Leading FE figures converge on Oxford for symposium
On November 2 and 3 a group of 20 of the most influential leaders and thinkers from across the FE landscape and beyond will meet at Egrove Park, part of Oxford University’s Saïd Business School. They are coming to put their collective wisdom to work on the challenge of how we could move towards a self-improving system in Further Education.
The group comprises Principals and CEOs from the sector, leading academics, senior DfE leaders (participating in a private capacity) and a range of other influential thinkers and leaders from relevant education and skills organisations.
I will present the findings from nearly 50 interviews I have conducted with people in a wide range of roles in and near to the English FE system, to bring in a rich and diverse set of insights on the question “what might be the features of a self-improving FE system?”
I have worked in FE policy and practice for around 20 years now. It is my observation and belief that Government and the sector are stuck in quite a negative dynamic where each perpetually disappoints the other, despite the great amount of talent, dedication and commitment both in the DfE and in the sector itself.
A great many themes and insights have emerged from my interviews to date. There is no single shared view of what a Self-Improving System would mean or how to get there. But seven themes have slowly emerged as being the ones interviewees have returned to again and again. These themes are:
Our task at the Symposium will be to delve into these issues, challenge and expand upon them, but also start envisioning how the current system might be re-engineered to take large steps towards being self-improving.
David Russell
Executive in Residence at Oxford Saïd Business School
Education and Training Foundation