Supporting Mental Health in FE: The New Role of Wellbeing Officers in Colleges

Mental health support in Further Education (FE) has never been more important. With increasing pressures on students – from exams and workload to personal issues – the need for effective mental health care is front and centre. Recent statistics show the growing commitment to mental health support: Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) have been progressively integrated into educational settings across England to address the mental health needs of students, with 498 MHSTs operational as of March 2024, and an additional 109 teams expected to be established by March 2025..

In the 2023-24 academic year, nearly 8,500 schools and colleges participated in the MHST programme, equating to 34% of schools and colleges in England. Colleges are stepping up to the call for further support, and one of the key changes is the rise of Wellbeing Officers in FE institutions. These professionals are playing a critical role in supporting students' mental health and ensuring that everyone has access to the help they need..

Why Wellbeing Officers Matter

In years past, students might have had to rely on tutors or counsellors for mental health support, but the reality is that mental health challenges don’t fit neatly into those categories. Students need someone who’s there specifically to address their wellbeing needs, and that’s where Wellbeing Officers come in.

These officers provide dedicated support to students, creating initiatives that promote mental health awareness, and ensuring that help is available when needed. Whether it’s offering one-on-one sessions, running workshops on stress management, or simply being a friendly face for students to talk to, Wellbeing Officers are a vital resource in today’s colleges.

Mental Health First Aid Training: A Must for Staff

Of course, Wellbeing Officers are only one part of the puzzle. Colleges are also focusing on Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for staff. This training is designed to help teachers and college staff recognise the signs of mental health struggles and provide the first steps of support before directing students to more specialised help.

With more staff equipped with MHFA training, students have more than one person they can turn to when they need help. Whether it’s a tutor, teaching assistant, or a Wellbeing Officer, having staff who are trained to offer crucial support to students helps create a culture of care across the college.

What This Means for Students

What does this all mean for students? For one, it means they’re more likely to receive help sooner rather than later. With Wellbeing Officers and staff trained to spot early signs of mental health challenges, students are less likely to fall through the cracks. Plus, it’s a big step forward in reducing stigma around mental health – when mental health is talked about openly and supported by staff, students feel safer and more comfortable seeking help.

The Bigger Picture

In 2025, FE colleges are recognising that mental health is just as important as academic achievement. When students’ mental health is supported, they’re more likely to succeed, not just in their studies but in life. The role of Wellbeing Officers and staff trained in Mental Health First Aid is key to creating an environment where students can thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.

So, if you're a student, staff member, or teacher in FE, it’s an exciting time to be part of a system that’s putting mental health at the heart of education. And if you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out – there's support out there, and more of it than ever before.

How Virtual Classrooms Are Transforming Learning for SEND Students

By 2025, virtual classrooms are no longer just a backup plan—they’ve become a core part of how we educate, especially when it comes to supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Online learning platforms are providing student access to tailored resources and flexible environments that make learning easier, more engaging, and—most importantly—accessible!

Virtual classrooms are quickly becoming the go-to learning space for many SEND students. For a variety of reasons, these online environments offer significant advantages over traditional classroom settings, such as:

1.      Personalised Learning for Every Student
One of the biggest challenges for SEND students in a typical school setting is that one-size-fits-all teaching doesn’t always work. Students with different learning needs—whether it’s ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or physical disabilities—can struggle to keep up with the pace of the class. Virtual classrooms, however, allow for customised learning experiences.

For example, students can go through lessons at their own pace, revisit content, or slow down sections that are difficult to grasp. Teachers can also adjust their teaching methods or materials to suit each student’s individual needs.

2.      Focused Attention
In virtual classrooms, students often benefit from more one-on-one interaction with teachers. While in a regular classroom, a teacher’s attention is divided among many students, virtual learning can offer smaller groups or even private tutoring.

3.      Accessibility Tools: Making Learning Easier
One of the standout features of online learning is the wide variety of accessibility tools available, these tools are designed to help SEND students engage with the material in ways that suit their learning styles.

·       Speech-to-Text and Text-to-Speech
Tools like speech-to-text and text-to-speech have come a long way. For students with dyslexia or visual impairments, these tools can make reading and writing much more manageable.

