A new report from the FE + Skills Collective, published today, highlights the crucial role of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in building a stronger Further Education (FE) and Skills sector. Titled Bridging the gap between policy and pedagogy: building a stronger FE and Skills system, the report reflects the shared insights of nearly 90 educators, leaders, employers, and policymakers who came together in Birmingham on 10 October 2024 for the FE + Skills Collective event, delivered in partnership by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) and FE News.
The FE + Skills Collective aims to work together to align the sector with the Government’s five national missions: driving economic growth, advancing clean energy, improving public safety, creating opportunities, and delivering an efficient NHS. The report – produced by Dr Vikki Smith, Executive Director of Education and Standards at ETF, and Ben Rowland, CEO at AELP – highlights how the FE and Skills sector can lead the way in tackling skills shortages, fostering social mobility, and preparing learners for a rapidly changing workforce.
Key themes and recommendations
To enable cross-sector sustainable change that aligns with the Government’s missions, the report identifies six key areas for action.
The Collective’s call to action
The FE + Skills Collective challenges everyone involved in the sector to embrace these recommendations and lead their implementation with innovation and inclusivity. The report outlines a vision for building a self-improving system that responds to learners’ needs and creates meaningful partnerships with employers and policymakers.
Dr Katerina Kolyva, CEO at ETF, commented: “This report delivers a blueprint for action. It is now down to us, the sector, to take these ideas forward. I am enthused by the energy and passion I have seen from colleagues across the sector in contributing ideas and recommendations to this report, and I look forward to working together to drive change for a stronger, more responsive FE and Skills system that aligns with the new Government’s mission-led approach.”
Dr Vikki Smith, Executive Director of Education and Standards at ETF, emphasised the importance of a collective approach: “Our sector has untapped potential to lead change. This report provides practical steps to transform how we work and the difference we make. It also celebrates the power of collaboration and trust. By working together, we can meet the challenges facing the FE and Skills sector, ensuring it thrives as a cornerstone of economic growth and social mobility.”
Ben Rowland, co-author of the report and CEO at AELP, reflected: “AELP is pleased to have helped write this exciting FE + Skills Collective report which highlights the critical importance of relationship-based collaboration to address challenges in post-16 education. The report argues that FE and Skills leaders should foster trust, embrace learning over perfection, and encourage exploration of new technologies. This will help us to improve relationships, trust and collaboration across the sector in order to leverage our collective potential to find solutions while building a strong case for government investment.”
Gavin O’Meara, CEO of FE News, said: “It was a privilege to be involved in this report. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views. The wisdom of the crowd is really powerful. I love that the report is not about solutions from just one lens, but from the people of the Collective. This means it is packed full of deep sector understanding, is solution-orientated and provides action points for the different parts of the FE and Skills ecosystem to come together and deliver the mission focus of our Government. We now have a blueprint to bridge policy and pedagogy for this next Government term, and for our educators and leaders now and in the future”.
Next steps
The FE + Skills Collective will continue its work with ETF and other partners in fostering collaboration across the sector. By bringing together voices from education, industry, and Government, the Collective seeks to drive lasting improvements and strengthen the sector’s impact on learners, employers, and communities.
Access the full report: https://fenews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/FE-Collective-Report-2024.pdf