AOC BEACON AWARDS PROSPECTUS - ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES
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25
EA R
S
Y
DS
BE
C
R
A
O N AW A
1995 - 2020
AoC Beacon Awards
2020 -21
PROSPECTUS
02 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
‘‘
CONTENTS
03 About the awards
We’re still ‘glowing’
04 Why you should apply and everyone is
really pleased
05 Benefits of applying
to have won the
06 The application process Award. It was
General criteria and
a great boost,
07 eligibility to apply especially in this
current climate
08 Assessment
Principal of Beacon
09 Award winners
winning college
Individual awards
10 and sponsors
03 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
ABOUT THE
Awards
AWARDS aims
The Association of Colleges (AoC) This year we have amended Recognise innovative and exemplary
Beacon Awards celebrate the the application and assessment teaching and learning practice in
best and most innovative practice process; this is part of our colleges.
among UK further education (FE) ongoing review and led by
colleges. It is managed by AoC and the AoC Beacon Awards Chief Draw attention to provision which
run through AoC Charitable Trust - Assessor. We have also taken on encourages and supports students to
a registered charity. board feedback from colleges approach challenges positively and
regarding the additional creatively.
The aim of the awards Programme demands placed on colleges and
is to demonstrate and promote the staff due to Covid 19. We have Support learning and continuous
far-reaching impact of colleges on also ensured the guidance to improvement through sharing best
their students and the communities applicants and what assessors practice.
they serve. The commended and will be looking for is more explicit
winning case studies will be used to to help applicants capture the Promote and celebrate the college
increase understanding of colleges’ information assessors require. sector’s commitment to pioneering
contribution to educational skills approaches to equality and diversity.
policy and economic and social
development. Project profiles of past ‘Commended’
and ‘Winning’ colleges are available
via the website AoC Beacon Awards.
04 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
WORKING IN
PARTNERSHIP
Our Sponsors
‘‘
There is
considerable
value to
us being
We are as always extremely grateful to
our award sponsors who have once again associated with
demonstrated their commitment to the college the awards -
sector by sponsoring our awards.
the examples
The support of sponsors is crucial to the success and best
of the Awards and we are delighted that the
sponsors have demonstrated their commitment
practice helps
and support to the 2020/2021 awards inform how we
programme. develop our
Our sponsors also provide valuable advice support and
on award categories, the application and services to
assessment process and assist with promoting
the college sector and sharing best practice. colleges
05 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
WHY YOU Benefits of
applying
SHOULD APPLY
1
Colleges can reflect on the successful
The awards offer colleges Feedback from applicants approaches they have developed to teaching
the opportunity to showcase tell us how they use the and learning, as well as review the positive
the inspiring and innovative Beacon process to help staff impact that they have on their students.
ways they support students, to examine their practice,
2
staff and communities. It evaluate what is working Commended colleges that have reached the
represents the very best well or could be developed Beacon Standard will have their individual
approaches that colleges further, create plans for case studies profiled on the AoC website
have developed and are improvement and inform and will also feature in the AoC Annual
implementing to meet college strategic planning Conference programme.
the skills needs of local and CPD support.
employers and the career
aspirations of their students. 3 Winning and finalist colleges will be invited
to showcase and share their outstanding
practice at various AoC events in 2021.
4 Award sponsors will promote and share
‘‘
winning and commended college best
We ask staff to tell us the areas they feel practice case studies to their partners and
we should be put forward for a Beacon affiliates.
and we have a cross college group who
5
look at the examples and vote on the one Commended, Finalists and Winners will
to take through to application receive a relevant logo to use on their
college headed paper, websites and other
promotional materials.
