Meet Charlie Field Davis SLN Programme Manager

This month we’re meeting Charlie Field Davis, to find out more about her work with schools and colleges.  Charlie is a Programme Manager at the SLN heading up Get Career Confident and leading on our work with schools.  

Tell us about your role

As one of SLN’s programme managers, I lead multiple projects focused on helping young people navigate their futures. My aim is to make opportunities clear and accessible, guiding individuals towards the right paths. I’m passionate about understanding what shapes a person’s aspirations and how the right knowledge and experience can support them in reaching their goals.

At my core, I’m a project manager—constantly thinking about how to achieve outcomes, what expertise is needed, who should be involved, and when key actions need to happen for success. I’m also a bit of a data geek, having played a major role in creating a local risk register with our university partners to inform smarter decision-making.

How does the SLN work with schools in Sussex?

We work with schools to provide learners with opportunities to find out about future and higher study. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering the Uni Connect programme, aiming to close the gap in higher education progression for underrepresented groups. For the 2024-2025 academic year, our key focus is on learners eligible for free school meals, ensuring they fully understand the opportunities available to them for further and higher study - and that they feel empowered to take those steps.

Schools can come to us to let us know if they have a project in mind, and we share opportunities with schools via this newsletter and our CPD events. There is a funding round currently open for schools to apply to.

How can schools access this funding?

Schools can download the application form and guidelines directly from our website. The deadline for round one applications is 5pm on Friday 27th September 2024, and we’ll notify applicants by Friday 4th October 2024. Should there be additional funding, round two will open on Monday 18th November, with a final deadline of 5pm on Friday 13th December 2024.

What exactly is Get Career Confident?

Get Career Confident is both a website and a service! The website is packed with tailored resources for learners, teachers, and parents/carers, designed to help young people make informed decisions about their education and career paths. We’ve got a ton of engaging videos and guides for students aged 14 and up - ideal for use at home or in school.

Beyond the online resources, GCC provides in-school careers guidance. We have a network of qualified advisors who work with students from Year 10 onwards, helping them figure out their next steps.

Can learners access your resources independently?

Absolutely! The GCC website is open to everyone and super user-friendly. Students can filter content by age or topic, making it easy for a Year 12 student thinking about university, or a Year 10 student unsure of what comes after GCSEs, to find relevant videos and information. A standout feature is the Directory, which lets users browse through colleges, universities, and training providers across Sussex in one place.

Are there resources schools and colleges can use to engage with parents and carers?

We realised that all of our resources are useful to parents and carers, so we encourage them to explore the website too. However, we do have a special booklet just for them, which guides families through key decision-making moments for young people aged 14 and up. This booklet can be downloaded or ordered as a hard copy.

Do you offer CPD for staff?

Yes! We offer two types of CPD: one for careers advisors and leaders, and another for school staff involved in Uni Connect. We hold termly meetings, which are a great opportunity to share good practice and network with colleagues.

For Careers Advisors and leaders:

3rd October 4-5pm, online

16th January 4:30pm – 6pm, in-person location TBC

For Uni Connect leads and staff:

November 20th, 4-5pm, online

January 22nd, 4-5pm, online

To find out more about Get Career Confident or the new funding for schools, or to book onto our CPD sessions, feel free to contact me!