Yvonne started working for West Suffolk College in the early 1980s as a lecturer, progressing to become Head of School for Hairdressing, Beauty and Holistic Therapies. In 1996, she retired from this role and then returned shortly afterwards as West Suffolk College’s first ever dedicated Quality Manager. This role involved working across the whole College, co-developing the first College procedures manual and played an important role in WSC achieving an Outstanding Ofsted grade and Beacon Status in the same year.
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
To teach my profession in FE after working for major manufacturers and training students in that industry. I joined West Suffolk College as a lecturer in the early 80s, became Head of School for Hairdressing, Beauty and Holistic Therapies (managing 20 lecturing and support staff) until 1996. I retired from this role with a joint retirement celebration with Ann Johnson (the College’s first ever hairdressing lecturer).
The School of Hairdressing, Beauty and Holistic Therapies provided a wide range of Day Release, Full Time and Evening Courses meeting the needs of 16+ and the mature age range. Latterly, I reported to Gary Williams, Head of the Faculty of Care and Service Industries.
Before I was Head of School, Jim Spriggs was responsible for Hair and Beauty. He took over when Hairdressing moved from the Northgate Annexe to the College Main Building (now Suffolk House). At that time there were Day Release and Evening classes only. Australia House opened in 1982 with Day Release courses, followed by the introduction of Full Time Hairdressing and later Beauty Therapy.
I was then appointed as the first Quality Manager until 2007, when I finally retired. My new Quality role involved:
- Playing a key role in the preparation and monitoring of the College’s Self-Assessment report.
- Preparing staff for Ofsted Inspection
- Setting up the Procedures Manual with Ann Williams (now Ruthven) and then continuously developing it.
- Managing the student surveys annually and preparing reports of results.
- Reporting to Governors and members of the Quality team
Prior to my appointment as Quality Manager (for FE and HE), all Quality issues were managed by Ann Williams within her VP role. The overview of it was substantial, 50 managers – across Faculties, Schools and Learning Centres plus college support departments.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
Major achievements include being one of the first schools (a school is a department in the College) to gain an HMI inspection Grade 1, followed by one of the first two Schools to gain an Outstanding rating at the first Ofsted inspection. Finally, as Quality Manager, to contribute to the first overall Outstanding grade for WSC and Beacon Status in 2006.
I value the memories made working with a range of amazing colleagues who were always prepared to go the extra mile to support the college and ensure their students, and colleagues achieved their potential.
Are there any family members or connections to EEG still?
My connections are to former staff members. I am happily retired and maintain a strong relationship with many friends, made across the years at WSC.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
I loved working with so many great people with important values and having been retired for 17 years, I can see why WSC was an incredible place to work and support students.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
Give it your all – you will always be rewarded for your effort during those precious college days. Don’t lose touch with your peers, they’ll mean a lot in your future.
