Strategic Plan 2017/18 - Chesterfield · his staff award from Ashley Booker, Head of Content at Johnston Press. Staff Awards recognise the dedication and innovation of Chesterfield

StrategicPlan 2017/18

6 About us

10 Our mission, vision and values

12 Our offer to students and customers

14 Who we are

16 What we will achieve together

18 People

20 Performance

22 Position

24 Prosperity

26 Progress

28 Our community

30 Our strategic partners

32 Our facilities

34 Our businesses

39 Contact us

Contents

STRATEGIC PLAN 2017/18

The Chesterfield College Group is one of the UK’s largest leading providers of further education, higher education, apprenticeships and professional training, with a national reputation for the quality of our provision and the high standards of customer service and support we offer. The college was rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted in our last inspection, with our apprenticeship centre in Derby rated as ‘Outstanding’. We are one of the largest employers in the local area, employing over 850 staff, with a turnover of £29m per annum.

Chesterfield College is located near to the town centre of Chesterfield and attracts students from a wide geographical area. We support over 10,000 students each year from across South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, the North West and the West Midlands. The college is very much at the heart of the community, with strong links with local employers and partners.

Our broad curriculum offers pathways to a wide range of careers and provides a route into education and training for everyone, whatever level they are working at. The college

works closely with local employers and researches labour market information and industry projections to ensure that the curriculum offer reflects the skills needs of the local and regional area. This ensures that our students enrol on a course that has clear pathways to further study and/or employment opportunities once they leave us.

The Chesterfield College Group is one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the country; we have our own dedicated apprenticeship brand, Learning Unlimited, which was established in 2009 and delivers high quality training to over 5,000 apprentices each year. We have dedicated centres in Chesterfield, Derby, Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham, supporting our provision nationwide. We work with over 1,900 different employers ranging from sole traders and SMEs to national companies and global brands. In the past two years we have provided apprenticeships and other work-based training to Nestle, Bombardier, the Post Office, Royal Mail, the NHS, Balfour Beatty, Tarmac and Derbyshire County Council.

About us



“The Chesterfield College Group has much to be proud of, and continues to strive for the highest possible standards in everything we do. I am sure you will agree that the successes of our students, the benefits we bring to local and national businesses, and the strong partnerships we hold within our community, are evidence of our achievements so far. I am looking forward to working with Corporation Board colleagues, alongside the College Leadership Team, to continue our journey to become outstanding in all that we do.”

Frank Smith OBE, Chair of Chesterfield College Corporation.

7

Last year our student achievements were more than 2% higher than the national average for colleges. Our 16-18 year old students outperformed the national average by 2.1%, and our adult students achievement was 2.9% higher. Our apprentices outperformed the national average for apprenticeship providers by 5.4%, with apprentices at our specialist engineering centre in Derby outperforming other providers by over 15%.

The vast majority of our students who complete their course progress into a positive destination. 99% of all students following a full-time study programme either progressed into employment or further study. 94% of apprentices progressed into employment or further study, with 92% remaining in employment at the end of their apprenticeship.

“Welcome to our prospectus for business excellence in 2017/18 and our strategic commitments to our

students and customers. We are exceptionally proud of the education business we have developed and I am excited by the potential we have to further strengthen our organisation, delivering the highest standards of education and training and ensuring we are equipped

for a bright future.”

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief ExecutiveThe Chesterfield College Group

We benefit over 10,000

students each year

We work with over

1,900 employers

We offer over 80 career

pathways

STRATEGIC PLAN 2017/18 9


Our mission, vision and values

10

Our mission:

“Inspiring futures, changing lives”

Our vision:

“To be recognised locally and nationally as an outstanding college by the students, employers and communities we serve.”

Our culture and values:

The Chesterfield College Group is an education business with the needs of our customers at the centre of our vision, our plans and our day-to-day operations. We respond positively to the needs of our students and customers, welcome everyone with a positive attitude, and strive for excellence in everything we do. We care about our organisation, our customers and each other, and take great pride in the respect, trust, honesty and care we share within our learning community.

