governance good practice guide

Foster report summary

In November 2005, Sir Andrew published his report, Realising the Potential.

Click here for information on the Foster Report.

For copies of the report itself contact:

DfES publications orderline - quoting reference 2005-2005DOC-EN:
Tel: 0845 60 22 260
Fax: 0845 60 33 360
Email: dfes@prolog.uk.com

The report emphasises the values of greater clarity, improved leadership, organisation and management, and a relentless focus on the needs of learners and business as the criteria for progress.

Through research and extensive consultation, Sir Andrew concluded that, above all, further education lacks a clearly recognised and shared core purpose.

There is no single 'magic bullet' solution for FE. The way forward includes:

• an appetite to catch up with competitive international economies
• a consequential core focus for FE on skills and employability
• increasing the pool of employable people and sharing with other providers the role of enhancing business productivity
• acquiring an identifiable brand
• promoting evolutionary, rather than revolutionary change
• learning from the strategic and management arrangements of other public services, both in the UK and abroad
• putting the 'user' at the centre of policy and practice, in common with other public service.

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