IEG Staff Conference at New Theatre: Jaz Ampaw-Farr inspires IEG to be ‘10% braver’ for local students

Inspire Education Group (IEG) – which includes Peterborough College, Stamford College and University Centre Peterborough – brought colleagues together at  Peterborough’s iconic New Theatre this week for its annual Staff Conference, focused on professional development, wellbeing, and student success.

The event, themed Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Exceptional, opened IEG’s 2025 Staff Development Week. Staff from Peterborough College, Stamford College and University Centre Peterborough came together to reflect on progress, celebrate achievement and build skills that directly benefit local students and communities.

A highlight of the conference was a keynote from Jaz Ampaw-Farr, an acclaimed motivational speaker and former teacher, who urged staff to embrace courageous conversations, positive disruption, and emotional intelligence in their work. Her message — to be “10% braver” — set the tone for a week of training in trauma-informed practice, AI in education, green skills, and curriculum innovation.

The choice of New Theatre Peterborough as this year’s venue underlines IEG’s commitment to supporting local partnerships and community venues.

As part of IEG’s ongoing investment in its people, the conference also forms part of a wider focus on staff wellbeing, highlighted recently in a national Telegraph feature on how forward-thinking organisations are prioritising mental health, inclusion, and connection to improve performance and retention. The group’s dedicated Wellbeing Wednesday programme this week offers practical, evidence-based activities to promote staff resilience and engagement — outcomes that research shows directly benefit students.

A highlight of the event was the IEG Staff Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding contributions across categories such as teaching, student support, business support, digital innovation, and community engagement.

The winners of the IEG Staff Awards were:

Lecturer of the Year

Jegan Rajamanikkam, Lecturer in Maths

Student Support Staff Member of the Year

Mel Staples, ESOL Pastoral Youth Support Worker

Business Support Staff Member of the Year

Amaan Joondan, Corporate Marketing Coordinator

Outstanding Contribution by a Member of Staff in their First Year

Leah Wallis, Lecturer in Early Years

Digital Innovation and Excellence in Teaching

Alexander Ogunjobi, Lecturer in Travel and Tourism

Excellence in Customer Service Award

Martin Chapman, Print Services Assistant

Positive Contribution to Our Local Community

Nick Reinis-Keightley, HE Manager - Arts/Social Science and Student Support

The Award for Impact Through Partnership

Caz Dolby, Assistant Head of Faculty - Business + Travel

The Lifetime Achievement Award

Debbie Rayner, Faculty Administrator

Inspiring Leadership Award

Emma Hill, Group Head of Curriculum - Modern Construction

IEG Team of the Year

Estates

The Annual Staff Conference was more than just an event; it was a chance for everyone to come together, share ideas, and celebrate the hard work and dedication that make IEG exceptional. With renewed energy and inspiration, staff members are ready to continue delivering outstanding educational experiences and empowering students to succeed. Here’s to another year of growth, innovation, and excellence at Inspire Education Group.