To ensure that we always meet the highest standards of customer service excellence, we value, develop and celebrate:

• Teamwork• Respect• Positivity• Praise and thanks• Communication• Role modelling

We believe that our students and customers should enjoy an outstanding experience, developing knowledge, skills and behaviours during their learning to equip them for success in their chosen careers. We believe that all staff should contribute to improving the experience we provide to our students and customers, treating everyone on an equal basis whilst celebrating diversity. We believe the college should be a safe and welcoming place to study and work, and provide a place that promotes ambition, progress and achievement for all.


We provide more than just education at Chesterfield College. Our programmes prepare every individual for their next step in life, whether that’s getting a job, gaining a promotion or going on to university. We provide an outstanding learning environment that encompasses work experience and embraces a culture of enterprise. Students can access support at every step of their learning journey from initial expression of interest to reaching their end goal.

Our Xtra team provides an innovative and exciting enrichment programme, giving students the opportunity to broaden their experiences and get involved in a range of activities, including sport, clubs, societies and trips. Student Futures provides a comprehensive wraparound support service that ensures students are fully engaged with their learning throughout their time in college, preparing them for and resulting in a positive destination once they leave. This includes study support and an open door for any student who has concerns.

Our programmes offer access to a broad choice of careers and employment opportunities, with courses from entry level to degrees, full and part-time. There is something to suit everyone.

We have well established and strong relationships with a number of universities, including Sheffield Hallam University, Staffordshire University and the University of Derby, delivering nearly 50 higher level programmes, including degrees and higher apprenticeships. The college has delivered higher education in the town for over 40 years.

We work closely with our local authorities and are highly regarded for our specialist provision for students with higher needs, including our partnerships with local employers to provide students with supported internships. We build strong and lasting relationships with businesses to deliver everything from pre-employment training through our sector-based work academies, recruitment support and apprenticeship training, to the development of new and bespoke apprenticeship standards.

We deliver a wide range of bespoke training packages which can be tailored to employers needs. Our offer includes technical training for MOT Testers, Electricians and Engineers, Health and Safety programmes such as IOSH and NEBOSH, mandatory training for many sectors and a flexible offer of leadership and management development programmes. We continue to innovate and develop our offer with new programmes and ways of delivering skills training across England.

Our offer to students and customers


STRATEGIC PLAN 2017 13STRATEGIC PLAN 2017/18 13

“All of the students involved stepped up to the challenge and conducted themselves brilliantly. We had some superb entries and choosing a winning design was not an easy task.”

Emily Williams, Senior Economic Development Officer at Chesterfield Borough Council

Jade Bright, graphic design student and winner of a logo design competition held in 2017. Chesterfield College students were tasked with designing a logo and branding for the council to use as part of the launch of the Apprenticeship Town initiative.

The college employs over 850 staff across our centres in Chesterfield, Derby, Nottingham, Birmingham and Manchester. Every member of staff is committed to delivering the very best service to our customers and the best possible experience to our students and apprentices.

Who we are


The first Chesterfield College Group staff awards took place in 2017. The event was organised, ran and judged by the college’s own business students, who decided on the categories, winners and format of the event. Staff from across the group went home with awards and prizes donated by suppliers.

“Piers demonstrates a real passion and enthusiasm for his role. His warm and approachable attitude undoubtedly has a positive impact on current students and the recruitment of new ones. He’s a great ambassador for the college.”

Nomination for ‘Exceptional Contribution to Student Experience’winner.

Piers Ching, Digital Technologies Tutor, receives his staff award from Ashley Booker, Head of Content at

Johnston Press.

Staff Awards recognise the dedication and innovation of Chesterfield College Group employees


Developing the skills and knowledge of talented staff

Scarlett, a Work-Based Tutor with Learning Unlimited, decided to study a Certificate of Education at Chesterfield College to further develop her teaching ability and open up a range of opportunities for her career development in the future.

“It has been really beneficial for me to study for a teaching qualification while working at the college. What I’ve learned on my course has had a direct and positive impact on the learners I teach.”

