Southwark College has initiated a collaborative effort with the launch of Stakeholder Advisory Forums (SAFs). These forums, comprising key stakeholders from civic, community, and business organizations in Southwark and beyond, are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the College's curriculum and student work experience opportunities. Your involvement is crucial in this collective endeavour.
The inaugural meetings of the SAFs took place earlier this term with great success. The forums will focus on five key themes that reflect the dynamic needs of the local workforce and align with the College's commitment to providing relevant and high-quality education, including Science, Health, Green Skills, Business, Digital, Creative Industries, Employability and Essential Skills – such as English and Maths.
One of the key priorities of these forums is to foster workplace inclusion and address the challenges for employment faced by people with disabilities, which will be a cross-cutting theme in all discussions.
Claire Reed, Assistant Principal for Skills and Adult Education at Southwark College, said: "We are excited to launch the Stakeholder Advisory Forums as part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that Southwark College's curriculum is responsive to the needs of both our students and the local workforce. By bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, we can ensure that our students are equipped with the skills employers need while creating more inclusive opportunities for everyone. This initiative will strengthen our partnerships and contribute to shaping a more dynamic and inclusive local economy."
The SAFs will ensure that Southwark College's curriculum remains aligned with the Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) and the Southwark Skills Delivery Plan, meeting local and national workforce needs. By engaging directly with employers, community leaders, and civic representatives, the forums will help shape the development of new courses and work placement opportunities for students, ensuring they are fully prepared for the challenges and opportunities of today's job market.
In addition to these meetings, Southwark College will host an annual Skills Summit at the end of each academic year. This event will celebrate the valuable contributions of stakeholders to the College's curriculum development and highlight the impact of their collaboration in enhancing work-based learning opportunities for students.
The launch of the Stakeholder Advisory Forums marks a significant step in Southwark College's ongoing commitment to creating pathways to employment for all its students while also responding to the evolving needs of the local community and employers in the sectors they operate in. For more information or to get involved, please visit southwark.ac.uk/employers
