Beacon Forum, Bristol, 5 & 6 November 2008

This year’s annual Beacon Forum was held at Jurys Inn, Bristol, over 5 and 6 November. Delegates took the opportunity to share practice and network with one another. There was much interest in the role Beacons might play in a self-regulated sector, and their contribution to a sector-led quality improvement body.

Upon arrival in the evening, the guests informally networked and later sat down to a three course dinner with an address by Roger McClure, chief executive of LSIS.

Marion Plant, principal of North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, talked about her role in WorldSkills and inspired delegates with her enthusiasm for the competitions. Marion herself was present at this year’s competitions in Japan and she presented a DVD for delegates which gave a powerful insight into the events. A copy of her presentation can be viewed by clicking here.

William Lewis, programme director for excellence and innovation at LSIS, invited guests to discuss the role of Beacons in leading improvement in the self regulating sector and he posed a number of topics which the delegates then discussed around their tables. William also touched on expertise sharing and innovation funding.

Workshops were held on a variety of subject matters and were well received. In the afternoon, Les Scammell, Career Programmes Education Manager, and Steve Nicolson, Career Programmes Manager, from BMW gave a presentation on ‘staying ahead’, they talked about what the learner really needs and gender balance. A copy of their presentation can be viewed by clicking here.

William encouraged all Beacons to get in touch with LSIS should they have any questions or have anything to share and reiterated the importance of Beacon feedback and communication. A copy of William’s presentation can be seen by clicking here.

Event feedback received from delegates was extremely positive. One delegate said that the event had ‘’enabled reflection and motivated/regenerated’’ her whilst another said he had found the event ‘’invaluable and creative with plenty of opportunity for discussion’’. LSIS would like to thank all those who attended and special thanks have been extended to all the speakers.