157 Group welcomes continuing commitment to greater freedoms for colleges
17th August 2011
For immediate release: Tuesday 16 August 2011
157 Group welcomes continuing commitment to greater freedoms for colleges
BEGINS
The 157 Group has welcomed the publication of a Department for Business, Innovation and Skills consultation document, New Challenges, New Chances, and in particular its continuing commitment to set providers free from unnecessary bureaucracy and intervention by intermediary bodies.
Lynne Sedgmore CBE, executive director of the 157 Group, said, "We welcome the steps that have already been taken to give colleges greater freedom to meet the needs of their local communities and are delighted that the government is signalling its intention to go even further. The 157 Group set out clear proposals for further deregulation in our recent policy paper, Adult further education - the unfinished revolution, and looks forward to discussing them with ministers in the weeks ahead."
The consultation paper seeks to reduce the burden of accountability and refocus performance measures to give greater weight to the views of students and employers. The 157 Group will work with other stakeholders to help develop a new reporting framework that will emphasise information useful to prospective students, rather than arbitrary government targets.
The government has also announced its intention to set out further advice to the sector on new forms of organisation for FE providers. Frank McLoughlin CBE, chair of the 157 Group and principal of City and Islington College, said that 157 Group colleges were already playing a leading role in developing new business models and would be pleased to engage with the government in exploring innovative approaches.
"157 Group members are already helping to pioneer forms of mutual organisation, forming links with bodies such as university technical colleges and running apprentice training agencies," he said. "We welcome any further opportunities to lead and shape the direction of change."
ENDS
Notes for editors
Adult further education - the unfinished revolution can be downloaded in PDF format at http://www.157group.co.uk/files/adult_further_education_the_unfinished_revolution2.pdf
About the 157 Group
The 157 Group represents 27 of the most influential colleges in the FE sector. It was formed in 2006 in response to paragraph 157 of Sir Andrew Foster's report on the future of further education colleges, in which he argued that principals of large successful colleges should play a greater role in policymaking.
CONTACT
Gemma Knott 07581 354 750
Email [email protected]
The 157 Group Limited
P O Box 58147
London
SW8 9AF
Website: www.157group.co.uk
