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College staff receive national recognition at House of Lords

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Two Suffolk New College tutors have been recognised for their community work at a prestigious awards ceremony in the House of Lords, earning plaudits for initiatives ranging from arts funding awareness to supporting local charities.

The big picture: Progress tutors Liam and Rosie were both nominated for 'Good for Me - Good for FE' awards, a campaign that promotes volunteering and fundraising activities in further education.

Rosie and Liam with their 'Good for Me - good for FE' accoaldes outside the House of Lords
Rosie and Liam with their 'Good for Me - good for FE' accoaldes outside the House of LordsSuffolk New College

The details:

  • Liam was shortlisted for a 'long service award', recognising four years of social action projects including a music concert highlighting arts funding

  • Rosie was a finalist for 'inspirational role model of the year' for initiatives including a student-led thrift shop raising money for Lighthouse Women's Aid and The Bush Shelter in Ipswich

  • Both received runners-up plaques and certificates at the ceremony

What they're saying: "It was great that the work that we do is happening all over the country. It's all supporting young people to make positive change in their communities," said Liam. "The fact that we were the only college from the Eastern region to be recognised at this event was an honour."

Rosie added: "It was a nice opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded people working in the same sector as us and hear about some of the inspirational work that is taking place in further education. It has inspired me to go away and do more work like this in the future."

Alan Pease with Jack Abbott at the AoC winter parliamentary event
Alan Pease with Jack Abbott at the AoC winter parliamentary eventSuffolk New College

A college on a mission: During the same week, Principal and CEO Alan Pease attended the Association of Colleges winter parliamentary reception in the Cholmondsley Room of the House of Lords, where the organisation launched its 'mission accepted' paper and met with local MPs Jack Abbott and Adrian Ramsey.

The paper outlines how colleges can contribute to government priorities including meeting skills needs and helping students become good citizens.

What's next: Suffolk New College will unveil its new strategy on 17 January, outlining how it plans to enhance its support for local people, charities and businesses while contributing to these national education priorities.

The bottom line: As staff receive national recognition for their community initiatives, the college is preparing to build on these successes with a new strategy focused on driving positive change in the community.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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Multiple unitary authorities 'vital' for Suffolk's diverse communities, councils claim

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A joint report from Suffolk's councils argues that the county's mix of rural, coastal, industrial, agricultural and urban areas requires more than one council to effectively serve residents.

Why it matters: The five district and borough councils say a single "mega-council" covering a vast geographical area could not focus on the competing needs of three-quarters of a million people as effectively as multiple unitary authorities.

What's driving the news: Suffolk County Council supports creating a single unitary authority covering the entire county, but this has been unanimously rejected by the five district and borough councils it would replace.

The details: Babergh District Council, East Suffolk Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Mid Suffolk District Council, and West Suffolk Council have each approved the report following a series of meetings where councillors examined and shaped the proposals.

In a joint statement, the council leaders said: "Multiple unitary authorities will produce services designed with residents in mind to meet local needs, drive improved outcomes, create value and save money in a sustainable way."

"Our joint proposal demonstrates that a one-size-fits-all mega authority will not solve the existing issue of large countywide services that will continue to drain money, require improvement, and potentially lead to further cost cutting."

By the numbers: The interim report claims multiple unitary authorities will provide:

  • Cost-effective and high-quality services for Suffolk residents

  • Long-term financial sustainability

  • Economic growth and support to local industry

  • Stronger democratic representation and community engagement

  • Governance systems which can adapt to future growth

  • Structures to support thriving communities and economies

The bigger picture: The councils argue their approach would support "a more balanced solution for the governance of the Mayoral Combined Authority" being set up next year for Norfolk and Suffolk.

What they're saying: "This is a generational change to the way local government and services are delivered and something we should seize," the council leaders stated. "It is a real opportunity to think holistically about how services such as leisure, housing and social care could help residents to thrive."

What's next: The interim report does not constitute a final decision. Councils will have further time to develop options to redesign local government, with community views "at the heart of this work."

The bottom line: "Our collective solution is the best way to deliver great services and value for money. It makes sure the 'local' stays in Local Government for Suffolk," the council leaders concluded.

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An award-winning local law firm

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