As a vital part of our Early Career Framework (ECF) programme, our ECF Candidate & Support team are the first line of contact between the programme and both Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and Early Career Mentors (ECMs). They work hard to ensure that participants have everything they need, which then puts them in the best possible position to get the most out of our ECF programme and create the next generation of teachers.

We are celebrating our ECF team by highlighting them and sharing a few members stories. Let's take a deep dive to find out more about their role within our company and how they are supporting our ECF participants.

Lucy Stone | ECF Programme Coordinator (ECTs) 

What does your day to day look like?

It really varies within the role, but I have a big focus on supporting the ECTs. This usually involves answering enquiries, ranging from online chats, through our website chat box, emails and telephone calls. A big part of my role is organising event invitations for the ECTs. I currently send out invitations for 126 ECT groups to make sure that everyone receives their invitation in a timely manner.  

What's your background?

I have an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences from the University of Bath as well as a postgraduate degree from the University of Exeter. I’ve previously worked in events within a university setting, which involved supporting various university conferences and events. My last role before joining the company I worked as a child wellbeing practitioner, helping to support young people with their mental health which I found extremely rewarding.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love organising and sending out the event invitations, I’m an extremely organised person so I take a lot of satisfaction in keeping an organised and well maintained back office system. I also enjoy supporting candidates on the programme and dealing with any of their queries. I want  to ensure that they have the best possible experience whilst undertaking their Early Career Framework with us.

What advice would you give to someone starting on the programme?

I would say, stay organised, right from the word go! Log in to Canvas little and often, making sure that you are always up to date, as well as attending all live events to ensure that you get the most possible out of the programme.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I’ve just moved into a new home, so that is currently taking up a lot of my time! Lots of DIY projects are at hand and generally trying to improve my new home. Outside of that I love walking and spending time with my dog, Betsy the Maltese.

Erin Lawler | ECF Programme Coordinator (ECM)

What does your day to day look like?

Mainly I look to support candidates through phone calls and emails as well as focusing on processing applications for candidates. This could involve contacting them for any additional information and then emailing across events schedules and invites. When a mentor applies to replace an existing one I ensure that there is a smooth transition and that the new mentor has everything they need to support the ECT.

What's your background?

I did my degree at the University of Bristol and studied English Literature and then worked at an international sixth form College which was in the admissions department. This gave me the tools to be able to successfully carry out my current role.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I really enjoy problem solving for candidates, their issues can often be complex and vary greatly on an individual basis. Seeing these resolved gives me a great sense of satisfaction, knowing that the mentors are in a better position to support the ECTs through the programme.

What advice would you give to someone starting on the programme?

For a new mentor, the most important thing is to explore Canvas and access all the resources available to you. There are extremely useful how to videos on how to navigate Canvas and for Mentors specifically there are induction modules for them to better understand their own roles and responsibilities.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I like to watch a lot of sports, particularly Tennis and Formula 1. So I’m really looking forwards to Wimbledon this year! From my degree, I continue to have a real passion for literature having recently read John le Carre’s Murder of Quality and have moved on to tackle George Eliot’s 800 page novel Middlemarch.

Nick Vause | Candidate Support Manager 

What does your day to day look like?

My day to day is leading a team of programme coordinators to make sure that the programme is running as smoothly as possible. Taking responsibility for achieving contractual KPIs and minimum service levels and liaising with key stakeholders within the wider company and the DfE to look for continuous improvements.

What's your background?

I have been managing performance and government funded contracts for Education and Skills Funding Agency, Department for Work and Pension and for the Ministry of Justice. These roles have given me an ideal skillset to transfer into delivering a demanding education based contract.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Genuinely, no two days are the same for me, I have an excellent team (don’t tell them that) and having the scope to continually try to improve the contract in what is a very supportive working environment.

What advice would you give to someone starting on the programme?

For anyone starting on this programme, engage yourself fully, use Canvas as everything is there that you will need. I would also encourage you to make the most of the resources available to you and to attend all the events.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I have two young children so I enjoy spending time with them and my family. When I get a chance and some spare time, I love to occasionally play my Guitar!

Find out more about ECF