The first Licentiateship under the Professional Recognition Programme was awarded last week at The Chartered Institution for Further Education Summer Admissions Ceremony.

The Licentiateship tier award was conferred upon Katharine Dent-Jones of York College & University Centre. Licentiateship is the qualifying level before Fellowship of the Institution is awarded and successful applicants must evidence substantive CPD, FE experience & impact and contribution to the wider sector to gain recognition. Katharine’s experience in leadership and teaching alongside her Doctoral research demonstrates a significant contribution to immediate colleagues and the wider sector. Additionally, Katharine is supporting youth work and post 16 transition through her governance role at a local education and employment charity.  The Chairman of the Chartered Institution,  Lord Lingfield, said “It gives me great pleasure to confer this award on Katharine who becomes the very first Licentiate of the Chartered Institution in recognition of her extensive contribution to Further Education. I congratulate her sincerely and hope that this is the first of many more Licentiates that we may celebrate. I look forward to Katharine achieving Fellowship in the near future.”

Alongside Katharine, the Chartered Institution conferred five Fellowships on senior leaders in the sector, recognising their significant contributions. These were awarded to Lisa Capper MBE, CEO of Sandwell College,  Pat Carvalho, CEO of BMET, Michael Davis, Chair of Capital City College Group, Matt Atkinson, Chair of South Gloucestershire & Stroud College (SGS) and Graham Luccock, Chair of Trafford & Stockport College Group.

The ceremony also recognised several new Associates from across the sector. These included graduates of the CIFE Technical Leadership Programme, College Collective Programme (AoC &  The KWP) and FE Associates Leadership Development programmes.

Inspire Education Group, led by Rachel Nicholls, and Stoke on Trent College, led by Hassan Rizvi, were admitted into Chartered Membership during the event.

A poignant tribute to the late David Gallagher, CEO of NCFE who sadly passed away in July, was delivered by his colleague and Chief Operating Officer Philip Le Feuvre. In keeping with the wishes of David, his family and organisation, Philip also collected the Honorary Fellowship of the Chartered Institution for which David had been nominated in December, prior to his short illness. David Gallagher was a long time supporter and friend of the Chartered Institution and worked in collaboration on several projects including the Technical Leadership Programme and PARS, the Post Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme. His advocacy for, and impact on, FE, awarding and youth employment will be greatly missed by all across the sector.

Katharine Dent-Jones, LCFE

Lisa Capper MBE FCFE

Michael Davis, FCFE

Pat Carvalho FCFE

Matt Atkinson FCFE

Graham Luccock FCFE

Hassan Rizvi, CEO Stoke on Trent College receiving Chartered Membership on behalf of the College from CIFE Chair, Lord Lingfield Kt DL

Rachel Nicholls, CEO Inspire Education Group receiving Chartered Membership on behalf of the College group from CIFE Chair, Lord Lingfield Kt DL

Members of CIFE Council