Scarlett Brocksopp, Work-Based Tutor, Learning Unlimited

In 2017, students and staff from Fabrication and Welding celebrated being named as a Showcase Centre for the third consecutive year by awarding body ABC. This prestigious award recognises high quality teaching, learning and assessment and the sharing of best practice, which ultimately ensures students are provided with a learning experience that prepares them for their future career paths.

“We strive to ensure that the work we do here directly contributes to the development of a highly-skilled, local workforce. It’s a real achievement to know that our approach to teaching and learning has been recognised as best practice.” Ray Peet, Career Pathway Leader for Fabrication and Welding

College staff receive their Showcase Centre

award from ABC.

Fabrication and Welding department named as Showcase Centre

Our students are at the heart of our business. Every year, The Chesterfield College Group celebrates the achievements of thousands of students and works with over 1,900 employers, adding value to their businesses through apprenticeship training partnerships.

As an education business, we will ensure that we are always financially sound and equipped to flourish, enabling us to invest in our staff, our resources and our infrastructure.

Our Strategic Intent

Over the next year, we will commit to further improvement of our offer in each of our 5 key performance areas:

What we will achieve together


Studentsand

Customers

PeopleProgress

Performance

PositionProsperity

For each of these key areas of our business, we have set out a clear strategic intent, our vision for excellence and our commitments to improving, developing and innovating over the next 12 months. We will measure our success against clear, challenging outcomes and share our performance against these on a regular basis.


Our commitment to developing our people, creating a workforce with the knowledge, skills and commitment to deliver outstanding services for our students.

Highly-skilled, professional and creative staff continually support our students, employers and the wider community to develop skills and maximise potential within a supportive, aspirational and entrepreneurial environment.

Strategic intent: Customer excellence, talented people, outstanding services

Commitments for 2017/18

1.1 To develop and implement a relevant and dynamic workforce development plan, equipping all staff with outstanding skills and knowledge.

1.2 To develop a ‘one college’ culture, promoting mutual respect and high aspirations for all through effective leadership, support and communication.

1.3 To develop and implement a framework for measuring and improving customer service excellence that delivers outstanding services to students and stakeholders, and has a positive impact on the outcomes we achieve.

Outcomes

1. At least 95% of our students will express satisfaction with college services.

2. Through our customer excellence self-assessment process, at least 90% of our departments will be graded as good or outstanding.


1. People


“I had a brilliant lecturer who allowed me to develop and experiment, which meant I could practice new techniques. I learned skills at college I had never seen before and then put them into practice in a commercial environment.”

James Greatorex, catering student and 2016 Young Chef of the Year at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, is now working at Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck restaurant in Berkshire.

High quality teaching and learning, a rich and diverse offer for students to undertake wider learning, experience of the world of work and the development of employability skills (including maths and English) will be at the heart of our plans to ensure that every student reaches their potential.

Our innovative student and employer-driven curriculum will provide the technical and professional skills needed to be successful in the workplace, and our drive for excellence will ensure that students maximise their potential to achieve high grades.

Strategic intent: Developing skills, achieving excellence, inspiring success


2. Performance


2.1 To develop high quality, relevant work experience opportunities to equip our students with the skills demanded by employers.

2.2 To develop a teaching and learning infrastructure for maths and English which allows students to develop their skills and enables them to meet national standards.

2.3 To recognise the outstanding performance of our students and staff and celebrate achievement.

Outcomes

• Achievement rates for our classroom based provision will be at least 86.5%.

• Achievement rates for our work based provision will be at least 75%.

• Achievement rates for our maths and English provision will be at least 80%.

• Through our self-assessment process, at least 90% of our curriculum areas will be graded as good or outstanding.


“After raising my children I wanted to get back into education and gain the qualifications needed for a career in mental health social work. After completing an Access course and foundation degree at college, I’m now going to university to gain a full degree and start my new career.”

Sarah Shirley, psychology and health studies student who has been asked to present the findings from her second-year research project to NHS London and at the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Responding to the needs of our students and wider community by ensuring our provision provides pathways to employment, further or higher education. We will directly align our offer to the skills requirements of employers and needs of the local and regional economy, enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness.

