I write this post as I approach completing my first full week as Head of the Sheffield Institute of Education (SIoE). New job nerves have been quashed by the warmest of welcomes. When speaking to colleagues, I’ve heard the pride in all aspects of our work. I can sense the passion for getting things right for our students as we support their growth into professionals and as we research and innovate within organisations and industry.
I’ve been in higher education for most of my career, much at the University of Staffordshire, where I also led the education provision. Over the summer I’ve been working with Goldsmith’s University, leading their initial teacher training provision during a changeover of staff. Outside of the day job, I’m engaged across the education landscape. I am a trustee/member of two multi-academy trusts, I work with a professional exam body, and I’ve been chair of a national literacy hub too. Each of these roles adds to my knowledge and understanding of how education is so varied and vital for so many. Given my background and experiences, you won’t be surprised to hear that I have a strong belief that institutes of education must be cornerstones of their regional educational eco-system, and from what I’ve picked up at the SIoE, I don’t think I’m alone. Civic agendas and pledges run deep in our personal and professional identities.
Over the upcoming weeks and months, I’ll be meeting with colleagues. I’ll be making space for formal and less formal conversations to hear more about what we think the SIoE should look like, and what we want to be known for. I can already see the great work and achievements, and I’ll be asking you where we go next. From how our research shapes the educational landscape, to the portfolio we offer, to the ways we teach our students – how do we move forward?
I have bold ambitions for the SIoE. Ambitions to be sector pacesetters. Ambitions for strategic growth. Ambitions for inclusivity where all our staff and students are rewarded and celebrated for their successes. I also want to listen to colleagues’ bold ambitions for the SIoE: the plans that will make us world leading; the innovations that will improve our wellbeing; and even the whacky ideas that just may need some incubation and a bit of sunshine.
The clock is always ticking; deadlines and the business planning juggernaut is relentless. But we won’t rush this; we’ll get it right. We’ll probably make some mistakes on the way but accepting a culture where we can fail in safety means whilst we are here to hold each other to account, we are also here to catch and support.
I know the University doesn’t close and that workload continues over the summer. And I know that new academic years add additional pressure. But I’ll be in touch with colleagues on how we need you to be involved, trying to make everyone included in our progress. SHU has been a leading light in our sector for 125 years; together, we will make sure that the SIoE continues to serve Sheffield, South Yorkshire and beyond in the years to come.
Dr Jim Pugh leads the Sheffield Institute of Education
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