governance good practice guide

Foster review

realising the potential

The Foster Report on the future of FE colleges has been influential in shaping the government's White Paper: Raising Skills, Improving Life Chances.

Late in 2004, to support its five-year schools strategy and 14-19 strategy, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) commissioned Sir Andrew Foster to undertake a review of the future role of further education colleges. The terms of reference for this review included:

• ethos, mission and structure
• workforce, leadership and governance
• relationships with early years' providers, schools and universities
• employer engagement
• business planning and income generation
• systems to disseminate good practice and to enhance the reputation of the sector.

Key issues identified by Sir Andrew were:

• the role and purpose of further education
• finding out learners' views
• the economic importance of skills
• how the accountability system works (DfES, Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and Governance)
• the need for an appropriate inspection/scrutiny system
• the national image and reputation of the sector.

Click here for information on the Foster Report.

Click here to view the Fosters Report online at the Department for Education and Skills website.