WIREDGOV

The Centre for Excellence in Leadership (CEL) has published a report of its research into further education and sixth-form colleges and their approaches to risk-taking in recruitment. The research work was prompted by the governing body of an FE college questioning its own approach, and asking to what extent CEL supported the sector in making perceived high-risk appointments to senior roles, potentially creating wider diversity in senior management.

The research found that colleges appeared to be recruiting candidates from a wide range of age groups, and there was evidence of appointments from outside the sector, with consideration being given to the importance of business skills and entrepreneurship, as well as to knowledge of the curriculum and a track record in FE.

There was, however, evidence of more conservative recruitment behaviours too, such as favouring candidates with lengthy experience but not too close to retirement. Many governing bodies tended to err on the side of caution when making selection decisions.

Certain factors, such as the tight labour market conditions in London , appeared important in promoting more risk-taking in recruitment. Colleges employing search agencies and more objective recruitment methods brought a more diverse range of candidates to the attention of their senior recruitment panels. On the other hand, where outgoing or experienced principals were involved in advising a recruitment panel, interviewees expressed their concerns about the dangers of recruiting in the same image.

Ann Ruthven , CEL's head of career development services, said, "Colleges face difficult strategic challenges, an unsettled economic climate and testing labour market conditions, all of which add to the mix of obstacles they face when recruiting for senior leadership roles. Principals, chief executives, governors and HR professionals have a considerable task ahead to ensure that they have in place the right culture, policies and procedures to ensure that the best possible individuals are recruited into their organisation and into the FE and skills sector.

"Many recruitment decisions are fraught with personal opinions, prejudices and potential biases. Our report identifies a number of key priorities for sector leaders, who have a critical role to play in encouraging a broader range of candidates to enter the job market. Our recommendations include developing a more integrated approach to achieving talent management and succession planning; facilitating the involvement of others to form a strong and diverse selection board; and developing systematic measurement and monitoring of recruitment processes.

"Risk is a complex issue, but not taking greater risk could be far riskier in the longer term for those involved in recruiting to senior roles in the sector. In the search for talent, and with the need to meet the demands of a rapidly changing environment, 'What we did before' may no longer suffice."

NOTES TO EDITORS

"Risk and appointments in further education: An exploration" is available to download from CEL's website at http://www.centreforexcellence.org.uk/UsersDoc/RiskAndAppointmentsFE.pdf

About CEL

The Centre for Excellence in Leadership (CEL) was launched in October 2003 as a key national agency within the Success for All initiative. CEL's remit is to foster and support leadership improvement, reform and transformation throughout the sector. It serves the existing and future leaders of all providers within the further education and skills system, including FE colleges, training and work-based learning providers, adult and community providers, offender learning, specialist colleges and voluntary organisations. To date, more than 1,160 different organisations and around 38,000 individual participants have engaged with CEL.

From 1 April 2008, CEL and the Quality Improvement Agency for Lifelong Learning (QIA) began working together to form a new sector-owned organisation dedicated to supporting excellence and leadership development in the further education and skills sector. The new organisation – the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) – was created after consultations with sector leaders identified a strong desire for an organisation that would be sector-led.

Combining the best aspects of two different and highly successful sector bodies, LSIS will focus on learners and on developing excellent and sustainable FE provision across the sector. Leadership development will underpin and form an important part of the organisation's strategic role in the sector.

CONTACT

CEL press office

Lindsay Baugh :      07736 246 697 or 01707 392 552

Email:                  lindsay.baugh@howardsgate.co.uk

Centre for Excellence in Leadership

Fourth Floor,

London

EC3R 7QQ

Telephone:            0870 060 3278

Facsimile:             020 7297 8490

Website:               www.centreforexcellence.org.uk