Lorraine Collins, Director of Employer Engagement and Employability at Uxbridge College, explained their employer engagement strategy and how groups across the college are involved in the implementation.

Key points of Lorraine's message:

• Curriculum area targets set to support the strategy
• Employer services’ targets look at an increase in employer responsiveness and satisfaction rates
• The communication framework for employer responsiveness is comprehensive and involves various groups including SMT, Governors and Marketing .
• Effective account management using the CRM database
• Audit report monitors staff use
• Marketing is seen as a key player in on going Customer Relationship Management
• Staff Governor as CRM champion, attends CRM Action Group
• Dissemination through a regular  e-bulletin to all staff which includes CRM update and user of the month reward

The aim is to build on the success of achieving  the  Training Quality Standard Part A and pursue TQS Part Bs in agreed curriculum areas

View Lorraine's presentation

The second  presentation from Ian Mcdonald  (Head of Information and Learning Technology - Westminister Kingsway College) focused on use of  the “Interactive Web”  to deliver a curriculum to several employers,  including a  foundation degree  to Army chefs working in different locations around the world.

The key points from Ian’s presentation:

•  demand for flexible delivery led to looking at the “interactive web” as a feasible method
•  challenges for staff, learners and use of technology  were identified  and overcome
•  all delivery and support via the web and VLE – training on using the IT also done remotely
•  students’  experience was very positive despite some technology issues.
•  useful lessons  learnt to inform  future developments

View Ian's presentation