06 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The application and assessment process Please note no awards are confined by age, We are confident applicants will find that
have been redesigned and streamlined gender, other groupings, size, or category of this structure will help them navigate the
this year given the challenges facing provision. application process more easily and provide
colleges due to Covid 19. the evidence to show they meet both Beacon
We have designed a simpler, more accessible criteria, sponsor criteria and the elements of
Please see our updated Guide for Applicants application form to help guide applicants. innovation, impact and sustainability.
which provides information on how to apply This form will set out the assessment criteria
and the key dates and deadlines. (inclusive of Beacon and Sponsor criteria) as a By submitting your online application, you
series of questions which are then organised agree to the terms and conditions in the AoC
into three main sections: Innovation, Impact privacy notice.
and Sustainability.
THE
PROCESS
Celebratory lunch for all finalists and staff Beacon best practice
Online hosted by AoC and Sponsors
application via Announce Webinars hosted by
AoC College commended Announce Assessor visits to Afternoon Parliamentary reception to Award sponsors and
Awards Wesbite colleges finalists finalists announce Beacon winners AoC
Opens: 9 July 2020 Early 17 / 18 December 2020- Early Spring 2021 June 2021 -
Closes: 21 September November November February 2021 October 2021
12 noon 2020 2020
07 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
GENERAL CRITERIA
AND ELIGIBILITY TO
APPLY
‘‘
The guide to
applicants
and the Chief
assessors
The Beacon awards recognise exemplary All entrants must be FE colleges incorporated report is
initiatives that are truly innovative, can under the Further and Higher Education Act the go-to
demonstrate impact and are sustainable. 1992 and be eligible for membership of the
The awards seek to highlight and promote Association of Colleges. Please check your documents and
outstanding practice of further education colleges eligibility in the Guide for Applicants. helped us make
colleges by highlighting the positive impact on a really strong
students and the communities they serve. Please note a college or college group can application and
only submit three applications in 2020/21.
Applicants must check that they meet the we won
eligibility criteria to apply as specified in All initiatives should show evidence of
the Guide to Applicants. imaginative yet sustainable teaching and
learning practice or other relevant practice. An
Applicants are invited to complete a bespoke application can relate to a programme, course,
application form for each Beacon Award project or other form of teaching, learning,
(maximum three awards). This form will give advice, guidance or support. The application
applicants the opportunity to address all the process will be in two stages.
criteria that will be assessed.
Applicants must also take account of the specific
requirements set out by the sponsors for their
award and it is advisable to refer to the AoC
Beacon Awards Chief assessors report 2019/20.
08 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
‘‘
Great opportunity for the College and especially
external stakeholders to showcase their involvement
ASSESSMENT and hard work. The assessors were very
approachable, knowledgeable and supportive
Beacon finalist
Assessment of applications is carried out
by a team of independent assessors, led
by the Chief Assessor and overseen by the
AoC Charitable Trust.
All Beacon award winners and commended Obligations for Award winners
colleges are awarded or withheld at the
sole and absolute discretion of the AoC
Charitable Trust and those acting on its
behalf. No explanation will be provided on There are certain requirements that a college will need
these decisions. to follow, and these are explained in the Guidance for
Applicants. It applies to each college and AoC Beacon
Please see the AoC Beacon Awards Guide Award.
for Applicants for more information.
Those applying should confirm with their college
Principal/CEO that the college will honour these
requirements before applicants apply and proceed on
this basis.
