WIREDGOV

The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) has yesterday published three new research reports on sustainability which can serve to inform and serve FE and skills sector learning providers as they look to embed sustainability skills and education for sustainable development (ESD) in their learning provision, building on the support and resources that LSIS has offered over the last three years.

“The publication of the reports marks the completion of the LSIS Leading and Learning for a Sustainable Future strategy which we launched in spring 2010”, said Conrad Benefield, LSIS Sustainability Programme Development Manager.  “In their way, each of the reports is a testament to the commitment and achievement of the sector in getting to grips with sustainability and sustainable development.  They reflect the depth and breadth of effective practice in the sector, the enthusiasm and commitment of sustainability leaders and champions, and the contribution that the sector can continue to make to sustainable economic growth and sustainable communities.”

The three reports are:

• Embedding Sustainability in Teaching Learning and Curriculum:  This project aimed to explore the relevance of sustainability to education and training; to identify the specific skills and knowledge that teaching staff require to embed sustainability; and to identify barriers, challenges and solutions.
• Sustainability Skills for Growth: This project aimed to explore sustainability skills, their relevance to employment, employers and business, and the opportunities challenges and barriers to the FE and skills sector in leading the development of those skills.
• Springboards to Sustainability: This project assessed the impact of the 13 projects completed in the 2012-13 round of the LSIS Stepping Up in Sustainability Fund, as well as the key ingredients for success that could inform others looking to take forward similar projects.

“We encourage our strategic partners in the sector to consider how the learning from these reports can best be taken forward.  But more importantly, leaders, teachers and other practitioners across the sector can usefully learn from the findings in these reports and the learning and practice that they present,” said Conrad.  He added: “These reports add to the range of sustainability resources already available to the sector on the LSIS Excellence Gateway, which include the Sustaining Our Future Framework, the Reaching Forward Index and case studies and resources from more than 50 sector-led projects.”

The reports can be accessed from the Publications area of the LSIS website and will be available on the Excellence Gateway at www.excellencegateway.org.uk/sustainability.