As a vital part of our Early Career Framework (ECF) programme, our ECF Candidate & Support team are the first point of contact for many Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and Early Career Mentors (ECMs). They work hard to ensure that every participant has everything they need to complete the programme and set up the foundations for a successful career in teaching. 

We are celebrating our ECF team by highlighting and sharing a few members and their stories. Let's take a deep dive to find out more about their role within the team and how they support Early Career Framework 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.

Laura Harris | ECF Programme Coordinator (ECTs)

What does your day to day look like?

I predominantly work in supporting the ECT aspect of the programme but deal daily with a variety of enquiries from emails, phone calls and live chat. My main tasks are working closely with the facilitators in managing the delivery of catch-up events and supporting with facilitator briefings. Further to this, I also work closely with the marketing team, and am responsible for the monthly newsletter that we send out to school leaders and Induction Tutors, so that they are informed on key updates on the ECF Programme.  

What's your background?

I have an undergraduate degree in Fine Art, which I studied at London College of Art, as well as a Masters in Curatorial Practice which I studied at Bath Spa University. I enjoy working with people and being based in an education setting. My main passion to is work within events and have previous experience working in events and curating exhibitions.  

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy the organisation aspect of the role. Working closely with different people and challenging myself with problem solving daily. I also enjoy working as part of a team and the ECF department is a supportive network.  

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

For the ECTs, I would advise to read up on the handbook and statutory guidance to understand what is expected of you and your entitlements. I would also get familiar with canvas and your participant dashboard. Keep your school informed on your event schedule and which areas you need support.  

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy being around people. Spending lots of time with my friends and family. I also am an artist, so spend some time painting and working on art exhibitions. I also enjoy being active, doing yoga and practicing self-care.  

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 the Early Career Framework