Margot Cambridge
Membership Grade: Full Member
Length of IfL Membership: 3 Years 5 Months
Current Position: Programme Leader/Lecturer
Reserved Seats: FE Colleges/Work-based Learning/Adult and Community Learning/North East England
Relevant Background
From as far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher; but due to some poor careers advice and a steer from my parents to pursue a different career, I ended up doing a degree in Home Economics and Business Management.However, I still managed to get into teaching via the back door by starting my career teaching Hospitality and Catering; to learners with learning difficulties and disabilities at an FE College. From here I was involved in the College, gaining approval to offer NVQs and from there I have never looked back. This paved the way for me to progress through the NVQ route of assessor, to internal verifier, to external/chief verifier; for a number of Awarding Bodies. My path has varied much but has always remained in the sector of post compulsory education undertaking various roles. I have been privileged over the years to work with a variety of learners, have delivered and managed a diverse range of programmes, in various types of organisations. This has resulted in me working at various levels in FE Colleges, Adult and Community Education, private and public funding training organisations. This wealth of experience is supported by me continually undertaking a range of studies and CPD activities. I have engaged in both vocational and academic qualifications to support my continuous development.
Commitment to professionalism and IfL
With a specific interest in teaching and learning, I am currently programme leader in an FE college, delivering the local University CertEd/PGCE. I am in the 4th year of doing my Doctorate in Education part time, with my research focussing on the current Government Reforms taking place with regard to professional formation and the requirements that we as teachers in our sector now need to undertake in order to obtain our license. I intend to review the impact of such requirements on us as individuals and on our sector.
Communication Strategy
As part of my full time job role I am involved with the CETTs as well as undertaking various research projects with other local colleges. In my role as an external verifier and chief verifier, I work with a range of private and public training organisations across the country. In working with a range of Awarding Bodies, I am involved in various networks. I am also a member of a number of professional associations. This diversity of interactions allows me to communicate with a range of individuals and groups at all levels. This gives me the opportunity to gain the views and perspectives of all within the sector. It also enables me to be a representative for IfL across the entire sector.
