Staff Enjoy Professional Development Week at Chelmsford College

As the academic year comes to an end and learners are off for the summer term, the staff at Chelmsford College enjoyed their Professional Development Week (PDW) from the 30th June – 4th July. The week allowed all staff to upskill and develop professionally while also ensuring they take time for their wellbeing, with a dedicated Well Fest held on the Wednesday. PDW also ended on a high with an all-staff barbecue and Awards Ceremony hosted at St John's Church on the Friday, which helped the College recognise and thank its hard-working team.

The professional development activities focused on ensuring the academic team are best prepared to help the learners and their own workflow, with sessions including “Developing Learner Resilience” and “Best Practice: Data Savvy Leadership.” Some staff members also took up the opportunity to undertake Mental Health First Aid Training. These sessions highlight the College’s ongoing commitment to training and upskilling its staff, ensuring that the learners and staff all work in a safe and successful environment.

Aside from the professional activities, Chelmsford College ensured staff enjoyed the week with its annual day dedicated to wellbeing, aka Well Fest. From learning an Indian head massage and rock painting to friendship bracelet making and foot massage treatments, there was a full schedule that all staff could book onto. The itinerary catered for everyone with sessions also including yoga, football and an introduction to British Sign Language, to name just a few! Well Fest helped bring the staff community together for a different cause, which could definitely be felt across both campuses through the positive atmosphere. The College felt incredibly appreciative towards the various staff members who kindly offered their talent to host these activities and workshops, making Well Fest a success.

Concluding the week was the Staff Awards and barbecue, which wrapped up the week on a triumphant note. All staff gathered together at the local church to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work and determination of its staff with awards. The tasty barbecue, kindly catered for by the College’s refectory team, also went down a treat with staff ending the week on a high.

Chelmsford College looks forward to future PDWs and opportunities to recognise and upskill its staff and remains dedicated to being an employer who cares.