You are now distinguished, in that you are among the first new graduates to be able to apply for Individual Chartered Status in association with the CIPP as you progress along in your career. You have achieved your foundation and honours degree through an almost unique blend of teaching and independent study that encourages direct application to the workplace. As you have handed in each assessment for each unit you have learnt, acted, reviewed and renewed your practice. You are the Kolb Learning Cycle personified. You have also balanced and prioritised more than most, with full-time work alongside your books and blogs. Along the way, you have probably welcomed the support and patience of those who are here today. They were there with encouragement and belief. Let’s raise a round of applause to them. Your studies have not just been about specific payroll and pension policy and practice, but also its people. Your studies in management theory and team dynamics, (from Belbin to McGregor) has given you further insight into how people respond and behave in work situations. You know the best ways to motivate people and how to avoid a work environment that can just as easily de-motivate them. We can identify our actions and style in the light of these theories. This naturally leads to greater reflection, so you begin to see and understand things slightly differently, with more perspective. One of those most illuminating perspectives is of yourself. What we have learnt of ourselves arises less direct, perhaps. Something that can creep upon us, almost. For just as we recognise features of Belbin’s team roles in those around us, so we do in ourselves. As you see good examples of those theories put into practice, you began to explore your own limits and ideas. Employing those theories, we can change our approach or adopt different ones. As we begin to experiment in areas we lack confidence in, we find that hidden strengths and talents emerge. You, more than many other higher education graduates, have increased your capacity to learn, through own study and research skills, equipping you with the ability and discipline to study independently. This will allow you to readily update your knowledge, such as changes in legislation or continue your professional development, for you have learnt how to learn. Hopefully, you have already had and, more importantly, taken the opportunity to apply your studies. To lead a team, or under your own initiative, bring a direct improvement to your organisation, in performance or practice. In these circumstances you can best combine what you know and your skills in applying it, with your very own unique approach, or style. The potential of learning is one I hope you share with others. I trust you to become its advocate, a testament to its value. Guiding and supporting others to unveil their hidden strengths and talents, as they seek to become, like yourselves, distinguished. Peter Robinson MSc Assistant principal - higher education and standards, Heart of Worcestershire College Guest address
You, more than many other higher education graduates, have increased your capacity to learn.
On behalf of all at the Heart of Worcestershire College, I congratulate you on your graduation and wish you a great day today and a prosperous future.
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