Luminate Education Group unequivocally condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the terrible suffering and loss of life it is causing.
We stand in solidarity with all of the Ukrainians who are enduring this war, including the millions who have been forced to flee their homeland and seek refuge in other countries.
As an education provider, we cherish the values of diversity, inclusion and tolerance that are at the heart of democratic societies which respect the dignity of the individual and freedom of thought and expression. Indeed, celebrating individuality and respecting others are part of the group’s core principles.
It is such values that authoritarianism and its consequences, of which this unprovoked invasion is a shockingly stark example, seeks to destroy.
We are also painfully aware that this crisis is far from an isolated event. Instead, it is the latest – and from our European perspective, due to its proximity and severity, most shocking – example of a wider and ongoing pattern of conflict that has created refugees around the world.
Whenever such crises arise it is vital that we respond with compassion and conviction, while continuing to uphold and defend our values.
And so it is now when we realise that many parts of our member colleges, and wider, community are being affected by the events in Ukraine and will need our support. That includes our Russian students, many of whom will be opposed to the war, and all of whom – of course – have a right to feel respected and safe.
In terms of what we are doing specifically, the group:
Is providing information and advice resources, including details on how to support refugees, via its Student Information Hub
Is putting our Ukrainian students, especially those who are being taught online, in touch with each other
Our students’ union has started a campaign, Us Against War, and is organising a number of fundraising activities to help UNICEF support victims of the invasion.
And we are spreading awareness about collections of items for transportation to Poland, to help Ukrainian refugees.
Leeds Conservatoire was the first confirmed working partner for Black Lives in Music (BLiM), and has now been working with BLiM for over a year.
This vital campaign organisation seeks to address the inequalities facing Black people in achieving careers as artists or professionals in the music industry, through research and advocacy. Black Lives in Music aims to bring together organisations and musicians to work towards the same goal: dismantling structural racism in the industry.
Leeds Conservatoire was first introduced to BLiM through Jazz Programme Leader Jamil Sheriff who currently sits on the BLiM leadership team.
Since then, the partnership with BLiM has helped inform and develop important work that the conservatoire is now engaged in. The organisation has consulted with Leeds Conservatoire’s Programme Leaders on how to achieve better representation in music repertoire, guest artists, and visiting staff.
In the past year Black Lives in Music has worked with multiple teams across the conservatoire on topics ranging from improving inclusivity in staff and student recruitment approaches to diversity awareness training.
https://youtu.be/EaATA-W2IMg
Roger Wilson, Director of Operations at BLiM, expressed his thoughts on the partnership:
“It’s been great to work with Leeds Conservatoire as part of their EDI change programme. Black Lives in Music are proud to say that Leeds Conservatoire were our very first confirmed working partner. Our work together has helped to inform the important work that the conservatoire is now engaged in. The EDI Change team completed an impressive report that our work feeds into. The offer of pastoral support for students of colour through safe space sessions, reviewing student and staff recruitment procedures, review of curriculum and decolonising of spaces are all headline activities, but there has been so much more going on.
“The inclusive practice work of all conservatoires is crucial to better representation and culture change in the wider ecology of the sector. We have been pleased to have been brought into a number of conversations with likeminded arts organisations courtesy of Leeds Conservatoire.
“We must be realistic about change-making; discrimination and prejudice have been an issue for hundreds of years. Reprogramming and changing how we think and act takes time. I’m heartened by the huge amount of work undertaken by the conservatoire to lead on change and look forward to a rich and fruitful collaboration between our organisations.”
Students studying English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Public Services and Joinery, have provided their support for Ukraine refugees at a local community hub, The Good Shepherd Centre.
The centre has been working hard to collect items which are urgently needed for refugees, who are seeking asylum in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Moldova and Romania.
The learners have been helping to sort out the donations, including toiletries, first aid items, activity packs and sleeping equipment. These items will be transported to churches and other charities on the Polish border.
The important work being done at The Good Shepherd Centre appeared on ITV Calendar News, where the learners spoke about the necessity of supporting those less fortunate than us.
Keighley College has joined forces with local rugby league team, Keighley Cougars, to give young people an introduction to life as a professional rugby league player.
The partnership will see the college supporting Keighley Cougars’ innovative new Elite Talent Pathway; a performance programme aimed at young males aged 11 to 16. They will get the chance to train in an environment with professional support, learning and improving skills which they can take back to their local community clubs. The programme will aim to operate three development squads being U/12’s, U/14’s and U/16’s. Each team will get the opportunity to play matches against other teams from professional clubs.
Focused on supporting the development of young players and creating a performance pathway, the programme enables members of the community to gain access to professional rugby league coaching encompassing skills assessments, progress reports and education based on nutrition and lifestyle choices.
Claire Fitzgerald, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Growth at Keighley College, said: “We pride ourselves on being a community-led college, so partnering with a historically renowned club which inspires many local young people is a phenomenal opportunity. We’ll be working collaboratively on community projects, while proudly sponsoring the playing and training kits.
“Keighley is a town bursting with talented young individuals, and we’re determined to help fuel their ambitions to become skilled rugby players. In the coming years, we hope to work closely with Keighley Cougars in setting up a development academy, whereby young people aged 16 to 19 years old can develop their rugby skills.”
Andrew Henderson, Head of Rugby at Keighley Cougars, added: “Keighley College shares our vision for providing better opportunities for young people in Keighley, which is why we’re thrilled to have them on board as our major sponsor. We hope to not only support players in their journey to becoming professional players, but also provide them with the best educational opportunities alongside this which can be offered at the college.
