Sector responds to Welsh FE review

The Welsh Shadow Minister for Education has called for “evolution not a revolution” in response to an independent review of further education in Wales.

Following the release of the report, The Independent Review of Governance Arrangements for Further Education Institutions in Wales, Assembly Member Jenny Randerson has called for learners to be at the heard of both FE and HE.

“As students are expected to fund more of their education it is only right that they can expect a greater say as customers,” said Ms Randerson.

“Changes to FE governance need to be an evolution not a revolution as FE has an exemplary record of raising its standards and responding to government initiatives.”

The review has considered whether the current arrangements are still relevant for the challenges facing the FE sector, and the wider economy, to meet the needs of current and future employers, individuals and the community.

It looked at progress to date, existing good practice in FE and emerging arrangements in other home countries, before making recommendations.

John Graystone, chief executive of ColegauCymru (CollegesWales), which represents all 19 FE colleges and two FE institutions in Wales, commented: “The Welsh Assembly Government and the review have concluded that colleges have responded well to the Welsh Assembly government’s strategy to transform the post-16 education landscape.

“The review attempted to enable governance structures to catch up with this evolution of larger colleges which are working in a large number of formal collaborations.

“Taken as a whole, the report is interesting and stimulating. It includes sound recommendations that we loom forward to putting into practice. It also includes sounds recommendations that will be challenging to implement and raises some important questions.

“Colleges are looking forward to playing a positive and constructive role in the forthcoming consultation period.”

Mark Astley