Our continued growth and the development of new services will be based on high quality and the strong relationships we have with our community and stakeholders.

Strategic intent: Responsive, ambitious, educational business


3.1 To develop strategic partnerships with our employers and wider community to become the ‘first choice provider’ for learning and skills.

3.2 To create employer advisory boards in each sector area that engage all of our stakeholders in the development of our curriculum offer and the design of new programmes.

3.3 To develop clear strategies to ensure that our offer is shaped by local priorities, employers and our stakeholders, and secures our education business by responding to the objectives of new and emerging government policy.

Outcomes

• We will enrol and support at least 10,500 students in 2017/18.

• We will provide support to at least 2,000 employers in 2017/18.

• At least 95% of our employers will express satisfaction with college services.


3. Position


“The partnership with Learning Unlimited has

enabled us to deliver a high quality work-based learning

provision which meets our aims of developing a

workforce for the future, as well as improving our ability to respond to other training needs in the organisation.”

Kirsty Norman, HR Leadership and Talent Officer at the Derbyshire

Constabulary.

Learning Unlimited has supported over 30 apprenticeships in business

administration, team leading, customer service and management for new recruits and existing staff within the Constabulary.

Creating a sustainable platform for our financial health, providing safety and security for our future organisation, and providing funds to support our future plans. We will ensure that we are able to invest in our resources and technology to provide an outstanding experience for all our students and stakeholders, allowing them to flourish and maximise their potential.

Our wider strategy will ensure that we develop and engage students and employers in learning opportunities that support our prosperity.

Strategic intent: Financially sound, equipped to flourish


4. Prosperity


4.1 To achieve a strong and stable financial position, generating sufficient cash to re-invest in our organisation’s infrastructure so that we can provide an outstanding student experience.

4.2 To invest in curriculum design, flexible and high quality online learning resources and innovative ways to deliver to all our students.

4.3 To develop our strategy for income diversification and commercial growth.

Outcomes

• We will generate a profit of at least 2.75%, allowing us to reinvest in our business.

• We will manage our pay costs/income ratio to not exceed 65%.

• We will ensure our total debt does not exceed 20% of income.


“Having our apprentices secure medals at such a high profile competition is testament to their commitment, drive and the support and guidance they receive from employers and tutors.”

Julie Richards, Principal and CEO – The Chesterfield College Group

Automotive Body Repair Apprentice Mike Massey, of Alton Cars in Ashbourne, won a gold medal at the WorldSkills UK competition in 2016. He now has the opportunity to represent the UK at the international stage of the competition in 2019, held in Russia.

A shared ambition to ensure all students aim high, succeed and prosper to the best of their ability in education, work and life. A high performing culture which fosters the development of a network of educational and training excellence, raising aspirations, tracking progress and providing support where needed.

Our teachers will educate and inspire students to reach further and maximise their potential during and beyond their programme of study.

Strategic intent: Driving ambition, enabling progression, maximising potential


5. Progress


5.1 To maximise every individual’s potential by raising ambitions through clear, challenging individualised planning for learning for every student.

5.2 To work with every member of teaching staff to ensure that teaching and learning provides the stretching and challenging higher level knowledge and skills that our students will need in order to achieve their best.

5.3 To develop and implement strategies to ensure a positive progression for every student.

Outcomes

• We will achieve a value-added score for maths and English progress for 16-18 year olds of at least the national average.

• We will achieve a value-added score of 6 for our graded Level 3 provision.

• We will ensure at least 97% of our students gain a positive destination following the completion of their course.

• We will ensure 70% of our full-time students progress to a higher level of study, including higher education.


“The business units available in West Studios provide an ideal place for me to be creative, develop my business skills and see my ideas come to fruition. It provides a perfect stepping stone from college student to entrepreneur.”

April Spence, former fashion student and now owner of ethical and sustainable clothing company Blue Oxen.

April is based in one of the college’s business incubation units designed to help former students launch their own business.

Chesterfield is the largest town in Derbyshire, sitting centrally between the major cities of Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham, with a population of 104,000 residents.

