Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, John Hayes, today launched an independent review to investigate ways to improve the professional status of the further education and skills workforce.
He confirmed that the review will be chaired by Lord Lingfield, working with an expert panel led by David Sherlock CBE, former head of the Adult Learning Inspectorate.
He confirmed that the review will be chaired by Lord Lingfield, working with an expert panel led by David Sherlock CBE, former head of the Adult Learning Inspectorate.
Mr Hayes said:
“As we reform the further education sector to ensure it is fit for the 21st century, it is right that we also work to raise the status of FE professionals. We want to give the best support to those who teach in the sector.
“I am delighted to announce that the respected educationalist, Lord Lingfield, has accepted my invitation to lead this important work.”
The review, which is due to report in the spring, will undertake a number of tasks:
- Review progress made in professionalising the FE and skills workforce in recent years
- Investigate what lessons can be learnt from the way professional status is facilitated and regulated in other sectors
- Examine the appropriateness and effectiveness of the current regulations
- Examine the role, functions, benefits for members and governance of the Institute for Learning as the sector’s professional membership body
- Consider what is the fairest, most efficient and appropriate way of meeting the costs of facilitating a professionalised FE and Skills workforce
- Make recommendations for any changes and improvements required to continue progress in raising the professional standards and status of the FE and Skills workforce
Dawn Ward OBE, Principal of Burton and South Derbyshire College, and Dan Wright, Chief Executive of First4Skills, will also sit on the panel.
