Navigators CEO Anthony Thompson to Take Part in Natspec National Conference

Anthony Thompson, Founder and CEO of Navigators, will be taking part in this year’s Natspec national conference which is taking place in Manchester on the 11th and 12th June at The Midland Hotel. 

Now established as the go-to event for Further Education (FE) professionals who work with students who require specialist learning environments as an alternative to traditional college, the conference offers a wealth of learning and networking opportunities.

Anthony will be contributing to an interactive session which will explore the increasing need for Social, Emotional and Mental Health provisions, the role of specialist FE in meeting these needs, the impact on staffing and how to address the challenges this creates. He will be on the panel with college leaders Kelly Phillips from Orchard Hill College and Lloyd Richards from Boveridge College, with the discussion hosted in front of the 300+ participating delegates. 

His participation comes on the back of the opening of Navigators College earlier this year. This new college and learning centre, named “Burgess Hub”, is Navigators’ first accredited specialised post-16 provision. The centre in Harpurhey was also officially opened by acclaimed Greater Manchester-born poet, playwright, memoirist and broadcaster, Lemn Sissay OBE. The college provides skills for young people who are at risk of or currently not in education, employment or training (NEET) and produces life changing results using a unique, individualised, interest led learning approach.  

Commentating on his participation, Anthony, said:

 “The Natspec conference is a very important event in the FE sector and I am delighted to be taking part in this key discussion. To be asked to be on the panel alongside fellow practitioners, like-minded people and policy makers, will help Navigators develop a workforce for the future as we continue to make a significant difference to the children, young people and families we work with.”