Back to the Floor with Chelmsford College Staff
In what is now an annual event for Chelmsford College, all staff members completed a "Back to the Floor Day" (BttFD) on the 4th April 2025. This meant all staff left the college for the day to remain up-to-date with industry standards and knowledge or partake in volunteering projects to give back to the community. Whether it was visiting their counterpart at another college, going back to their original industries or taking up dog walking, staff gained meaningful experiences and made a positive impact.
Of those who visited other educational institutions to exchange advice and increase skills, were David Warnes, the Principal and CEO of Chelmsford College, who visited Leeds City College and took part in the FEC’s Just One More Thing event. Over 17 staff members visited Colchester Institute including the Debs Hurst who is the Deputy Principal of Finance and Corporate Services, the IT team and a Graphics Lecturer. Some of the business department spent their day at Essex Business School wandering their modern picturesque campus while sharing best practice. Notably, Tony Page, a Photography Lecturer, left the country for his BttFD catching a flight all the way to Albania to learn more with diplomats at University Aleksandër Moisiu" Durrës.
Despite the motivating trips made within the education sector, many staff members also used their BttFD as an opportunity to volunteer for meaningful causes, visit local organisations or to go back to industry for the day. Impactful examples include the Careers teams’ jampacked day visiting the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and then the College of Esports; the team found the trip significant and time worthy as it allowed them to expand their knowledge whilst seeing firsthand opportunities available to Chelmsford College learners. Debbie Garroway, the Deputy Principal – Curriculum & Quality, made the most of the sunny weather with a trip to Garon Park getting stuck in with their DIY projects and helping give something back to the local community. The Campus Officers and the Principal’s Executive Assistant participated in dog walking for Acresway Boarding & Rehoming Centre who have been caring for dogs for over 25 years! Travel and Tourism staff members visited Stansted Airport and the Cricket Ground making for another successful busy day. Meanwhile, some of the INSPIRE team visited local non-profit organisation Kids Inspire to discuss future collaborations while witnessing how they help children and families when they need it most.
Back to the Floor Day continues to be a highlight in the Chelmsford College calendar. It allows staff to gain fresh perspectives and return to their roles re-energised, ready to enhance the student experience with new ideas, skills, and connections.