Suffolk College Welcomes New Head of Department - 1 April 2005

Jeff Mearns has joined the Suffolk College in the new role of Curriculum Centre Head, Skills for Life. He joins the College from a similar successful management role at another college in the east midlands.

Welcoming the new appointment Dr Peter Funnell , Assistant Principal (Learning Development), said: “This is an exciting new senior post, created as part of our wider college development plan for 2007/8 and beyond. Skills for Life provision which includes Key and Basic Skills, English spoken as another language (ESOL), First Steps and Next Steps activity, is a significant priority area for institutional growth. The appointment reflects positively on the responsiveness of Suffolk College to government priorities and our commitment to raising the skills of individuals in communication, number and the use of ICT.”

Commenting further Dr Funnell said: “Jeff’s specific role will be to build on the excellent work of the existing staff team by further enhancing our extensive links with local employers and other community organisations as well as continuing to develop the skills and success of our current campus based students”

Dr Peter Funnell & Jeff Mearns

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The government's Skills of Life strategy was launched in 2001. The strategy aims to improve significantly the literacy, numeracy, information and communication technology (ICT) and language (ESOL) skills in adults in England.

Photo caption:

Dr Peter Funnell assistant principal (learning development) welcomes new Curriculum Centre Head for Skills for Life Jeff Mearns to Suffolk College

For further information please contact:

Tracey Bailey, Promotions & Information Centre Manager

Tel: 01473 296520

Email: traceybailey@suffolk.ac.uk

Or

Dave Stott, Dean of Learning Development

Tel: 01473 296382

Email: davestott@suffolk.ac.uk

Issued by Promotions

1 April 2005