“As managers, we can help improve the UK economy”

“I like to think that I put the same enthusiasm and passion into everything I do,” says Simon Takel CMgr FCMI. His multifaceted role at further education (FE) institute Exeter College combines two things he’s passionate about: management, and teaching and learning. 

After a degree in sport and recreation management, Simon started his career in health clubs before moving to the University of Exeter sports centre as a duty manager and then acting manager. 

He enjoyed the staff training element of the job, so he decided to undertake teacher training and joined Exeter College in 2016. He is now lead lecturer on the Level 3 Leadership and Management course, teaches in the Faculty of Professional and Adult Learning and is an Advanced Practitioner, mentoring new and existing teaching staff across the college. 

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Closing the productivity gap

Simon first encountered CMI when it partnered with the college to launch a Team Leader apprenticeship in 2018. 

“It was a new thing for the college, so being able to make use of all the CMI resources and support was fantastic. Over the years, we’ve built up a really positive collaborative relationship,” he says. 

Simon soon gained a Level 5 Diploma in Operational Management and went on to become a Chartered Manager. He aims to progress into higher levels of management and is thankful for the opportunities that being Chartered brings him. 

“Further Education is a forever-changing landscape with different qualifications and government policies being introduced. Problem-solving, conflict management and supporting staff through a period of change are key skills needed by leaders in FE, and the CMI resources have really helped with this.” 

As a manager, you’re in a really privileged position where you can have a massive impact on the people around you

Simon also shares CMI resources with his learners, he adds. He refers regularly to CMI’s Management and UK 2030 report on the future of management and believes CMI resources can help equip and empower managers to close the productivity gap. 

“As managers ourselves, and through teaching the next generation of managers coming through, we can help improve the UK economy,” he says.

Launching a training course

CMI was a great help to Simon when he led the development of Exeter College’s ACE Leader Programme, a bespoke internal management training programme. Tailored to the FE context, it addresses the lack of a flexible and accessible pathway for those wanting to explore management in the sector. 

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“Being able to look at the latest theories, guidance and best practice was invaluable. It also helped with getting a feel for what’s going on around the country, finding out what other managers are doing and what challenges they are facing,” Simon says.