Our community


• 76.4% of residents are economically active, compared to 77.8% nationally.

• 52.3% of the working population in Chesterfield are qualified at Level 3 or above compared to the national average of 56.9%.

• 31.3% of the working population in Chesterfield are qualified at Level 4 or above compared to the national average of 38.2%.

• Gross weekly pay for full-time workers in Chesterfield is £504.40 compared to the national average of £541.00.

• Chesterfield has a job density of 0.81, slightly below the national figure but higher than the East Midlands.

• 1.9% claim out-of-work benefits, compared to 2% nationally, however the proportion of claimants who are 18-24 is higher at 3.9%, compared to 2.8% nationally.

• Chesterfield employs 53,000 people, with the highest proportion of jobs in human health and social work activities and the retail and wholesale trade.

• There are 3,275 businesses in Chesterfield, 85.2% are micro businesses (less than 10 employees).

• With more than £1bn of investment happening in Chesterfield over the next 10 years, there is much for us to be excited about.

Developments such as Chesterfield Waterside, Peak Resort, Northern Gateway and Markham Vale are forecast to create more than 4,000 jobs in the area, providing great opportunities for our young people.

The proposed development of HS2 would also have a positive impact on the growth of the local area, bringing reduced journey times to London and Birmingham, encouraging growth in the local economy and, in turn, creating further job opportunities.


“We were extremely excited to be involved in such a creative and inspiring competition brief that was accessible to all our secondary school students and showcased the next generation of artists.”

Melanie Tice, Head of Art at Outwood Academy Newbold

Becky Cox and Michael Thompson from Outwood Academy Newbold – winners at this year’s Young Artists of the Year competition hosted by Chesterfield College and open to local artists aged 11-18.

Chesterfield College sits within two LEPs: Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (D2N2) and Sheffield City Region (SCR) and plays a key role in supporting the skills needs of both areas. With our wider apprenticeship business, we also support the Greater Manchester and Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEPs as well as apprentices working for some of largest employers across England.

The 39 LEPs across the country are key to determining local economic priorities and leading economic growth and job creation within their areas. Skills development is key to growth, social mobility and improving our economy.

We work closely with both Local Enterprise Partnerships to support the implementation of their development plans and priorities, which include:

Working with ourstrategic partners

1. Ensure new businesses receive the support they need to flourish.

2. Facilitate and proactively support growth amongst existing firms.

3. Attract investment from other parts of the UK and overseas, and improve our brand.

4. Increase sales of SCR’s goods

and services to other parts of the UK and abroad.

5. Develop the SCR skills base, labour mobility and education performance.

6. Secure investment in infrastructure where it will do the most to support growth.

In Sheffield City Region (SCR):

In Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (D2N2)


1. Develop sector growth agreements to make explicit ownership and shared responsibilities for investment, ICT, labour market intelligence and impact measures.

2. Improve business leadership, management skills and training needs analysis to help increase

productivity and performance.

3. Promote and develop apprenticeships and traineeships to achieve higher level skills and improve social mobility.

4. Foster enterprise and the characteristics of entrepreneurial behaviour, career adaptability and resilience.

Both regions have similar priorities for developing skills in specific sectors, including advanced manufacturing, construction, creative and digital industries, financial and business services, healthcare technologies, low carbon, transport and logistics, retail, sport, leisure and tourism and the visitor economy. Our curriculum offer is aligned to these priorities, and we continue to provide new and innovative programmes to enable new students to develop the skills that are most needed in our local economy.

We work closely with and have strategic links with a wide range of organisations, including Destination Chesterfield, local councils and Members of Parliament, chambers of commerce, universities, schools, training providers and local and national employers.

We will continue to develop innovative relationships with schools and otherproviders to further enhance the development of skills in our region, includingthe ongoing development of our strategic relationships with our university partners.


5. Raise the visibility of and access to career insights and specialist careers support for young people and adults to raise aspirations, participation, retention and achievement in learning and work.

