The Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE) has recognised new Members, Fellows and Associates in a prestigious Admissions Ceremony held at Apothecaries’ Hall in the City of London on 12 December 2024.

Colleagues and dignitaries from across the FE sector came together to welcome Suffolk New College and Sandwell Colleges as the latest providers to attain admission into the Chartered Institution.

Professional Recognition

John A Hyde CBE, co-founder of HIT Training, was recognised for his enduring contribution to FE & Skills, most especially apprenticeships, with conferral of an Honorary Fellowship (FCFE Honoris Causa).

Fellowships (FCFE) were also awarded to Dr Rebecca Gater, Principal & CEO of Solihull College & University Centre, Andy Berry CBE, Principal & CEO of Bridgwater and Taunton Colleges, Keith Smith CEO of HRUC and Graham Razey OBE, Principal & CEO of East Kent Colleges Group.

The first FE professionals from colleges and providers across the sector were made Associates of the Chartered Institution, the first to be given this level of award and post nominal letters (ACFE) under the Chartered Institution’s Professional Recognition Framework. Those recognised had undertaken extended development over multiple years through the College Collective Programme with KWP and the AoC, positively impacting their own organisations and others working in cooperation through the collective.

The Chairman of the Chartered Institution for Further Education, Lord Lingfield Kt DL, commented:

“The prestigious status of Membership recognises the commitment of colleges and providers to upholding the highest standards in Further Education for the benefit of learners, employers and their wider communities. Membership is granted only to providers that demonstrate a clear ethos of collaboration, excellence in leadership and governance and exemplary teaching and learning.

I was also especially delighted, on behalf of the Chartered Institution, to confer awards on so many highly deserving FE professionals who became Fellows and Associates of the Chartered Institution for Further Education. Awards are made in recognition of their ongoing commitment and contribution to Further Education through professional development and impact on learners, organisations, localities, industry and the sector at large.“

Organisations & Individuals Recognised

Congratulations to all FE colleagues who became Fellows and Associates of the The Chartered Institution for Further Education, including Dr Rebecca Gater , CEO of Solihull College & University Centre , Andy Berry CBE , CEO of Bridgwater & Taunton College , Keith Smith , CEO of HRUC (Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges) and Graham Razey OBE CEO of East Kent Colleges Group .

We were delighted to welcome Lisa Capper MBE, CEO of Sandwell College, and Alan Pease , CEO of Suffolk New College , the latest colleges to be granted Chartered Membership of the Institution.

Associate status was conferred during the ceremony and in absentia on colleagues from providers including The Bedford College Group, Mid Kent College, College of West Anglia, Middlesbrough College, Lewisham College (NCG), Suffolk New College, New City College, Derwen College, Barnet and Southgate College, Halesowen College, Walsall College, City College Plymouth, Education Training Collective, Hertford Regional College, Bournemouth and Poole College and Bridgwater& Taunton College.

Photo credits: Jermane Clarke i.One Photography