“We’re determined to inspire the wider community through this initiative, as our players will take a wealth of knowledge and performance skills back to their local teams. Next year, our goal is to extend our programme to girls in the area.”
The programme will be launching officially in Spring 2022.
Leeds Conservatoire is delighted to announce that it has appointed a new Chair to the Board of Directors – Carolyn Lord.
Carolyn, a solicitor, has spent all of her life in Leeds and Yorkshire. In a career spanning over 30 years, she has advised on some of the most significant development schemes in Leeds, as well as projects across the UK, and has been appointed to external roles to deal with areas of governance of local authorities in West Yorkshire. She is also a trustee of Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
With nine years as a governor at Leeds Trinity University and a further two years as a member of the Board at Leeds Conservatoire, Carolyn is passionate about opening up the opportunities of Higher Education (HE) to the widest diversity of students and helping to ensure the long-term success of specialist HE institutions that add to the region’s cultural richness.
In addition, Carolyn has a life-long love of music which she has passed on to her three sons. She has sung in many choirs and was a founder member of St Peter’s Singers in Leeds in her teenage years. She has also sung in or been associated with Leeds Cathedral Choir since the 1980s.
Carolyn says, “It is my privilege to take on the role of Chair of the Board of Leeds Conservatoire at this time when the importance of providing opportunities for talented young people to flourish is so necessary. I am looking forward to playing a part in strengthening the prominence of the conservatoire for Leeds on the international stage and supporting the work of its dedicated and creative staff team.”
Professor Joe Wilson, Principal at Leeds Conservatoire, adds,“Carolyn brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to Leeds Conservatoire and I’m sure that she will be an absolute asset as Chair of the Board. I am pleased to welcome her to this pivotal role.”
On 8 March, people all over the world come together to celebrate International Women’s Day. This day highlights the struggles of gender equality and brings people together to help combat this.
It’s a chance to take action, and raise awareness of the economic, political and social achievements of women across the world.
What is the theme this year?
Bias and discrimination have been holding women back for centuries. This year’s official theme is #BreakTheBias, which looks at how we can collectively break the bias and misconceptions in the interest of creating a gender-equal and inclusive world.
You can get involved with the #BreakTheBias campaign by sending in photos of yourself with crossed arms as seen in the below image, or taking a selfie with one of the pledge cards, which you can download here to show your support.
Events
Luminate Education Group is celebrating International Women’s Day by introducing ‘Leaders of Luminate’; a series of talks and interviews with female or non-binary leaders across Luminate Education Group. This will start on International Women’s Day and continue weekly for six weeks. To attend, sign up here.
The group is also launching a Women’s Staff Forum, which is open to anyone who identifies as female or non-binary.
Throughout International Women’s Day, staff across Luminate Education Group are also invited to come along to Leeds Conservatoire’s Café Conversations. These will be hour-long sessions and the conversations will explore a range of topics from navigating a work-life balance, imposter syndrome and authenticity.
Inspirational women
As part of the celebration, we asked women leaders across the group about who they admire.
Ann-Marie Spry, Group Vice Principal – Curriculum and Adults, said: “My biggest inspiration was my mum, Elieen, who was an amazing forward-thinking woman. She was strong, resilient and exposed me to culture, diversity and social responsibility from an early age. As I get older, I recognise her sacrifices and determination to ensure my brother and I had a well-rounded formal and informal education.
“When I was younger, I wanted to be the modern day Marie Curie; a woman in a male-dominated world in science and medicine. In my earlier career as a teacher in science and health, I had an amazing mentor called Barbara Tindale, who was one of the best teachers I’ve ever known. She had the ability to bring out the best in everyone around her, and was a true diplomat ahead of her time. My career would not have been the same without her patience, time and inspiration.
“I’m also inspired by everyday people who are strong, brave, compassionate and always willing to share their gifts to develop others. I see inspiration in the younger generation too, such as Malala Yousafzai who’s been vocal about education for girls and women, and Greta Thunberg’s unwavering commitment to our environment.”
Gemma Simmons-Blench, Deputy CEO – Curriculum and Quality, added: “My 19 year old step daughter, Molly, is my inspiration. I’ve known her since she was seven and for part of her early life she was extremely unwell, meaning she missed at least 50% of primary school. This meant she had to play catch up all through secondary school. Despite a series of operations and coping with an undiagnosed condition for a long time, Molly achieved amazing GCSE and A level results.
“Molly has now gone on to Northumbria University where she is studying a psychology degree. Even though Covid-19 caused further disruptions to her education, she has made an amazing start, making new friends and fully engaging with uni life. Molly has handled every situation with integrity, showing true strength in character. Myself and our family are so proud of her and in awe of her confident and positive spirit.
“With a placement during her second year secured, we can’t wait to see what Molly takes on next. She is an inspiration to me and our family.”
How do you think we can break the bias in education?
Gemma: “As females in education, we all need to be very aware of what the issues are with gender biases, so we can always proactively acknowledge and challenge them. As a group of FE colleges, we strive to be inclusive in every aspect of our organisation and as a result have created a working environment that is truly balanced. As a result of this, we have a duty to instil this view amongst our students, staff as well as other sectors.
“One of the ways we can help break the bias is to have more liaison between education and employers. The FE sector is more advanced in terms of gender balance, but we must use this position to help encourage this thinking more broadly. Wherever possible we should use our networks, connections and influence across key sectors to showcase how gender equality can and should operate in the workplace.
“As a collection of education institutions we take our position as role models for our students and the communities we serve very seriously. Another way we can continue to break down gender bias in education is by ensuring our curriculum and cohort of students remains diverse and inclusive. At Luminate Education Group we’re proud to embed balanced values around gender into our culture and education.”
