FE Associates appoint new MIS and Funding Consultant

LEADING Further Education (FE) consultancy FE Associates have appointed Steve Hewitt to the new role of MIS and Funding Consultant.

FE Associates support senior FE leadership to overcome sector challenges through consultation and collaboration, delivering strategies and operational plans for long-term change.

Steve joins FE Associates from Morley College in London, where he was Strategic Funding and Examinations Manager.

He has been working in the FE sector for 20 years, 15 of which have been in completing funding returns for colleges.

Steve’s role is to support colleges in maintaining a strong funding stream and managing effective data through the twin challenges of Apprenticeship Levy changes and the interruption resulting from Area Reviews.

“New relationships”

Steve said: “I’ve been a vocal advocate for the funding bodies listening to the people who collect and interpret data – and what the changes from above will mean for those on the front line.

“Area Reviews, and the changes and mergers that result from them, are going to be the defining story in FE for the rest of this decade, and maintaining workable data and funding streams through that process is a challenge for the whole sector.

“And with the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, colleges are going to have to develop new relationships with the businesses they work with.

“It’s a fascinating time, and great to be working with FE Associates on delivering solutions to the sector.”

Steve began with FE Associates on January 9 and is already working with two London colleges.

FE Associates joint managing director Matt Atkinson said: “Steve’s skills and insight are well-recognised, and vital in an era of almost constant change. It’s fantastic to be welcoming him on board.”