CEL showcases ISC online toolkit at National Star College

13 Mar 2008 03:50 PM The Centre for Excellence in Leadership (CEL) has launched the second in a suite of online toolkits for leaders and managers in the FE and skills sector. The ISC online toolkit, for independent specialist colleges, was developed in partnership with the Association of National Specialist Colleges (Natspec) and shown to delegates at a regional launch event hosted by the National Star College in Cheltenham on Friday 7 March 2008.

An accessible resource, tailored specifically to the needs of independent specialist college leaders and managers, the ISC toolkit incorporates seven interactive topics covering the core business areas crucial to improved organisational effectiveness, including:

* Managing the operation
* Quality improvement
* Understanding external influences
* Finance and funding
* Equality and diversity
* Elearning
* Leading learning

Access to the ISC online toolkit is provided through a 12-month subscription for up to 10 individual users, renewable annually, which includes quarterly updates and access to CEL’s Leadership learning environment (LLE). Independent specialist colleges are entitled to a 25 per cent subsidy. Access can be from any location that has a computer and internet connection.

Punam Khosla, who manages CEL's toolkit development project, said, "The online toolkit offers ISC leaders the chance to learn at their own pace, at times that suit them best. Each of the topics includes tips, practical exercises and essential information that will be valuable to leaders and management staff working in curriculum and support services, giving them opportunities for personal development and increased confidence in the use of online learning. It also counts as evidence towards their continuing professional development (CPD).

"The topics are relevant and up to date, and are designed to encourage strategic thinking and enhance and support the operation of independent specialist colleges. As an online information source, it offers leaders the chance for flexible learning at their own pace, at times that suit them."

Alison Boulton, chief executive at Natspec, said, “Leaders and managers of independent specialist colleges need a wide range of skills in order to steer their organisations through periods of significant change whilst ensuring the quality of the learning experience for students.
This collaboration with CEL is an excellent example of an innovative approach to achieving our aim to promote high quality CPD for staff within member institutions. The online toolkit will enable senior staff in colleges to improve and develop leadership and management skills that are directly relevant to the specialist nature of their work and to access resources that reflect the real needs of small but complex organisations.”

Cherie Andrews, director of HR and organisational development at National Star College, said, “I believe the toolkit can be used in a variety of ways – as a CPD and development option for existing managers, an induction tool for new managers and as a way of increasing management and leadership skills throughout the college. I see it being used as part of a suite of materials to develop leadership and management knowledge and skills, also for new managers coming into the ISC sector for the first time, it will provide information helpful in contextualising their new environment.”

Jane Pritchard-Williams, from the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy, described the toolkit as "a flexible and accessible package for my busy people, with information that is current and in one place".

NOTES TO EDITORS

The first regional event was held in Oswestry on 19 February 2008. Two further launch events will be held in Harrogate on 15 May 2008 and in London on 3 June 2008.

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 has a crucial role to play in developing organisational leadership in the further education system to anticipate, influence and respond to government policy initiatives, including, for example, the 2006 white paper, "Further Education: Raising Skills, Improving Life Chances".

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 system, including FE colleges, training and work-based learning providers, adult and community providers, offender learning, specialist colleges and voluntary organisations.

Following the publication of the white paper, CEL is involved in the introduction of a mandatory principal's qualification and the development of the quality improvement strategy for further education.
The white paper also heralded an expansion of CEL's diversity and equality remit.

CEL now operates through a charitable trust formed by its operating company on 1 April 2006.

To date, more than 1,160 different organisations and 37,195 individual participants have engaged with CEL.

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, 47 Mark Lane
London
EC3R 7QQ

Telephone: 0870 060 3278
Facsimile: 020 7297 8490
Website: www.centreforexcellence.org.uk

About Natspec

Natspec, the Association of National Specialist Colleges, acts as a national voice for its member colleges and providers, and works to promote a wide choice of innovative, high quality, cost-effective education and training to meet the needs of young people and adults with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. It works in partnership with a range of other providers, agencies and organisations. Natspec represents over 70 independent specialist colleges (ISCs) across England and Wales, providing for over 3,000 learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, often with complex or additional needs. Member colleges support these learners in their transition to adult life, participation in the community and where possible, employment. www.natspec.org.uk

About National Star College

National Star College (an independent registered charity) is a leading provider of specialist education, training, independence and personal development opportunities for young disabled people (162 students, aged 16-25) from across the UK. The college has particular expertise in designing and delivering programmes for students with severe and complex physical disabilities or acquired brain injuries, with associated communication, learning, sensory, medical, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The college also offers part time courses to over 160 adults with disabilities from Gloucestershire. National Star College is the business name for The National Star Centre for Disabled Youth.
Registered Charity No. 220239. Company limited by guarantee No. 522846.
National Star College, Ullenwood, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 9QU.
www.natstar.ac.uk