Colleagues and dignitaries from across the FE sector came together to welcome Birmingham Metropolitan College, Bishop Burton College, Capital City College Group and South Gloucestershire and Stroud College as the latest providers to attain admission into the Chartered Institution.

Sharon Blyfield OBE, was recognised with conferral of an Honorary Fellowship for her enduring contribution, championing and advocacy in support of skills and diversity, creating meaningful, inclusive opportunities for all, most especially in apprenticeships. Sharon is Head of Early Careers and Apprenticeships at Coca Cola Euro-Pacific Partners, a board member for the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) and Vice-Chair of the Youth Employment UK board.

The Chartered Institution also recognised Rob May with an Honorary Fellowship for his active support of technical and vocational education, working directly with several providers, most recently as a Companion of Activate Learning and a Fellow and Patron of Burton & South Derbyshire College. Rob is a globally recognised expert on AI and cybersecurity and the Founder and Executive Chairman of Ramsac, an award-winning IT Managed Service and Cybersecurity provider. A well-known author and speaker in the fields of AI and Information Security, Rob sits on several industry advisory boards, notably as UK Ambassador for Cybersecurity with the IoD, and a UK ambassador for the Global Council for Responsible AI.

Within the Membership, Fellowships were awarded to Yiannis Koursis OBE, Principal & CEO of Bedford College Group, and to Colonel Guy Horridge OBE, Principal of the Cadet Vocational College.

A further cohort of FE professionals from colleges and providers across the sector were made Associates of the Chartered Institution. CIFE continues to recognise the impact and contribution of practitioners in advancing technical and professional education, apprenticeships and skills through the tiers of the Chartered Institution’s Professional Recognition Framework. Recipients included colleagues from providers including Cambridge Regional College, Dudley College of Technology, BMET, Solihull College & University Centre.

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

“The prestigious status of Membership recognises the commitment of FE providers to upholding the highest standards in Further Education for the benefit of learners, employers and their wider communities. Conferral of awards on so many highly deserving professionals who became Fellows and Associates of the Chartered Institution also recognises the ongoing individual commitment, contribution to and impact on technical and professional education for learners, localities, industry and society at large.”

We extend our congratulations and gratitude to all FE colleagues who became Members, Fellows and Associates of the The Chartered Institution for Further Education.

Photography Credits: Jermane Clarke at iOne Photography

Entrance to the Great Hall

CIFE Summer Admissions Ceremony 10th July 2025

The Royal Charter of the Chartered Institution for Further Education

CIFE Diploma Scrolls

BMET Principal & CEO, Pat Carvalho with Chair Afzal Hussein DL.

BMET Chair Afzal Hussein DL with CIFE Chairman, Lord Lingfield Kt FCFE DL.

Danny Metters, Principal & CEO of Bishop Burton College with Lord Lingfield.

Angela Joyce, CEO, Capital City College Group receiving the Charter.

David Withey, CEO of South Gloucestershire & Stroud College (SGS)

Sharon Blyfield OBE, Honorary Fellow of CIFE

Honorary Fellow, Rob May, Founder & Executive Chairman, Ramsac.

Lord Lingfield Kt DL with CIFE Fellow, Colonel Guy Horridge OBE.

CIFE Fellow, Yiannis Koursis FCFE OBE, Principal & CEO of Bedford College Group

Lord Lingfield Kt FCFE DL welcomes guests and formally opens proceedings.

Honorary Fellows Sharon Blyfield OBE and Rob May.