Winning and finalist colleges will be expected to take
part in a best practice workshop hosted by the Awards
Sponsors and AoC during 2021 to showcase and share
their outstanding practice. These workshops will be
free to AoC member colleges and staff to attend.09 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
THE AoC Individual awards and sponsors
BEACON BRITISH COUNCIL
International Award
Inclusive Learning
Leadership Award supported
AWARDS The CAREERS &
by the NATIONAL CENTRE
FOR DIVERSITY
PROGRAMME
ENTERPRISE COMPANY
Award for Innovation in JISC Award for effective
Careers and Enterprise use of Digital Technology
in further education
2020/21 CITY & GUILDS Award for
College Engagement with NOCN Award for Mental
Employers Health and Wellbeing
COPYRIGHT LICENSING NOUS GROUP Award for
AGENCY Award for Education for Sustainable
Creative Industries and Development
intellectual property
PEARS #iwill Award
for Social Action and
EDGE Award for Excellence
Community Engagement
in Real World Learning
RCU Support for Students
Award10 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
BRITISH COUNCIL About the British Council
INTERNATIONAL AWARD The British Council is the UK’s international
organisation for cultural relations and
educational opportunities. We create friendly
This award will celebrate an outstanding example knowledge and understanding between the
of a college’s international work. The winner will people of the UK and other countries. We do
have exceptional strategies to embed international this by making a positive contribution to the
activity within the broader college aims and have UK and the countries we work with – changing
identified how this contributes to improved lives by creating opportunities, building
organisational, staff and curriculum development connections and engendering trust.
and learner outcomes.
Our work in Skills encourages closer links
In particular, assessors will look for effective between education, employers and policy
and imaginative approaches undertaken to use makers in the UK and the countries we work
international work to raise aspirations, share best in to help enhance the skills and employability
‘‘
practice and act as a catalyst for improvements in of young people globally. Our work creates
teaching and learning. Outcomes will be measured opportunities for individuals to broaden their
by evidenced improvements to key college horizons and be equipped with the skills
objectives through international work. International needed to face today’s global and multicultural
work is varied and so long as applications meet Our Beacon Award world of work.
the criteria there is no absolute requirement for celebrates and promotes
international travel to have taken place. the value of international
exchange for systems,
organisations, staff, learners
and the wider community.11 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
THE CAREERS About The Careers &
Enterprise Company
& ENTERPRISE
COMPANY AWARD FOR Our mission is to prepare and inspire young people
for the fast-changing world of work.
INNOVATION IN CAREERS We support schools and colleges by linking them
AND ENTERPRISE to employers and helping them deliver world class
careers support for all young people. We do this by:
This award will celebrate an outstanding example of • Building Networks: Linking schools and colleges to
innovative careers leadership and practice. In a world employers and other external careers providers
where enterprise, education and work opportunities through the Enterprise Adviser Network and
are constantly changing, students of any age need Careers Hubs.
easy access to high quality support and information.
Learning how to make informed decisions is • Supporting Careers Leaders: Providing training
‘‘
increasingly critical to a successful working life. and support for Careers Leaders in schools and
colleges.
The award is aimed at Careers Leaders in colleges and
• Backing the Gatsby Benchmarks: Supporting
will celebrate careers programmes that demonstrate
We are delighted to be implementation of a best practice standard for
examples of innovative practice when engaging with once again supporting the careers support, the Gatsby Benchmarks, with
schools, employers and other agencies, to provide AoC Beacon Awards and tools and targeted funding.
learners with excellent impartial careers education, look forward to hearing
advice and guidance. about the great examples
of innovative approaches in
Assessors will be particularly interested to see colleges.
applications where colleges are able to provide
evidence of either meeting or making rapid progress
towards achieving the eight Gatsby Benchmarks (GB).12 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
CITY & GUILDS About City & Guilds
AWARD FOR COLLEGE City & Guilds is a global leader in skills
ENGAGEMENT WITH development with a rich history over the last
140 years within the UK and more recently
world-wide. We work closely with employers and
EMPLOYERS providers with all aspects of skills development
and training to enable learners to reach their
potential. We have been an affiliate subscriber
This award will recognise exemplary practice in the delivery of of AoC for many years and value the work that
provision: responsive to the needs of employers. The winner will AoC undertakes with its college members,
need to demonstrate an outstanding ability to work with and specifically the Beacon Awards.
provide a direct service to employers, be highly effective in meeting
employers’ skills needs and/or apprenticeship requirements.
‘‘
In addition, it is likely that there will be excellent
examples of the college engaging with
employers - to support the development of
employability skills within the curriculum.
