Changing Times in FE

by Hazel Phillips

All those who work in education are used to dealing with change. Year on year new initiatives are introduced and new targets are set. However, the constant presence of change is felt nowhere more keenly than in the FE sector.

The Leitch Review highlighted the need for change in the sector, warning that changes in lifelong learning are paramount if the UK is to continue to compete in the world market. Greater emphasis is now being placed on Colleges’ links with employers and the need to produce students who are ‘work ready’.

In order to provide increased vocational opportunities Colleges are forming more and more connections with local businesses. Relationships and responsibilities within these partnerships need to be legally defined and managed in order to secure the best possible education for students.

As funding for FE is reorganised, local authorities are seeking to consolidate services and provide more specialist centres of learning within their area. More Colleges are facing mergers or restructuring exercises. Such massive reorganisations require legal input at every stage. Any changes to College structures will affect staff, with new roles to be discussed, defined and agreed. It is very important throughout this process that employment law considerations are taken into account.

Students should not be forgotten in this period of change. As new courses come on line, course providers change and more and more students find themselves in the workplace, students should be kept fully informed of what their course involves, who is responsible for providing different elements of their teaching and what rights they have in relation to any apprenticeship or other work that the undertake.

If you require any advice or assistance in relation to changes happening at your College, please do not hesitate to contact Burnetts on 01228 552222.

Burnetts provides nationally recognized, specialist legal advice to schools, colleges, universities and other education providers.