Further Education at the Heart of Community Regeneration Lynne Sedgmore CBE Executive Director, The 157 Group 15 January 2014

The reach of FE colleges The 157 Group alone: 30 Colleges, UK-wide combined turnover of over £1.5bn impacting over 670,000 learners employing 37,000 staff engaging with 31,000 employers

“Anchor institutions” “…economic engines for cities and regions, acting as real estate developers, employers, purchasers of goods, magnets for complementary businesses, community-builders, and developers of human capital. Strengthening these institutions is important to ensuring successful urban revitalization strategies.” - Penn Institute for Urban Research

Strong Colleges build Strong Communities, 2010 are inclusive are answerable to local communities are in it for the long term provide additional support are safe places to learn offer courses that make a difference

The Sharp report, 2011 “…a ‘dynamic nucleus’ at the heart of communities…as the central player in a network of partnerships, dynamic in the sense of developing and engaging with other partners. This enables the network itself to become part of the dynamic, with colleges at its heart” A dynamic nucleus Colleges at the heart of local communities The Final Report of the Independent Commission on Colleges in their Communities Baroness Sharp of Guildford November 2011

Economic Impact Studies undertaken on 157 Group Colleges by EMSI plc: average impact on the regional economy for each college is £550m learners - average 11.2 per cent ROI in terms of higher future earnings society - average 12.6 per cent ROI in terms of an expanded tax base and reduced social costs taxpayers – average 12.3 per cent ROI in terms of returns to the exchequer - Employer Voices, 157 Group, December 2013

Can we do more? Key themes Dialogue and strategic relationships with LEPs and employers Collaboration between providers Seeking and using influence on skills agendas Flexibility in curriculum design Labour Market Intelligence to plan provision