Aiming for the top
The mismatch between the proportion of women in further education as managers (60 per cent) and principals (36 per cent) will be examined at the conference of the Women’s Leadership Conference next month.
The second annual conference, in London on June 10, will discuss how to ensure the selection process for principals is fair.
Workshops will cover human resources policies, mentoring, leadership style and CV writing. Speakers include Penny de Valk, chief executive of the Institute of Leadership and Management, and Sara Thornton, chief constable of Thames Valley Police.
www.wlnfe.org.uk
Boosting productivity
The City amp; Guilds Centre for Skills Development is looking to Switzerland for perspectives on how skills can improve productivity.
A free seminar on July 1, featuring Professor Stefan Wolter of the University of Berne, will examine the evidence as to whether employers get a return on investing in skills, how employer engagement can be encouraged and the barriers to it.
The seminar, organised by the research arm of the City amp; Guilds awarding body, will take place at the Swiss Embassy in London.
www.skillsdevelopment.org
Entrepreneur’s advice
Levi Roots, the creator of Reggae Reggae Sauce who shot to fame on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den television show, dropped in to Croydon College to give advice to A-level and Btec business studies students last week.
The Jamaican-born musician and chef performed the signature song that won over the Dragons, and told them: “There is a big difference between getting motivated and staying motivated. The former is easy, but staying motivated is much more difficult.”
Prince Philip award
Lee Davies, deputy chief executive at the Institute for Learning, was honoured at Buckingham Palace this week for his outstanding contribution to vocational training and development.
Mr Davies, who started as a plumber before becoming a lecturer at Highbury College in Portsmouth, received a highly commended certificate as part of the Prince Philip Medal awards, presented by the Duke of Edinburgh in his capacity as president of the City amp; Guilds of London Institute.
