FSC Staff News

06.07.2026

Dear Colleagues,

AI Staff Survey Update
The AI Working Group would like to thank all staff who took part in the recent AI Staff Survey. They received 126 responses, along with many valuable comments.

The feedback highlighted a range of perspectives, including concerns about the integration of AI, as well as strong existing engagement across the organisation. Many respondents also expressed a clear interest in developing their AI-related skills.

Overall, the results demonstrate a strong sense of commitment to our organisation, our work, and what we can achieve together. More detailed findings will be shared when the full analysis of the survey results is complete.

Hospitality & Catering rise to the challenge
I’d like to champion the work done by the hospitality and catering teams. As well as dealing with the heat, they have also been delivering excellent results on really tight budgets this year, and as ongoing global conflicts are likely to cause food inflation in their wake.

Chefs are delivering under budget overall and the customer feedback is better than it has ever been. Likewise, the housekeeping operation is continuing to find creative ways to save on costs whilst still bringing in excellent feedback scores. Well done to all of you.

Special Mention: Teamwork in Action
Due to issues at Millport a Scottish IB group was diverted to Castle Head with only a day’s notice. Twenty four individual IB biology student projects were planned and carried out at a new site for Fettes College with Pippa Cowley senior Tutor from Blencathra leading the group. This all took place within 24 hours of the plan being confirmed. Pippa’s fantastic willingness and flexibility to switch her plans over and think on her feet helped the group get the most out of their trip.

In addition we thank, freelancer Jane Markby for helping scope possible titles for the projects alongside Ella and team at Castle Head who provided the accommodation at similar short notice.

Fantastic teamwork and coordination across three sites- Millport, Blencathra and Castle Head- to retain the customer and pool resources. Katy, Ella and Elke can be rightly proud of themselves and their teams.

Support for Youth Panelist’s research
Millicent, a member of our Youth Panel, is embarking on independent research exploring whether youth voices are influencing environmental policy, governance and campaigning. She has done brilliantly to receive a grant to support her work, but this does not extend to cover equipment, fieldwork clothing and data storage. As such she is asking for donations to support in the purchasing of these items.

She has set up a Go Fund Me page where you can read more about her story and donate to support her research goals. All support would be very much appreciated and will be credited in her project materials. Thank you very much in advance. You can see here.

Juniper’s Award Winning Volunteer
Juniper’s grounds volunteer Kate McCallum had her small garden design plan chosen for the BBC Gardener’s World Live Show at the NEC. She then won The Best WFGA Beautiful Border, with a Platinum Award. Her garden also featured on Gardeners World which you can see here 20:25s in.

Her design, “By the Light of the Moon” is a relaxing evening scented garden allowing time for reflection and mindfulness. She has very kindly donated all the plants and features to Juniper Hall and we will work with Kate to replant it here in the grounds.

Kate is pictured at the show with her garden and also back at Juniper Hall after an exhausting 10 days, having dropped off all her plants and showing the Juniper team her award. I’ll be writing to Kate to congratulate her and thank her for donating her garden to us.

Welcome to Field Studies Council
Polly Howe has joined the team at Head Office as Marketing Officer.
Sam Love has joined the team at Hire a Canoe as Casual Hire a Canoe Assistant.
Also this week:
Simon Ward has been promoted to the role of Education Team Leader at Flatford Mill
Ana Forbes has been promoted to the role of Regional Senior Tutor Team Leader.

Best regards
Mark