What is your name, job title and place of work?

Amie Banford, head of pastoral care at Cadbury College Campus, Sandwell College.

How long have you held your current role, and what other jobs did you have before?

I have been head of pastoral care and designated safeguarding lead for nine months. Before that, I was the learning services manager for eight years. Before working at Cadbury College, I worked for the Department for Work and Pensions as a work programme centre manager and in an FE college as a learning support teacher and community lecturer. Cadbury College invested in me through upskilling and education. I have recently achieved a BA (Hons) in business and leadership in education and chartered management status. I am so grateful for the support of my principal and deputy principal and their forward-thinking approach.

How - and why - did you first start working in further education?

Whilst I was studying at Birmingham University, I took an additional teaching qualification certificate in further education and I started working in FE as a learning support teacher in the evenings and at weekends. I always knew I wanted to work in education and was very focused that I wanted to work in post-16 education. When I graduated, I started teaching as part of the community outreach programmes around Birmingham, teaching basic skills and ICT in mental health community hospitals, travelling family sites and socio-economically deprived community centres.

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Briefly describe what a day at work looks like for you...

My day is very varied and never the same. The first task of the day is to do student meet and greets. I think this is a key part of the day. Myself and my team meet every learner with a smile and “good morning” and it starts the day on a positive note. I operate an open-door policy for both staff and students. As safeguarding lead and a mental health first-aider, I believe it’s important I am always accessible.

My office is always the centre of activity and then I always make sure I am out and about at key times of the day to support behaviour and students. My day then consists of meetings with staff, one-to-ones with learners, triaging safeguarding concerns, using report data to analyse statistics on attendance and putting interventions in place, and liaising with police, social services and local partnerships. No two days are ever the same, and every day I run out of hours to fit it all in. I love being busy and focused.

What motivates you in your workplace?

My learners achieving, improving life opportunities, breaking down barriers and ensuring wellbeing is what motivates me. I am also proud of the team I lead. They are all learner-focused, empathetic, highly skilled and go above and beyond. If we have a learner crisis, I know I can rely on all of my team members to always be proactive and available, and it’s refreshing.

Share an anecdote about a student or learner who has inspired you...

A learner whom I supported through serious faith-based abuse from her parents and community inspired me. She was shunned from the community and made homeless in the middle of Year 13. She worked hard with safeguarding to secure part-time employment around her A levels to pay rent and support herself. The college supported her first month rent payment. We found her shared student accommodation and staff donated home items, bedding, clothing to make sure she was settled. The learner went on to achieve three A levels, all grade B, and secure a place at Bournemouth University. She triumphed over adversity and turned what could have ruined her A levels into a fight for achievement, and she won. I am so proud of her.

Do you enjoy working in FE? And if so, why?

I love working in FE. Sixteen- to -18-year olds are young adults working hard to find out who they are, what they want and where they fit into the world, and I love being a part of and supporting that journey. On a personal level, I know the importance of education and lifelong learning. I want to break down as many barriers as possible to get young people into further education and on their journey of learning.

What do you see as the big challenges for the FE sector in the next few years?

The biggest challenge I see in FE over the next few years is the changing landscape of education. The introduction of T levels, the risk with work placements - the FE sector need to adapt and become excellent at employer relations to build on work experience opportunities.

What do you think our FE sector will look like in 30 years’ time?

I see the new staff joining the FE sector are vibrant and creative, and FE being inspiring and motivating. I hope that pastoral functions continue to be seen as important as curriculum, and students’ wellbeing, mental health and life opportunities are equal investments in a young person’s learning journey.

If you were made apprenticeships and skills minister, what is the first thing you’d introduce or change?

I’d improve funding in further education so the industry can invest in staff, development and resources.