·       Captions and Real-Time Transcription
For students with hearing impairments, captions and real-time transcription are now more accurate and easier to access.

·       Customisable Learning Spaces
From changing font sizes and contrast settings to enabling voice commands or adjusting screen layouts, students with physical or sensory disabilities can make the virtual space work for them.

4.      Flexible Learning: Empowering SEND Students

One of the biggest draws of virtual classrooms is the flexibility they offer. For many SEND students, a rigid school schedule simply doesn’t work. Virtual learning can adapt to their individual needs, whether that means taking breaks more often, learning at their own pace, or even choosing where they feel most comfortable.

5.      Learning at Their Own Pace
Many students with SEND benefit from a less structured environment where they can move through lessons at their own speed. For example, a student with ADHD might find it hard to concentrate for long stretches in a traditional classroom. In a virtual classroom, they can take breaks when needed and return to their lessons when they’re ready.

6.      Comfortable, Familiar Learning Spaces
For students who experience anxiety or have mobility challenges, learning from home—or any space they choose—can be incredibly beneficial. Virtual classrooms allow SEND students to learn in a safe, familiar environment, free from the stress and distractions that might occur in a physical classroom.

7.      Parental Involvement
Remote learning also provides more opportunities for parents to be involved in their child’s education. Parents of SEND students often play a big role in helping with schoolwork, providing emotional support, and advocating for their children’s needs. Virtual platforms make it easier for parents to monitor progress, communicate with teachers, and get involved in their child’s learning journey.

8.      Increased Engagement
Students who might have once felt disconnected or frustrated in traditional classrooms are finding virtual learning more engaging. With the ability to learn at their own pace, take breaks when needed, and access tools that support their unique needs, these students are more likely to stay motivated and involved in their studies.

9.      Better Learning Outcomes
In addition to engagement, virtual learning is leading to improved outcomes. Students are experiencing better retention, a greater understanding of material, and increased self-confidence. Virtual classrooms are giving SEND students the tools they need to succeed, often in ways traditional classrooms couldn’t provide.

Looking Ahead: The Future of SEND Education

For SEND students, virtual classrooms represent a positive step in creating more inclusive, accessible, and flexible learning experiences, and these changes are making sure that every student has a chance to succeed.

The Future of Engineering: Build Sustainability into Your Lessons

In the rapidly evolving world of engineering, sustainability has emerged as a pivotal focus, not only for the industry itself but for the courses available for future engineers. For lecturers in Further Education, this presents a unique opportunity and responsibility to lead the way in embedding sustainability within the curriculum.

The Rising Demand for Green Skills

Demand for engineers equipped with knowledge of sustainability is on the rise, as evidenced by a 48%,, increase in engineering job advertisements mentioning a 'green skill', according to a report by Lightcast for EngineeringUK.

This surge reflects a broader trend where engineering roles are seen as crucial in addressing challenges such as climate change and the conservation of our planet. In fact, nearly two-thirds of UK adults ,(64%), recognise the critical role engineering plays in tackling societal issues, reports the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

With companies such as Lendlease Living, a London-based construction company making a push for,net,zero,homes,, it’s anticipated that the need for sustainable engineers from plumbing to solar power will only continue to grow.

Empowering Students through Sustainable Education

For lecturers, the task is clear but challenging; prepare students for the evolving demands of the workforce. Here’s how you can integrate sustainability into your engineering courses:

1. Sustainability-Focused Projects

Incorporate projects that prioritise sustainable practices. This could involve designing energy-efficient systems or creating solutions for waste reduction. Not only do these projects provide practical learning experiences, but they also instil a mindset geared towards sustainability.

2. Teach Industry Case Studies

Showcase real-world examples where engineering innovations have driven sustainability. Discuss companies or projects that have successfully integrated sustainable practices, highlighting both the challenges and successes. This contextual understanding can inspire students and provide tangible insights into the industry's future.

3. Discuss Innovative Methods

Encourage discussions on how sustainability has transformed engineering methods. Whether it’s through using alternative materials, improving energy efficiency, or implementing circular economy principles, demonstrating these advancements can spark creativity and innovation among students.

