IfL deputy honoured by Duke of Edinburgh

The deputy chief executive of the Institute for Learning (IfL), Lee Davies, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to vocational training and development by the Duke of Edinburgh yesterday.

Mr Lee was presented with a Highly Commended Certificate at Buckingham Palace, as part of the selection process for the annual Prince Philip Medal, which is given in His Royal Highness’ capacity as president of the City & Guilds of London Institute.

“I don’t consider myself exceptional, but I have been exceptionally fortunate. I received an exceptional apprenticeship at Portsmouth City Council, and worked with some of the most professional plumbers I have ever met. I was fortunate to be taught plumbing by exceptional teachers, people who were brilliant craftsmen and equally brilliant teachers – true dual professionals,” Mr Davies said.

“They inspired me to teach. At Highbury College, I was fortunate to work with and eventually lead some exceptional teachers. And now I am fortunate to work at the very heart of teaching professionalism, at the Institute for Learning – the professional body for teachers and trainers – where I lead some of the most innovative developments ever to have reached teachers and trainers working in further education and skills.”

Toni Fazaeli, IfL’s chief executive, said: “We are enormously pleased to see this public and well-deserved recognition of Lee’s achievements. He is a superb example of what makes further education great. Many talented chefs, engineers, hairdressers, care workers and plumbers – to name but a few – make the move from business, industry and commerce to teach and train in FE and skills. They become gifted teachers and trainers, as teacher training prepares them to be experts in both their subject and in teaching and learning.

“Lee has played a pivotal role in the reform agenda, and this is a proud day for him, for teaching and training professionals, and for all his colleagues at IfL.”