College staff receive national recognition at House of Lords

The big picture: Progress tutors Liam and Rosie were both nominated for 'Good for Me - Good for FE' awards, a campaign that promotes volunteering and fundraising activities in further education.

The details:

• Liam was shortlisted for a 'long service award', recognising four years of social action projects including a music concert highlighting arts funding
• Rosie was a finalist for 'inspirational role model of the year' for initiatives including a student-led thrift shop raising money for Lighthouse Women's Aid and The Bush Shelter in Ipswich
• Both received runners-up plaques and certificates at the ceremony

What they're saying: "It was great that the work that we do is happening all over the country. It's all supporting young people to make positive change in their communities," said Liam. "The fact that we were the only college from the Eastern region to be recognised at this event was an honour."

Rosie added: "It was a nice opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded people working in the same sector as us and hear about some of the inspirational work that is taking place in further education. It has inspired me to go away and do more work like this in the future."

A college on a mission: During the same week, Principal and CEO Alan Pease attended the Association of Colleges winter parliamentary reception in the Cholmondsley Room of the House of Lords, where the organisation launched its 'mission accepted' paper and met with local MPs Jack Abbott and Adrian Ramsey.

The paper outlines how colleges can contribute to government priorities including meeting skills needs and helping students become good citizens.

What's next: Suffolk New College will unveil its new strategy on 17 January, outlining how it plans to enhance its support for local people, charities and businesses while contributing to these national education priorities.

The bottom line: As staff receive national recognition for their community initiatives, the college is preparing to build on these successes with a new strategy focused on driving positive change in the community.