4. Product Lifecycle Assessments

Introduce the concept of assessing the environmental impact of products across their lifecycle. This holistic view encourages students to think critically about sustainability from design through disposal, promoting a comprehensive understanding of environmental responsibility.

5. Design for Sustainability

Embed sustainable design principles into the curriculum. Teaching students to consider sustainability from the initial design phase fosters long-term thinking and ensures that they are equipped to incorporate these principles in their future careers. This builds on the topic of the product lifecycle assessment.

It’s clear that engineering lecturers have the power to ignite a passion for sustainability in their students, equipping them with the skills needed to drive change. By integrating sustainability into the curriculum, you can enhance your students' employability and teach them to think outside of the box.

Together, we can help shape the next generation of engineers who will lead the charge towards a sustainable future. Explore our website to discover more resources and join our community of educators committed to being the best.

Building an Inclusive and Diverse Work Culture at Your College

Building an Inclusive and Diverse Work Culture at Your College

As we conclude Diversity and Inclusion Month, let’s reflect on the modern approach to inclusivity in the workplace. For colleges, it’s important to set a strong example for students by embracing diversity in a sensitive way. Whilst you may already work hard to ensure an inclusive environment and fair hiring process, there are some factors that you could consider.

The Foundations of Inclusive Hiring Practices:

Unconscious Bias Training

At the heart of an inclusive work culture lies the hiring process. It's here that the commitment to diversity must begin, not as a box-ticking exercise but as a genuine effort to enrich the academic community with a wide array of perspectives and experiences. This involves not only expanding where and how we search for candidates but also scrutinising our interview and selection processes for unconscious biases that might inadvertently favour certain groups over others. Often, these traits aren’t even known to the interviewer.

For information on what to be aware of and, more importantly, how to adapt to change, see the Unconscious Bias Training report.

CIPDs Inclusive Recruitment Guide

Depending on your college’s resources it’s encouraged to take large steps towards accessibility at each stage of a candidate’s application. According to the CIPD's inclusive recruitment guide, this involves more than just non-discriminatory job descriptions. It encompasses structured interviews, diverse hiring panels, and the implementation of equal hiring training programs to mitigate unconscious bias.

Many assume that asking standardised questions to all candidates makes the process equal. However, these questions should be carefully cultivated. Members of staff with the authority to interview candidates should be trained in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Whilst formal training isn’t compulsory, there are many training providers that can educate your teams on this subject.

Training provided by organisations such as Equality and Diversity UK can empower HR professionals and managers to effectively discuss diversity and inclusion with their teams, fostering a culture of openness and continuous improvement.

Cultural Research and Sensitivity

Once hired, the focus shifts to maintaining an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates differences.

More than just acknowledging cultural differences, cultural sensitivity requires active efforts to understand these differences and how they can enrich the college environment. Whilst you cannot be an expert in all cultures, it’s important to be prepared for differences that may come up from candidates and current staff.

Multilingual Resources

Implementing multilingual resources is a step towards this inclusivity. With tools like Microsoft Translator, educational institutions can offer subtitled presentations and translated materials for onboarding support staff, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder anyone’s ability to contribute or belong. These can also be used to aid educators in bypassing some language barriers with non-native English-speaking students.

The Impact of Diversity and Inclusion

Beyond ethical considerations, inclusive environments promote creativity, innovation, and a broader understanding of the world. A diverse and respectful staff of educators is an inspiration for students who will operate in a globalised economy, enhancing their empathy, cultural awareness, and ability to work across differences.

According to the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), being taught by a “same-race” educator can have benefits in your inter-personal relationship, feeling relatable to a role model in education.

Encouraging Regular Feedback and Communication

Through regular feedback sessions, you can continually refine and improve inclusivity efforts. By taking anonymous surveys and encouraging staff and student feedback, your college can continue to grow and develop policies best suited to your workplace. It’s through continued feedback that we keep growing.

Conclusion

Building an inclusive and diverse work culture in colleges and universities is a comprehensive process that extends beyond hiring practices. It requires a commitment to ongoing education, open dialogue, and the implementation of supportive resources. By prioritising inclusivity, institutions can create welcoming environments that not only attract a diverse pool of talent but also prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the wider world.

There’s a lot of ideas you can implement; where will you start?