The recent focus on stress-related problems by Patrick Nash (TES, December 15) and Chris Howe (TES, January 5) in schools has equal relevance in further education. Since 1993 substantial powers have devolved to college principals and previous local authority checks can be missed. Duty of care sometimes receives lip service only.
Support measures should be in place fr all staff. Accidents can happen, especially where danger signals are ignored. Governors tend to rely on a single line of communication. They should become more involved with day-to-day management issues in order to ensure the “organisational health” of the institution.
Tony Sweetland
Ex-head of faculty, Bexley College Riverhead
Sevenoaks, Kent
