Dear Colleagues and Friends,

We have come to the end of another year – the 10th in fact, since the work of Crossfields Institute began in earnest. It has been a year of progress that saw the launch of new qualifications and Higher Education programmes, organisational development projects and multi-stakeholder initiatives. We are keeping you informed on our blog and social media, which you are invited to follow closely.

2016 was also a year of major change, shocking events and surprises. The decision to Brexit and the US Presidential Election woke us up to ‘uncertainty’ in a new way; the terrifying situation in Syria and the tangible crescendo of climate change are just a few examples of what we all witnessed in the last twelve months. It gives our work a sense of urgency and fuels our deep commitment to serve the changing needs of our world. In every crisis and every problem we face there is also an opportunity to act, to connect, to reflect and to learn. So what can we do, how can we do it and what can we learn from it?

At Crossfields Institute and Crossfields International we believe that education is one of the most important, effective and sustainable ways of introducing improvement and positive change. We want to co-create a culture where education, research and work motivate us to transform and respond with positive action. We do not know today what we will need to know tomorrow. Soon, new jobs will replace the jobs we have now. So the education we promote should be about developing individual competence and confidence to work with integrity and creativity in uncertain times. We believe in the potential of each person to make a significant contribution to a healthy, diverse and inclusive society. So we invite your continued involvement and support in whatever way is appropriate and feasible for you within your context. Every effort counts.

Over the last ten years, we have focused on facilitating change through collaboration, growth and wider recognition of our centres, learners, students and partners. This year, we want to do even more to help promote qualifications delivered in our centres and make sure that people who are looking for what we offer can find it and get access.
Together with our partners, Alanus University: Institute for Philosophy and Aesthetics and University of the West of England, we are hosting a conference to address what I have shared with you in this letter. Join us on the 10th and 11th of March 2017 to explore Leadership, Ethics and Working with Unknowing. You can read more about it here.

Thank you all for a good year full of challenges and opportunities. We value your commitment to outstanding and innovative education, research and organisational development, and we are deeply grateful for your colleagueship. We wish you all a peaceful transition into 2017 and a good year ahead!