My good friend and colleague Bernard Godding, who has died aged 82, was one of many extra imaginative grownup educationists of his era. As head of grownup schooling for central Norfolk for almost 20 years, he was recognized for his dedication to visiting courses throughout the broader Norwich space and his encouragement of recent tutors.
Bernard was not a rule-follower and he was decided to provide communities what they wanted. He had a capability to work spherical methods “for the scholars”, as he put it. This irritated some senior managers who had been endlessly discovering methods to rein him in, however thankfully he was strongly supported by centre heads and tutors. This led to some groundbreaking advances. Provision at regional forensic items, in long-stay hospitals, and on social housing estates, introduced folks into studying who had not had the alternatives earlier than.
It was his concept to create a nationwide mission to enhance the standard of schooling for adults with studying difficulties, which he persuaded the then Nationwide Institute of Grownup Training to place in place in 1988, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Basis.
Born in south London, Bernard was the son of Joan (nee Darker), a trainer, and Alfred Godding, an engineering draughtsman. He went to Sutton county grammar faculty, Surrey, then to Bretton Corridor School of Training, Yorkshire, to realize his educating certificates, regardless of leaving faculty with few {qualifications}.
On commencement in 1965, he married Naomi Vatcher, a fellow scholar, and taught for 4 years at Queniborough main faculty, Leicestershire, earlier than shifting in 1969 to a main faculty in Wigston, the place he was additionally given the possibility to handle the grownup schooling provide till 1972. This was a inventive time, establishing new programs for adults. A two-year stint in administration in additional schooling at Leicestershire county corridor adopted.
In 1974 he took up a cut up put up at Burleigh Neighborhood School, educating younger folks and managing grownup schooling. Whereas there he labored intently with the native Asian neighborhood, gaining each belief and friendships.
Having been informed he wouldn’t progress and not using a diploma, Bernard mixed working full-time with finding out for a BA in science on the Open College (1976). He adopted this with a diploma in grownup schooling from Nottingham College (1978).
The next yr Bernard was appointed as space head for grownup schooling in central Norfolk. Because the county coordinator for grownup primary schooling, I labored with Bernard for 10 years, and we remained in common contact all through our lives.
Bernard retired in 1997, however his passionate help for grownup schooling continued with the Instructional Centres Affiliation (ECA). As chief govt and chair of ECA nationally for 20 years he ran many conferences and initiatives in each area in England, nearly single-handed.
He was appointed MBE in 2010.
Naomi, their daughter, Rachel, and grandchildren, Ellie and Peter, survive him.