City & Guilds is delighted to
sponsor this award. We have
The award is not targeted at a specific group, worked with the further education
but applications should demonstrate a clear, sector for many years and this
long-term vision of partnership and working award recognises the enormous
with employers. The provision offered should contribution that colleges make
enable the development of a skilled workforce in working closely with their local
and contribute to local and regional economic employers to ensure learners receive
development. The successful programme is also the most relevant training and best
chance of recruitment following
likely to be very responsive to identified skills
completion of programmes.
priorities and levels of unemployment.13 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE About the Copyright
Licensing Agency
IN SUPPORTING
CREATIVITY- COPYRIGHT We are the Copyright Licensing Agency and
LICENSING AGENCY we exist to simplify copyright for content users
and copyright owners. Our mission is to help
customers legally access, copy and share
the published content they need, while also
Creations abound in the everyday life of making sure that copyright owners are paid fair
a college, and colleges play a vital role in royalties for the use of their work. For more
supporting the creative industries and than 30 years we’ve been providing rights,
promoting their importance to the UK licences, and a growing range of services, that
economy. Knowing how to responsibly simplify copyright by making it easier to access
‘‘
source and use copyrighted material and and re-use content.
protect intellectual property rights are
also crucial life and work skills. We want
to recognise and celebrate colleges who We are thrilled to sponsor an AoC
nurture and support creativity through the Beacon Award, and we’re so excited
promotion and understanding of intellectual to see the best practice conducted by
property. Examples of best practice will see colleges. From writing, technologies
that students are taught the value of their and through to the visual arts, staff
creative output, and are given guidance on and students in every corner of
seeking fair remuneration once they enter the college will be using and also
employment. generating ideas. We welcome
entries from colleges that equip their
community to use and protect these
creations responsibly.
Julie Murray, Education
Account Manager14 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
EDGE AWARD FOR About Edge Foundation
EXCELLENCE IN REAL Edge is an independent education
WORLD LEARNING foundation which via its projects, research,
policy and campaign work, strives to make
education relevant.
This award will celebrate colleges that have developed The world is changing fast, education needs
excellent practical teaching and learning. Assessors to keep up. Edge believes that all young
will be looking for initiatives which: people need to be equipped with the
skills that today’s global, digital economy
• Develop a curriculum which enables learners to have demands, through high quality training, a
experiences that are real, meaningful, challenging broad and balanced curriculum, interactive
and life changing and engaging real world leaning and rich
relationships between education and
• Develop a responsive curriculum for professional employers.
‘‘
and vocation education which has a direct and
sustainable impact on employment and enterprise Edge gather evidence through research,
trials and projects on the ground and use
• Demonstrate excellent engagement with employers this to lead the debate around future policy
and practice. For more information visit
and local communities, leading to sustained and As a longstanding
www.edge.co.uk
successful involvement of learners in the workplace sponsor of the Beacon
Awards we are
• Demonstrate innovative best practice that delivers impressed every year at
identifiable results and benefits for both learners the standard of entries
for our award
and teaching professionals.
• Develop and implement flexible teaching, learning
and assessment methods15 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
INCLUSIVE LEARNING About the National
Centre for Diversity
LEADERSHIP AWARD
- SUPPORTED BY THE The National Centre for Diversity’s mission is
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR ‘fairness for all, everywhere’. For us the most
critical element of Diversity is not where you
DIVERSITY are on your journey; it’s where you want to
be. Diversity and Inclusion are very much on
the corporate agenda for forward-thinking,
ambitious companies.
What makes people feel included in
organizations? That they feel that they are
treated fairly and respectfully, are valued and
belong. And this really matters because the
‘‘
more people feel included, the more they
speak up, go the extra mile, and collaborate
— all of which ultimately lifts performance.
