Two fabulous years at City of Bristol College

In my last few days of employment at City of Bristol College (CoBC), I reflect on the two great years that I have worked with the team. Two years have gone very fast, although, from memory, I think I was only initially going to be there for three months!

It’s almost two years to the day that I had an interview for City of Bristol College to join on an interim basis as Head of Marketing, and I was happy to be appointed. I was supporting Strode College at the time (also on an interim basis), and for a few weeks, worked with both colleges, until I moved fully to CoBC. I was new to the City, it was an exciting move and 'my bag'. A large FE College, with a challenging role suited me perfectly and I quickly felt at home. I'd really enjoyed interim work, but was very happy to accept a permanent role with CoBC that soon developed into the role of Director of Marketing, Sales and Learner Services and I joined the Senior Leadership Team.?

At this time the pandemic was still impacting upon day-to-day activities, so I continued to commute to Bristol each Sunday afternoon, and return home to, at the time, Manchester, on a Friday evening. The evenings were little fun - a visit to Tesco for food that I could eat easily in my hotel room! I got home at 9pm, just in time for Gogglebox and then left at noon on Sunday, so weekends at home were short. Looking back, I rather enjoyed the weekly commute and my weekly treats from the lovely Gloucester Services.

I remember my first day at CoBC very well. I was very impressed with the facilities, and how helpful many colleagues were, as I navigated my way around the systems and processes. However, a college in a pandemic looses it's heart and it was great when staff and students could return and we got the community back together. I soon made an impact at the College, got fully consumed with the detail of what was needed and enjoyed the challenge from the start.

As I move into my last week at the College, I am experiencing a busy period as I try to complete all the projects I have started and handover to my successor. I will miss many things about the College and of course will be sorry to leave a wonderful team behind. The diversity, range of provision, opportunities, but mainly the students, make CoBC amazing.?

I have been a part of so many wonderful changes, improvements, activities and events. Too many to detail. But there are, of course, some highlights, and, as I put together thank you cards for the team, I have been looking back at photos over the last two years.

Graduation is always a special event. This year I was privileged to be part of the procession and present to the award winners.

Winning two FE First awards with the Marketing Team - Gold for Low Budget Campaign, and Highly Commended for Internal Impact.

Taking the lead on Apprenticeship Sales and meeting set targets and increased employer engagement.

Recruiting fantastic team members and leaving behind a good team who I know will continue to flourish.

• Contributing to recruiting beyond target for 16-18 year olds.
• Starting a host of new employer, student and staff events.
• Launching the opening of the Advanced Construction Skills Centre.
• Raising the profile of the College, especially celebrating 25 Years of CoBC and through several TV and Radio features for the College.
• And of course...... leading a C25K running group and running the 10K for the College charity.

Each of the teams I lead are all committed to their work and making improvements for students and the community. From the School Liaison and Admissions Team making it seamless for students to join the College and supporting their transition from school. From the Learner Services Team, looking after the many needs of everyone when they are in the College. From the Marketing Team putting on wonderful events to celebrate success and from the Apprenticeship Team, placing students with employers where they will thrive in their career. These are some of the aspects of the areas I have proudly led for two years. Everyone works so hard and with dedication, and I know I will stay in touch with many.

I am very lucky to be able to spend two weeks in Canada when I have left CoBC, and then I have another week before I start my employment at Wycliffe College as Director of Marketing and Admissions. I am looking forward to a good rest and re-set and preparation time for my new job. Having not been to Canada for a couple of years, I am more excited to go than normal. I am looking forward to meeting back up with friends, fitting in lots of running and going to my favourite places to eat.

Wycliffe College is an independent college for 3-19 year olds in the beautiful countryside of the Cotswolds. I am looking forward to many things about the new role, and the drive from Bath is stunning. I am very excited about the international marketing and recruitment aspect of the role, working within a different educational setting, and the wonderful environment that I will be in. The facilities and opportunities for the pupils is incredible. I have been fortunate to attend a few events already, in fact, I cannot wait to attend as many of the events as possible. I have attended my first Senior Leadership Team meeting, I have recruited a new member of staff to my team, have scheduled in training and my first overseas visit, and I already feel part of the Wycliffe team. I was super impressed at the care and attention given by everyone at the Military Family Open Day, and for those who follow me on LinkedIn, will have seen that I recently posted about arriving to this event, and three pupils running out to say 'good morning Miss Wilkins and welcome'. Just this weekend I attended the Carol Service and it was wonderful in every way.

So as I say goodbye to colleagues, stakeholders and suppliers this week, I will be leaving with positive and fond memories and I wish everyone well.

Thank you all, and stay in touch!