Fiaz Afsar

Parent Governor

I am an experienced professional with a background working in education for over 20 years. I have been employed by Birmingham City University since July 2021 and I currently work as a senior lecturer and course director on the undergraduate Business Information Technology course (BIT). I have carried out outreach programmes with secondary schools and colleges and I feel this will further extend collaboration between the College and Birmingham City University and benefit the students in their development.

My passion is to improve the student experience, and support students in their academic journey to become successful in their education and career. A large proportion of our students (60%) are from a BAME background (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic), which is where my main strength resides in understanding cultural requirements, as well as being fluent in multiple languages which allows me to connect to students.

Due to having a background working in education for over 20 years, I have played an instrumental part in being a role model for my children in their education. This has allowed me to provide addition pastoral care and career guidance into discussing suitable courses, which is traditionally not considered by many students during
pre-college and university stage.

As a parent governor, this role will allow me to understand the structure of a college, how it operates, and understand the student transition from a college to university, and meeting like-minded parents who are also passionate about students succeeding.