FSC Staff News

19.02.2026

Dear Colleagues,

Investors in People Outcome
Following our assessment in November, and after a lengthy delay outside the assessor’s
control, we have now received confirmation of our IIP accreditation: “You continue to meet the Standard level of accreditation with the potential to achieve silver accreditation or higher which reflects the notable improvements made to both the consistency and maturity of your people strategies and performance culture since the last assessment in 2022.”
This is an encouraging position to be in and reflects the collective effort across Field Studies Council. I would like to thank everyone who participated in the interviews, completed the survey, and coordinated and adapted the centre visits, ensuring that our assessor Bob Morrison had the space to meet with colleagues. That flexibility and determination to make things work is something we do well. Thank you for sharing your experiences and honest reflections about working at Field Studies Council. I recognise that we ask for feedback regularly, and I am grateful for your continued engagement despite the inevitable survey fatigue. Bob also wanted to pass on his thanks for “warm hospitality and honest, constructive conversations…passion for their work was evident and inspirational.” The next steps will be for the SLT to meet with Bob to review the findings in detail and begin shaping the actions that will support our People Roadmap ambition of achieving Silver accreditation at our next formal assessment in 2028.

+Adventure Lunch and Learn, 24th February 12.30
Our move towards Adventure-Learning is key to building economic resilience for the whole organisation. To find out more Matt Healey, our adventure lead, will be running a quick ‘Lunch and Learn’ session on 24th of February at 12.30pm for all staff and Trustees to attend if you are able to. An invite from Carina will be sent out shortly.

Slapton Sands Article
The short and long term implications of the storm damage and road destruction for the
community in and around Slapton continue. We are working closely with the Slapton Line Partnership and others as just one of the many organisations whose business and staff have been impacted. The issue of the Ley itself has been of interest too and here’s a blog penned by Em Kendal for the Geographical Association where she looks at some of the key issues from a geographer’s perspective.

Visit by the Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner
We are continuing to build relationships with guests and organisations who were part of the visit by the Princess Royal to Preston Montford. West Mercia’s Assistant PCC Tracey Onslow visited last week hosted by Mike and Arran. She was particularly interested in the work done with young people at risk of exclusion or heading down the wrong path in life. Crime Prevention is one of the remits of the PCC which also means that there may be some funding available. Tracey was very enthusiastic about the centre and the work that Arran and his team put into making a difference to the young people that spend time here.

Royal Assent Gained
The Schools Residential Outdoor Learning Bill became an Act last week as it gained Royal Assent. We are getting involved with turning the purpose of the Act -which is to ensure that every child in Scotland experiences a outdoor learning residential- into reality.

Tribute to Bob Holah
As mentioned last week, the tribute to long-standing Juniper Volunteer Bob can be found on the staff news page here: Bob Holah tribute.

There are no new starters this week

Best regards
Mark