food and drink and cosy places to stay.

“Through the Discover England’s Great Walking Trails project, we hope visitors will be inspired to take a fresh look at the incredible tourism offer right here on our doorstep and discover the sheer variety of things to see and do on a staycation near our stunning National Trails.”

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors back to England to explore our Great Walking Trails once restrictions lift and we can travel again.

“Now in its fifth year the Discover England Fund is all about embedding our fantastic tourism products and reaching new audiences to drive future visitor growth and boost local economies.”

The full collection of itineraries will be available on the National Trails website from early April at nationaltrail.co.uk.

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Chesterfield College gives graduates an insight into a teaching career in further education

Keen to play a role in developing the next generation of talent into further education, Chesterfield College has welcomed a new cohort of eager graduates and undergraduates into the organisation to give them a unique insight into a teaching career as part of the Education and Training Foundation’s programme, Talent to Teach. This is the second year the college has been part of the programme and they are already seeing many positive benefits.

The Talent to Teach programme was mentioned in the recent Skills for Jobs white paper, published by the government, as one important initiative which will be developed to help tackle the growing recruitment problem in the further education sector. The document highlights that half of principals in the UK say recruitment is difficult, so the need to act now is vitally important.

Becoming a provider of Talent to Teach programme was an opportunity for Chesterfield College to nurture talent and build a workforce for the sector. Equally, the team were keen to share their passion for role they play in their community, and the difference they make to their students and apprentices.

Jo Kershaw, Director of Business Professional and Service Industries, who manages the Talent to Teach programme at Chesterfield College said:

“Like many other colleges up and down the country, Chesterfield College wants to attract the very best talent to pass on their knowledge and expertise to students and apprentices. The Talent to Teach programme gives us the chance to highlight the benefits of a career in further education. It also helps graduates to understand that their knowledge and skills are in demand in the sector.

“For too long further education has been overlooked by many who might have a desire to teach. It has been fascinating to see the participants on this programme discover the possibilities open to them in colleges and we have seen our staff develop their mentoring skills too.”

During the programme the participants work alongside, and are mentored by, college staff as they take part in a range of activities to give them an insight into the breadth and scope of teaching in further education. They also experience day to day life helping students to succeed.

After mandatory safeguarding training, the participants observe and take part in lessons as well as carry out a micro teach. They also attend ask the expert sessions to learn about a range of other topics from Ofsted to supporting students with special educational needs.

The first intake of students on the programme, who took part before the pandemic, worked in the classroom with groups of students. The new intake has been experiencing teaching online and working with college staff virtually.

The fact that the programme is now being delivered virtually has had hidden benefits, allowing participants from a larger geographical area to access it. This was important because the pandemic meant only a quarter of the colleges who normally take part in the programme were able to offer places this year. Chesterfield College were keen to continue and demonstrate how they had adapted teaching and learning over lockdown.

Feedback from the previous intake of students highlights that 100% of those who took part have a higher level of interest in a teaching career in further education following the programme. The value of taking a hands on approach during the scheme was a huge benefit to the participants who may have been witnessing the world of further education for the first time.

One politics and history graduate on the current Talent to Teach programme, Tyler Yves, commented: “I left school with a handful of GCSEs but studied in FE as a mature student on an access to HE course. I understand the motivations of adult learners who study in FE colleges. There has always been this preconception that you were born to teach but I think so much has changed and I think we need to see how we can transfer skills into teaching as a viable career option. I can see the day to day difference I could make in a young person’s life by being part of FE. After a few sessions on the programme, I already find myself googling PGCE information!”

Sanaa Khalifa, a second year economics student said: “There are so many jobs and careers out there and you don’t know what to do unless you experience it first-hand which is why I wanted to take part in Talent to Teach. Now I am doing it, I do see myself in a teaching career in FE as opposed to working in business. It really has changed my outlook.”

Raina Roberts, Project manager for Talent to Teach at Cognition Education, the organisation running the programme on behalf of the Education and Training Foundation, said:

“It has been an absolute delight having Chesterfield College as a provider with the Talent to Teach in FE programme. Jo Kershaw and the team at the college have been incredible to work with and have put a great deal of passion into delivering the programme. Our partner providers, including Chesterfield College, are passionate about helping us raise the profile of further education and support us in establishing a high-quality pipeline of entrants for the sector.”

Chesterfield College supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Business, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chatsworth to mark reopening with display of medieval masterpieces

Chatsworth has announced a phased reopening that will throw open the gates of its world- famous 105-acre garden, family friendly farmyard & adventure playground and finally, the gilded doors of its magnificent house, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

Starting on Monday 29 March, when the ‘stay at home’ rule ends, the garden will be open to visitors, with the farmyard and adventure playground to follow on 13 April and the house on 18 May. Tickets are now on sale and must be booked in advance. Each area of Chatsworth will reopen in line with government guidance on social distancing, household mixing and travel restrictions applicable at the time.

The Duke of Devonshire: “After many months with the house closed and largely empty, the Duchess and I are absolutely thrilled at the prospect of being able to reopen Chatsworth and welcome back all our visitors.

“This last year has been an incredibly difficult time for many people, but it is wonderful to be planning for the lifting of restrictions, and we look forward to seeing people enjoying a visit to the Peak District. I’m particularly excited that we have a pair of medieval masterpieces to reveal to our visitors when the house reopens in May. We have added many thousands of new plants and lots of trees in the garden during the past 12 months, and it now looks as good as I can ever remember.”

Huge new plantings, landscaping and sculpture installations have formed part of the biggest transformation project in the garden for nearly 200 years. Since lockdown began in 2020 work has continued on a 25-acre redevelopment area that includes a remodelled Rock Garden, the Maze borders, the Ravine, the Trout Stream and the Jack Pond.

Following the garden, from 13 April the family friendly farmyard and children’s adventure playground will reopen, as well as the estate’s gift shops and outdoor catering.

Finally, the house will reopen to the public on 18 May, welcoming visitors to its splendid state rooms, a new exhibition called ‘Life Stories’, and two stunning medieval artworks on display in the Sculpture Gallery throughout 2021.

Indoor restaurants will also reopen on 18 May while most other restrictions will be lifted from 21 June.

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Images taken by Chatsworth House Trust

 

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

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