Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills
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New framework to put Further Education at heart of local communities

New framework to put Further Education at heart of local communities

DEPARTMENT FOR INNOVATION, UNIVERSITIES AND SKILLS News Release (049/2008) issued by The Government News Network on 8 August 2008

A new framework document sets out how Further Education can forge new partnerships to make a stronger contribution to the economic and social health of local communities.

Further Education Colleges - Models for Success sets out the range of mechanisms available to colleges to enable them to respond to the needs of learners, employers and the wider community.

Ministers want the sector to go further to:

* Develop innovative and collaborative learning routes;

* Listen and respond to the needs of employers;

* Reach out to those that are least likely to engage in learning; and

* Offer a wide range of learning opportunities and resources to their local communities.

Models for Success provides the framework within which the sector will work to develop or enhance business and partnership models to respond to these challenges. It is aimed at those working with and in the FE sector - including those with overall responsibility for the planning of further education delivery - the LSC and local authorities - as well as college governors, principals and management teams, who are responsible for developing business and partnership models.

Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, Bill Rammell said:

"Further Education colleges have made huge progress and can play a crucial role in driving economic and social success through the development of the skills and talents of young people and adults.

"If we are to deliver these ambitions we need an FE service which is innovative and flexible; one which is characterised by new ways of working, new partnerships and new business models.

"We are therefore looking to FE corporations and their management teams to ensure that their colleges are in shape for the future; able to respond to these challenges effectively and enthusiastically."

The document has been developed in conjunction with the sector, and in collaboration with DCSF and the LSC, and will also be of interest to other providers in the wider FE service as they continue to work with colleges.

Notes to Editors

1. Models for Success contains a number of case studies and a decision-making toolkit for governors and senior managers. These are accessible at http://www.dius.gov.uk/policy/furthereducation by following the link under "Governance and Legal".

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