Colleges Inquiry Monday, March 14, 2011 - 10:43

The Colleges in their Communities Inquiry, which will report in November 2011, is investigating the strategic role colleges play in their communities and the added public value they can bring in leading adult learning provision and serving each of their local communities.

The Inquiry asked to hear the opinions of principals, managers, teachers, learners, community representatives and others with an interest in this area and has issued a call for evidence. Evidence was submitted by the end of Friday 18 March.

In particular, the Inquiry invited submissions that addressed the following questions:

• What is the relationship between colleges and their communities?
• How do colleges contribute to local/ community leadership?
• How do colleges develop, implement and refine national adult learning policies and plans?
• How do colleges define and arrive at an adult curriculum for their communities?

Mark Ravenhall, Director of Operations at NIACE, said:

"This joint-Inquiry will generate the evidence needed to examine just what role our colleges of the 21st Century play in the community. The here and now presents huge challenges to colleges but also considerable opportunities. It is therefore crucial that any future policy direction is based on sound evidence."

This joint-Inquiry will generate the evidence needed to examine just what role our colleges of the 21st Century play in the community. The here and now presents huge challenges to colleges but also considerable opportunities. It is therefore crucial that any future policy direction is based on sound evidence.

Mark Ravenhall, Director of Operations at NIACE

Joy Mercer, Director of Policy (Education) at the Association of Colleges (AoC), said:

"Colleges are the natural centre for learning in their communities. But the landscape is changing. Funding is an issue and there are different relationships driving local agendas. AoC sees this as an excellent opportunity under Baroness Sharp's leadership to explain, develop and enhance the role of Colleges as responsive partners in their local communities."

Lynne Sedgmore, Executive Director of the 157 Group, said:

"Colleges are a pivotal tool and asset to their local communities and make powerful contributions to their social well-being and economy. Our 157 Group colleges already demonstrate successful leadership in their localities as reflected in our case studies released earlier this year. However, this Inquiry is an important and powerful tool in helping to improve, shape and strengthen collaboration between colleges and their communities."

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