General Reports and Other Publications

HEFCE: International differences in the student experience, with a focus on the amount of time devoted to study, show a diversified student landscape, according to a report commissioned by HEFCE.  The study shows that the nature & extent of the way in which students engage with their studies varies considerably.  
 
These differences occur between individuals, and to some extent between the subjects studied and the kinds of institutions attended. A review of literature and the re-analysis of existing data collected as part of two recent studies informed the report.  
Press release ~ Diversity in the student learning experience and time devoted to study: a comparative analysis of the UK and European evidence' ~ Open University's Centre for Higher Education Research and Information
 
LSNUnderstanding FE mergers is a new report which is based on research undertaken by the Learning and Skills Network (LSN), to examine the factors that drive mergers among colleges, the circumstances in which they happen and the elements that make them work.
Press release ~ Understanding FE mergers
 
CIOB: Research by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has shown that construction managers over the age of 60 are the fastest growing age group in the sector.  Responses highlight a fear of many workers entering retirement within a short space of time and the resulting significant loss of skills in the industry.  This would also mean that the industry is losing a valuable teaching resource, as older workers often use their expertise & experience to help develop new entrants.
Press release ~ The impact of the ageing population on the construction industry (scroll down)
 
NAO: A National Audit Office report has found that government has strengthened its drive to purchase more environmentally sustainable goods & services.  In 2005 the government set a target ‘to be recognised by 2009 as one of the leaders in the EU in sustainable procurement’.  However a number of departments are not yet on course to be practising sustainable procurement across their businesses by the end of 2009.

The NAO report, which reviewed actions taken by the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) and 5 of the largest spending departments, found that some have introduced initiatives which are reducing environmental impact and in some cases also saving money.  The OGC is collaborating with departments in the establishment of framework contracts for sustainable products, to drive sustainable outcomes and achieve savings.
Press release ~ Addressing the environmental impacts of Government procurement ~ OGC Centre of Expertise in Sustainable Procurement ~ Sustainable Procurement Task Force

HO: The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published the first review of the shortage occupation lists for skilled workers coming to the UK from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). In the UK labour market, vacancy levels have fallen and unemployment and redundancies have risen sharply.
 
The MAC has responded to the current economic climate by suspending quantity surveyors and managers in construction from the shortage occupation lists.
Press release ~ First review of the recommended shortage occupation lists for the UK and Scotland: Spring 2009 ~ Job titles and occupation groups being reviewed for autumn 2009 (with SOC codes) ~ Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)
 
NAO: The Department for Children, Schools and Families has made progress in improving its financial management, with strong commitment at senior management & board level, according to a National Audit Office report.
 
The Department’s ability to reach a high standard of financial management depends partly on successful working with local authorities, other partner organisations, and the schools themselves.  It does, however, face specific challenges, including the need for better strategic management of its large capital programme and to encourage better financial management in schools.

Its capital expenditure programme will need to be carefully managed given the history of under-spending and the challenge of bringing forward £924m of expenditure from 2010–11 to 2009–10 as part of the Government’s fiscal stimulus.
Press release ~ Financial management in the Department for Children, Schools and Families
 
UKOC: The fourth national Digital Inclusion Conference, NDI09, which took place last week, saw more than 400 delegates come through the doors, more than 600 follow on the live webstream, 6 Ministers report on progress & policy, four workshops whittle down 20 ideas for digi-inc action, a team of 12 social reporters post more than 50 video interviews.

It covered economic & social e-implications and opportunities from learning to health, community to democracy, business practice to individual empowerment.  Meanwhile, frustrations, feedback, ideas and connections – from the conference and beyond - are still being discussed on the new digital engagement blog, where the 20 big ideas from delegates will be refined into a digital manifesto.
Press release ~ Videos of Ministerial speeches ~ Conference report ~ New digital engagement blog ~ Civic Agenda ~ UK online centres ~ DC10 Plus ~ Ufi
 
LSN: Requirements & processes have been set in place by Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) and Institute for Learning (IfL) to ensure that every teacher engages in CPD – but is it getting the strategic attention it deserves in every organisation?
 
Rethinking continuing professional development in further education – eight things you already know about CPD aims to provoke discussion on the issue, question some current shibboleths, identify potential approaches and explore how to make the most out of the new CPD entitlement. 
Press release ~ Rethinking continuing professional development in further education – eight things you already know about CPD ~ Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) ~ Institute for Learning (IfL)
 
AC: The Boards of NHS trusts & foundation trusts in England must be more challenging of the information they receive about the running of their hospitals, according to Taking it on Trust, a new study from the Audit Commission (AC), which examines how the Boards assure themselves that internal controls are in place and operating effectively.
 
While hospitals have processes to guard against risks, the controls & assurances are often poorly defined.  This makes it difficult for boards to be clear that the assurances they receive are sound, which is essential if they are to keep patients safe and achieve their objectives.
 
The new report follows recent investigations by the Healthcare Commission into Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust and Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts, which found failures in governance arrangements.
The AC says there are significant gaps between the processes on paper & the rigour with which they are applied.
 
There is much guidance in place, but as with the banking crisis in the UK, this report finds that NHS board members need to understand, question & assess risk on an informed and ongoing basis.
Press release ~ Taking it on Trust – report and related papers
Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story