RCE North East-2015
a) Criteria/ indicators used to assess aspects of RCE work/ project: Character count 300 words:
NECTER/RCE North East continues to evaluate potential projects against the extent to which the individual project proposal would contribute to the achievement of one or more of the global objectives as determined by the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD). This process then leads to the establishment of the RCE’s own objectives for the year and any adjustments to the Research Map. NECTER/RCE North East aims to act as a catalyst for organisations in the North East of England that promote Education for Sustainable Development (ESD); a major focus being the sharing of information and experiences of sustainable development between stakeholders in the region as well as contributing to global learning.
Due to work and other commitments, or leaving the region, the RCE lost several fonder members of the Committee this year. The approach taken with regard to seeking new committee meetings was to profile the skills and experience of the remaining committee member as well as exploring any gaps in expertise in relation to the Research Map. This led to the identification of several new potential committee members across the North East Region. The director arranged to meet each person for a one to one discussion. A biography for each potential member was prepared for the Committee and then, consequently, four outstanding individuals were invited to the AGM.
Highly successful established NECTER/RCE North East projects such as The Great Northern Debate and Cinema Politica have been encouraged to continue their good work. NEET Network UK (NNUK) gave an assurance that the search for funding for this large scale project would continue and it was noted that Durham University was enthusiastic for the project to succeed. The RCE is delighted that a new member (Ross Weddle) is leading on projects related to the Sustainable Communities Initiative.
Due to work and other commitments, or leaving the region, the RCE lost several fonder members of the Committee this year. The approach taken with regard to seeking new committee meetings was to profile the skills and experience of the remaining committee member as well as exploring any gaps in expertise in relation to the Research Map. This led to the identification of several new potential committee members across the North East Region. The director arranged to meet each person for a one to one discussion. A biography for each potential member was prepared for the Committee and then, consequently, four outstanding individuals were invited to the AGM.
Highly successful established NECTER/RCE North East projects such as The Great Northern Debate and Cinema Politica have been encouraged to continue their good work. NEET Network UK (NNUK) gave an assurance that the search for funding for this large scale project would continue and it was noted that Durham University was enthusiastic for the project to succeed. The RCE is delighted that a new member (Ross Weddle) is leading on projects related to the Sustainable Communities Initiative.
b) Successes of the RCE and lessons learned: Character count 300 words:
The RCE Committee enthusiastically accepted the offer by a new
member (Craig Smith) to facilitate an opening session at the AGM
entitled “What we do and Why”. This session was highly successful and
achieved strong participation by all member, new and existing. The
discussion was grouped around (A) Why does the NECTER/Regional
Centre of Expertise North East exist? What is our core purpose? (B) How
do we deliver our purpose? What are our values and core processes? (C)
What do we actually do? What are our key outputs and measures of
success as a network? This session achieved much in the time allocated,
however, it was unanimously agreed that the RCE Committee should
have a half day session in the near future to further develop the issues
raised such as purpose, vision and strategy.
The lessons that we learned from self-evaluation this year is the
importance of ensuring shared values, having a balanced portfolio of
skills and experience in the RCE Committee and recognising the
importance of both smaller regional projects and larger
international/global projects. The learning process goes on and further
lessons will, no doubt, flow from our next half day meeting. The opening
session at the AGM was only intended as starting position and not an
end in itself. The introduction of new members (“new blood”) was seen
by all as being valuable.
member (Craig Smith) to facilitate an opening session at the AGM
entitled “What we do and Why”. This session was highly successful and
achieved strong participation by all member, new and existing. The
discussion was grouped around (A) Why does the NECTER/Regional
Centre of Expertise North East exist? What is our core purpose? (B) How
do we deliver our purpose? What are our values and core processes? (C)
What do we actually do? What are our key outputs and measures of
success as a network? This session achieved much in the time allocated,
however, it was unanimously agreed that the RCE Committee should
have a half day session in the near future to further develop the issues
raised such as purpose, vision and strategy.
The lessons that we learned from self-evaluation this year is the
importance of ensuring shared values, having a balanced portfolio of
skills and experience in the RCE Committee and recognising the
importance of both smaller regional projects and larger
international/global projects. The learning process goes on and further
lessons will, no doubt, flow from our next half day meeting. The opening
session at the AGM was only intended as starting position and not an
end in itself. The introduction of new members (“new blood”) was seen
by all as being valuable.
c) Challenges experiences: Character count 300 words:
Two of the three significant challenges in 2014-2015 are similar to those
of 2013-2014; the lack of finance and the need to further expand the
research aspect of NECTER/RCE North East activities. The third challenge
this year is to find a replacement treasurer as the previous treasurer has
retired from the Committee. Attracting funding is the most urgent
problem as this will assist the expansion of the RCE’s research. New and
exciting project ideas are emerging. The hunt for a new treasuresr is on
going.
of 2013-2014; the lack of finance and the need to further expand the
research aspect of NECTER/RCE North East activities. The third challenge
this year is to find a replacement treasurer as the previous treasurer has
retired from the Committee. Attracting funding is the most urgent
problem as this will assist the expansion of the RCE’s research. New and
exciting project ideas are emerging. The hunt for a new treasuresr is on
going.