Inclusive leadership is emerging as a unique
and critical capability helping colleges adapt We are delighted to be
to diverse and changing markets, and working in partnership with
nurture ideas and talent. AoC Beacon to recognise and
celebrate examples of colleges
who champion and practice
inclusive leadership16 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
JISC AWARD FOR About Jisc
EFFECTIVE USE OF Jisc is the further education and skills
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN sectors’ not-for-profit organisation for digital
services and solutions, embedded in the
education community.
FURTHER EDUCATION As a member of Jisc, you are part of this
community and all the benefits that brings,
from the power of shared effective practice
This award will celebrate an outstanding example
to access to the latest digital products and
of the ‘use of digital technology’ carefully designed
thinking.
to improve the student experience - in a digital age.
Underpinning the best applications with evidence
demonstrating enhancements to teaching, learning
and assessment and/or the creation of business
‘‘
efficiencies. In every case, changes made will be
valued by learners and easily evidenced. The
innovative use of technology might be applied across
specific provision or support a college wide approach.
Jisc is delighted and proud to
sponsor this AoC Beacon Award as
Applications should show how the college goes above we see daily the amazing work being
and beyond what is the ‘norm’ and applications done across our members within
are not restricted to a specific type of course, for further education. So, this award
example, ‘Information Technology’. Outstanding use of provides the opportunity for a
technology might be targeted at specific age groups spotlight to be placed on colleges to
or more generally those who study for all their time at share their innovations and effective
a main campus or remotely. practice and show the community
what can and is possible.17 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
NOCN GROUP AWARD About NOCN
FOR MENTAL HEALTH
As a leading education and skills charity, our focus
AND WELLBEING is on social and economic mobility, not profit.
We offer a wide range of high-quality education and
This award will celebrate the important work skills services, including regulated qualifications,
colleges are doing to support the mental health EPA for apprenticeships, Job Cards in construction,
and wellbeing of their students and staff. The rise Access to HE Diplomas, bespoke accreditation,
in ill health amongst learners and the greater public endorsed courses and educational and skills
is of great concern and is attracting heightened support training.
attention nationally. Support in mental health and
‘‘
wellbeing has never been more important, as the We are committed to improving the opportunities
impact of the COVID19 pandemic on the mental of all learners, and we are proud to be an
health of the nation becomes apparent. accredited Leader in Diversity (awarded by the
National Centre for Diversity) and a Silver Investor
Colleges care deeply about their
Proposals will be expected to take in People.
students and staff. Their primary purpose is to
into account the 11 points of the AoC educate, to help students gain qualifications,
mental Health Charter (2019). to progress in work and further study but we
know that we also need to support them to gain
Applications that show how colleges skills to lead happy, successful lives. To achieve
all these outcomes, we need to help all students
have successfully supported people to be healthy, to develop skills in resilience,
in their local communities, existing to manage what life throws at them and we
students or teaching and support staff need to target specialist support to students
will be welcome. Of importance will be with particular challenges. NOCN Group are
the sustainability of such innovation, delighted to once again sponsor this Beacon
and some recognition by those outside Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
the college that this work has longer Graham Hastings-Evans –
term benefit and is sustained over time. Group Managing Director18 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
NOUS GROUP About NOUS Group
AWARD - EDUCATION
Nous Group is an international management
FOR SUSTAINABLE consultancy operating in 10 locations across
the UK, Australia and Canada. For over 20 years
DEVELOPMENT we have been partnering with leaders to shape
world-class businesses, effective governments
and empowered communities. Our work
reflects our optimism and ambition for a better
Education for sustainable development gives future.
students the knowledge, skills, values and
attitudes to create a more sustainable and just We are delighted to sponsor this award with
society. This award celebrates colleges that the support of the AoC and the UK Climate
have incorporated sustainable development
‘‘
Commission for HE and FE Leaders.
into their teaching and operations, including
issues Climate change, Biodiversity. Sustainable
consumption and production, and Disaster
risk reduction. Learning about these issues will We are delighted to support this
empower students to change their behaviour award. It recognizes those colleges
and shape their future society. helping the UK to transition to a cleaner
economy, a fairer society, and a more
sustainable future. These are the
Colleges may be emerging, established or
colleges equipping the next generation
leading in this area highlighted within the to take on the jobs of the future,
Climate Commissions FE colleges Roadmap adopt more sustainable lifestyles, and
and we look forward to hearing about your become more engaged citizens locally
examples that others can learn from. and globally. We can’t wait to see all
the brilliant entries.
