It’s been a while since we updated our news: so this is a more detailed update than usual.
2017 saw Quality in Careers become the single national CEIAG Quality Award with the previous 12 award providers becoming Licensed Awarding Bodies for Quality in Careers – a transition which took much of Paul’s time.
You can see the latest on Quality in Careers here: www.qualityincareers.org.uk
Paul continued his occasional national public speaking on Quality in Careers throughout 2017; his final 2 events that year being with Westminster Briefing and with Understanding Modern Gov.
2018 began with Paul heavily involved in proposals to realign the national assessment and accreditation criteria for Quality in Careers even more closely with the Gatsby Benchmarks for “Good Career Guidance” – as we write this is on-going with major consultations at present with Licensed Awarding Bodies, the Careers & Enterprise Company, and the Gatsby Foundation.
Paul spoke on Quality in Careers at the NAHT annual conference for Special School leaders in Stoke on Trent at the beginning of March – where his added familiarisation with SEND issues from his Chairmanship of the Dales School Governing Body was crucial. During 2018, Paul will be involved in a number of Relicensing Panels for current Awarding Bodies for Quality in Careers, and some further speaking engagements.
In addition to continuing to be Company Secretary for Axia Digital, Paul has also been appointed as a non-executive director on their Board.
Paul continues in his role as Chairman of the Governing Body for the Dales School again this year; and has increased his Lay Ministerial commitment to the Benefice of the Lower Swale in the light of the Ministerial team reducing in number.
Alison no longer undertakes matrix assessment work; her contributions to Boundary Partnership are now limited to admin matters – after her long professional career in the field, she has ‘retired’ from onsite work. Alison is now concentrating on managing her MS and keeping active mentally as well as physically where she can. This includes regular seated Zumba, RDA and MS exercise classes – and she’s now actively enjoying participating in Rock Choir.