6. Promote graduate recruitment and facilitate graduate retention in the region.


Our main campus is near the town centre of Chesterfield, with over 40,000 sqm of space dedicated to facilities for students; including the Heartspace (our student social area), learning resource centres, fitness centre, restaurant, refectory and on-site Costa Coffee. Our students and apprentices have access to specialist learning spaces for:

• Art, graphics, media and photography• Beauty therapy• Bricklaying and plastering• Carpentry and joinery• Catering and hospitality• Children’s and young people’s workforce development• Digital technologies, gaming, and IT networks• Fabrication and welding• Fashion• Hairdressing• Health and social care• Mechanical and electrical engineering• Painting and decorating• Performing arts• Plumbing• Sport and sports therapy• Travel and tourism• Vehicle accident repair• Vehicle technology

As well as our facilities on our main campus, we have:

• A newly-built construction centre• A dedicated automotive repair centre at Lockoford Lane in Chesterfield• State of the art sports facilities at Queen’s Park Sports Centre• A specialist engineering centre in Derby• Apprenticeship centres in Manchester, Derby, Birmingham and Nottingham• Autism Centre

Our facilities

The Taste café, restaurant and bistro, run by the college’s catering students, are open during term time to staff, students and the public with a range of delicious lunches and snacks. You can also attend one of the many charity theme nights for dinner, drinks and the opportunity to raise money for charity.


We have a number of individual businesses within the organisation which provide a wealth of real work experience opportunities for our students, as well as providing services to our local community.

Our businesses

Taste Café, Restaurant and Bistro

If you fancy treating yourself to a new haircut or beauty treatment you can head to our on-site salon which is run by our hair and beauty students and their tutors. Whether you’re after a massage or a manicure, our students will give you a professional service and treatment for a fraction of the price you pay at high street salons.

Looks Salon


Our on-site travel centre gives you the opportunity to book a holiday while you’re at college. Whether you fancy a Greek island escape or a shopping trip to New York, our qualified staff will find you the best deals on the market.

Explore Travel Centre

We have our very own fitness centre at our main campus which is available to all our students and staff as well as the general public, providing a great opportunity to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle. With a cardio suite, weights room, fitness classes and even personal trainers, it offers everything you need to stay in shape. Our students and staff also have access to state of the art facilities at the new, purpose-built Queen’s Park Sport Centre.

Active Gym


We have a specialist approved Apprenticeship Training Agency, which offers a unique approach to the recruitment of apprentices. Our ATA is specifically designed to support employers who cannot currently commit to employing an apprentice for the full period. Apprentices are employed directly by ourselves and placed with a host employer, this benefits both the employer and the apprentice. Apprentices have the security of employment and are able to gain valuable work experience from a number of different placements.

Apprenticeship Training Agency

West Studios provides a creative space for the community, offering an inspiring and contemporary atmosphere. We have studio spaces shared with 17 creative businesses, providing an ideal environment for start-ups. With a fully equipped meeting room and flexible ‘drop in studio’, West Studios offers competitive room hire options to businesses and community groups. The large, informal reception area allows visitors to relax with a hot drink and browse the handmade gallery shop full of high quality, unique gifts and cards from local artists.

West Studios


Chesterfield College

Infirmary RoadChesterfieldS41 7NG

01246 [email protected]

/ChesterfieldCollegeOfficial

@ChesterfieldAC

Learning Unlimited

0345 [email protected]

/LearningUnlimitedUK

@LearningUnltdUK

ChesterfieldInfirmary Road,Chesterfield,S41 7NG

ManchesterBarnett House,Fountain Street,Manchester,M2 2AN

Derby15-21 Royal Scot Road,Pride Park,Derby,DE24 8AJ

Nottingham15 CastlegateNottinghamNG1 7AQ

BirminghamChamber of Commerce House,75 Harborne Road,Edgbaston,Birmingham,B15 3DH

Contact us


Chesterfield CollegeInfirmary RoadChesterfieldS41 7NG

01246 500500www.chesterfield.ac.uk

Documents

Strategic Plan 2017/18 - Chesterfield · his staff award from Ashley Booker, Head of Content at Johnston Press. Staff Awards recognise the dedication and innovation of Chesterfield