Another Year Back to the Floor for Chelmsford College Staff
Back to the Floor Day returned for the 4th time for Chelmsford College staff on the 26th March. In what is now a highly anticipated annual event for the College, staff were off timetable for the day spending it volunteering or at other organisations to help them remain up to date with best practices. Staff visited a variety of places ranging from their original industries to other education providers and community-focused companies, all making the day worthwhile and valuable.
Many staff chose to visit other colleges and training providers to share knowledge, which they brought back to Chelmsford College making a positive impact. This included members of the Learner Safeguarding and Wellbeing Team who visited ARU Writtle to discuss all things safeguarding. The team also enjoyed seeing the many animals on campus and speaking to their learners to hear more about their experience studying there. David Warnes, the Principal and CEO of Chelmsford College, spent his day at Construction Training Partnership Ltd who support NEET young people within Essex. David toured the facilities and gained a deeper insight into the important work they do to help young people within the community. USP College were also very kind as they welcomed various Chelmsford College staff members, including the Campus Officer Team, the Director of Learner Experience and Essential Skills and the Lead Life Skills Tutor. The staff reported back on how it was great to collaborate with other local providers to exchange knowledge and skills.
For academic lecturers specifically, some felt their time would be best spent going back to their original industries. This is to remain up to date with sector standards, so upon returning to teach the subject, they can pass the correct industry requirements of today onto learners. This included engineering staff who visited Ilford Greater Anglia Depot. Lince Thomas, a Lecturer in Engineering, said “the visit was very informative and refreshing. It was great to see real industry practices; there is a lot we can bring back and share with our learners to support their learning and progression. I look forward to building more strong links between education and industry.”
Members of the business department visited Chelmsford Crown Court to observe the legal system in action. They witnessed cases unfold and the reality behind courtroom decisions. Staff highlighted how it was a pleasure to stay connected with the industry, not just for their own development, but to ensure they are teaching learners the most relevant and up-to-date knowledge. Similarly, the Learning and Study Centre Team searched book shops and libraries for new ideas to take back to the campus facilities. As well spending their day industry-related, they made extra use of their time by giving back to the community through litter picking too.
They weren’t the only team to litter pick as the Refectory Team also spent the day litter picking making local grounds cleaner and more inviting. Members of the IT and Creative Industries department visited Brentwood Greyhound Trust petting the dogs and hearing about the wonderful rehoming stories. The Estates Team helped refurbish and update Ongar Spots and Social Club, which they’ve now made into a successful annual tradition. All aspects of the community benefitted, even the local wildlife, as the MIS and Systems Team built insect and bird houses. Mandy Greensmith, Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer, visited Sanctus Homeless Café in Chelmsford. Describing Sanctus as “an incredibly worthwhile charity” Mandy said, “it was a privilege to support the vital work they do for those in need within our community” and that she’s “grateful to be part of an organisation that actively encourages giving back.”
Ultimately, it was another successful Back to the Floor Day for Chelmsford College. Staff enjoyed completing community activities and refreshing and updating their knowledge ready to enhance the learner experience with new plans and connections.