FE Funding and Landscape:

[Background] [Aims] [Audience] [Programme] [Event Information] [Application Conditions]

Background

“Colleges need greater freedom from over-elaborate funding restrictions and other limitations to achieve their full potential for the benefit of their wider communities”. This is the key finding of the Interim Report from the Independent Commission on Colleges in their Communities which is led by Baroness Sharp of Guildford. The report was published in July 2011.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills published on 16 August 2011 its consultation document New Challenges, New Chances, which outlines 9 key areas for consultation on the reform agenda for further education

In June, the Higher Education White Paper outlined a new vision for higher education. This, together with the introduction of loans for Level 3 courses, could change the nature of further education. In September the Department for Business, Innovation and skills will launch a consultation on its future skills strategy.

Colleges, therefore, are at the centre of policy changes that are likely to change the further education landscape and the sector as a whole over the coming years. This seminar explores the implications and impact on the sector.

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Aims

This seminar will provide an opportunity to explore in detail:  

• how the policy changes will impact on the FE sector in terms of freedom, fairness and responsibilities: what do they mean in practice?
• the implications of Level 3 fee loans for learners and FE institutions
• the development of new approaches to higher education delivery
• the impact the proposals will have on widening participation and progression for adults.

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Audience

This event is intended for people working in further education, and others with an interest in and concern for lifelong learning and adult learners. In addition to managers, lecturers and researchers in the field of adult and continuing education, participants may include staff responsible for:

• Widening Participation
• Advice and Guidance
• Curriculum and Quality
• Strategy and Planning
• Teaching and Learning Student Services.

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Programme

12:30  Arrival and registration (tea/coffee and sandwich lunch available)

13:00  Welcome and introduction to the day from the Chair
          Ian Yarroll, Programme Manager, NIACE

13:10  The current policy context and overview of the policy changes
          Mark Ravenhall, Director – Advocacy, Impact and Policy, NIACE

13:30  Analysis of impact 1:
          freedoms and flexibilities, budgets, transparency, and performance management
          Mick Fletcher, NIACE Associate

13:50  Q&A

14:00  Analysis of impact 2:
          fee loans policy, lifelong learning accounts, careers advice, and higher education
          Mick Fletcher, NIACE Associate

14:20  Q&A

14:40  Sector view points: 
           Feedback from providers about how they are planning to responds
           • Maggie Galliers, Principal, Leicester College
           • Chris Minter, Leicester Adult Learning and Skills Service

15:30  Next steps and closing comments
          Mark Ravenhall, Director – Advocacy, Impact and Policy, NIACE

15:40  Close of seminar and networking (tea/coffee available)

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Event Information

Arrival and registration is at 12:30pm for a 1:00pm start. The event will end at 3:40pm.

Event fee per person: £85 (includes sandwich lunch, tea/coffee)
NB: NIACE does not charge VAT on conference or course fees.

Only online application forms with the payments section completed will be processed.
NB: If you wish us to invoice your employer we require a copy of the Purchase Order before the form is processed.

Places will be allocated in order of receipt of completed online application forms (one online application form per person).

Video cameras may be in use at this event. If you do not wish to be photographed or appear on the video outputs please indicate this on the application form and make yourself known at registration.

Participants should be prepared to take their own notes as there will not be handouts for all sessions.

If you have not received an e-mail confirming your attendance and joining instructions 4 working days before the event please contact: events@niace.org.uk

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Application Conditions

Event:           Monday 19 September 2011

Closing Date: Monday 12 September 2011

Cancellations are non-refundable.

The full fee is payable prior to the event.

Substitutions are to be advised 5 working days prior to the event.

A 15 working days notice period is required for provision of electronic note-takers, sign language interpreters and transcription to Braille

Places are to be reserved online – scroll up and click on Apply Now.

Reservations by telephone cannot be accepted.

Application forms are individually acknowledged by e-mail.

Joining instructions, including map and directions, will be e-mailed out one week before the event.

NIACE reserves the right to reject applicants who are not from the target audience list.

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