Simon Lancaster, Nous Group19 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
PEARS #IWILL AWARD About Pears #iwill Fund
FOR SOCIAL ACTION
Pears #iwill Fund, is a match fund created
AND COMMUNITY by Pears Foundation, the National Lottery
Community Fund and the Department for
ENGAGEMENT Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in support
of the goals of the #iwill campaign – to make
involvement in social action a part of life for
young people, by recognising the benefit for
This award will celebrate an outstanding example both young people and their communities.
of a college’s ability to engage in social action
and engagement in their communities. The
winner will have exceptional strategies to provide
transformational educational opportunities through
social action and learner participation for students.
‘‘
Assessors will look for effective and imaginative
approaches to enhancing communities through
student-led initiatives, especially those which benefit The Pears #iwill Fund is
‘non-traditional’ students. delighted to be partnering
with Association of Colleges
Outcomes will be measured in the successful to recognise and celebrate the
acquisition of skills, knowledge or qualifications incredible contribution students
and clear progression routes to further learning or and colleges are making to
employment for students, and impact on students communities across the UK.
and communities beyond the college.
Sir Trevor Pears CMG, Executive
Chair, Pears Foundation20 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
RCU SUPPORT FOR About RCU
STUDENTS AWARD
RCU provide market intelligence and research
for the further education sector. Our
This award will celebrate outstanding examples mission is to develop and deliver practical
of student support provided by a college for a and relevant research solutions for clients
significant group of students, across a whole through innovation, professionalism and
market expertise. Our products and services
provision or college wide approach. This award
help our clients to improve what they do
might cover both learner and learning support.
through increasing efficiency, effectiveness
or reputation. We constantly refresh our
The provision will be above and beyond what approaches and scan the outside world for
is the ‘norm’ and applications are not restricted better ways to deliver value to our clients
to a specific type of course or programme. For and we strive to be seen by the sector as the
‘‘
example, applications would be welcome from market leader in innovative data analysis and
colleges describing their bespoke provision for pragmatic and effective research.
students with autistic spectrum disorders, or
an outstanding example of information, advice
and guidance, or excellent learner or learning We are extremely proud to be
support for adults returning to learn. sponsoring this award. We feel the
Support for Students Award provides
a wonderful opportunity to showcase
the exceptional work colleges are
doing to support students of all abilities
and from all backgrounds, within a
quickly changing and often difficult
environment to ensure that they have
a fair chance to progress and fulfill
their potential.21 AoC Beacon Awards | 2020 -21 Prospectus
Welsh Government
We are proud to continue to sponsor the AoC
Beacon Awards as an opportunity to highlight
success in the further education sector.
The awards are beneficial to showcase best
practice and promote the high standard of
work delivered.
The Welsh Government is the devolved
government for Wales and consists of the First
Minister, Welsh Ministers and is supported by
Civil Servants. The work of the organisation
varies across areas such as health, education
and the natural environment.
‘‘
It’s important to take time to
celebrate the achievements
of colleges and the impact
their contribution has on the
students and communities they
serve across Wales.AoC Beacon Awards were set up by The Partnership Trust in 1994.
Since August 1996 they have been administered by the Association of Colleges.
AoC Beacon Awards are run through AoC Charitable Trust which is a Registered Charity in England
and Wales (charity number 1040631) and in Scotland (charity number SC039064).
© AoC Charitable Trust 2020 2-5 Stedham Place, London WC1A 1HU 01935 823444 | awards@aoc.co.uk
@AoC_info | #AoCBeacon
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