Weston College is pleased to announce that Jane Hadfield, our Chair of Governors, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s New Year Honours List for her services to education.

Jane joined Weston College as Chair of Governors in November 2025. She brings a strong record of leadership and advocacy in skills, apprenticeships, and workforce development, most recently serving as National Lead for NHS Apprenticeships and as a board member of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

Before joining the College, Jane’s work nationally helped transform apprenticeship pathways across the NHS, creating opportunities for thousands of people to gain new skills, grow in confidence, and progress in their careers. She was also recognised earlier this year with a national Special Recognition Award at the Apprenticeship & Training Awards for her contribution to developing apprenticeships.

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, said:

“We are very pleased that Jane’s wider contribution to education and skills has been recognised in the King’s Honours List. Her experience leading large-scale apprenticeship and workforce initiatives within the NHS, and her deep commitment to creating opportunity for learners, aligns closely with Weston College’s mission. We are thrilled Jane has taken the role of Chair of the Board, since joining us, Jane has already made a strong contribution to our governance and strategic oversight.”

Jane Hadfield, Chair of Governors, of the Weston College Group said:

“I am honoured to receive this MBE. It reflects much of the work I have been involved in over the years supporting skills development and widening access to learning. I’m delighted to bring that experience to Weston College and to work with governors, staff and partners in helping make a real difference for learners across the region.”

The King’s New Year Honours recognise people from across the UK who have made significant contributions to public life and their communities.

Weston College has launched Power Up, a new employer-focused campaign designed to help businesses strengthen their workforce, grow sustainably, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing skills landscape.

Power Up puts employers at the heart of Weston College’s mission to shape the future workforce. Beyond equipping local people with industry-ready skills, the campaign focuses on supporting businesses to grow, thrive, and build a strong, future-proof talent pipeline.

Through a flexible and tailored approach, Weston College works in partnership with employers to deliver solutions that fit each organisation’s needs. Support includes apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships, short courses, industry placements, work experience opportunities, and supported internships - all designed to align with real business demands.

Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships & Skills said, “Weston College understands that investing in people is one of the smartest moves any business can make. Whether employers are looking to upskill their existing workforce, attract new talent, streamline training, or stay ahead of emerging industry trends, Power Up offers a comprehensive range of employer-focused content to help businesses succeed.”

How Power Up Benefits Your Business

• The Power Up campaign is built around outcomes that matter most to employers, including:
• Access to fresh skills and new perspectives
• Early engagement with emerging talent
• Reduced recruitment challenges
• Opportunities to trial potential employees before hiring
• Support with training, onboarding, and funding
• The chance to help shape courses to better match business needs

Power Up Employer Webinar Series

As part of the campaign, Weston College is also launching a Power Up Employer Webinar Series. These upcoming webinars are designed to keep employers informed and empowered, covering key topics across Further and Higher Education and providing practical insights to help businesses maximise the benefits of working with the College.

With Power Up, Weston College is reaffirming its commitment to working alongside employers - helping employers to build skills, unlock potential, and power up their business for the future.

Weston College has launched its Inclusion Strategy 2025–2030, setting out a bold commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion for learners, staff and the wider community it serves across North Somerset, Bristol and the surrounding region.

Titled “Belong, Thrive, Achieve”, the strategy positions inclusion as central to the College’s mission of Creating Brighter Futures and reflects the transformative role further education plays in tackling inequality, improving life chances and strengthening communities.

The strategy is grounded in the realities facing the region, including high levels of deprivation, rising numbers of learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and persistent attainment and employment gaps for disadvantaged young people and adults.

Weston College supports over 8,000 learners, including more than 2,500 learners with learning difficulties or disabilities, and is committed to not only meeting but exceeding its statutory duties – particularly for SEND and under-represented groups.

The Inclusion Strategy is structured around three core pillars:

• Belong – fostering a culture of respect, safety and belonging, free from discrimination and harassment
• Thrive – embedding inclusive design into policies, curriculum, estates and digital environments to remove systemic barriers
• Achieve – improving outcomes through targeted support, inclusive curriculum pathways, employer engagement and staff development

Key commitments include the introduction of an Equity in Education Framework, enhanced SEND provision, increased financial and wellbeing support, improved accessibility, and stronger partnerships with schools, employers, local authorities and community organisations.

By placing equity and inclusion at the heart of its operations, Weston College aims to improve learner outcomes, reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), and contribute positively to social mobility and economic growth across the region.

The strategy is underpinned by Weston College’s Inclusion Promise, a public commitment to understanding, representing, supporting and celebrating the diverse individuals and communities it serves. Through this strategy, Weston College reaffirms its role as a place where education opens doors, difference is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to belong, thrive and achieve.