1. FRA Building Development 2015
LEP Further Education Capital Investment Fund

2. Introduction & Overview
Objectives of presentation
To summarise the FRA experience and lessons learned
Content
Context
Objectives
Process of application – our experience / advice
Impact and outcomes – year one
Lessons learned

3. Context Strategic context
Strong alignment with elements of 15/16 -17/18 strategy, including:
Theme 1: Outstanding provider in every way
Teaching quality enhancement
Estate renewal
Theme 2: Diversify and grow FRA Provision
Increase capacity to accommodate growth
Increase flexibility of space to open revenue stream
IT functional strategy required significant investment to fulfil
Partnership context
Industry partners willing to co-invest
Operational context
Space fell short of industry minimum standards
Ailing back-end infrastructure
Financial context
Decrease in per learner funding across the boards
Insufficient funds to realise strategic aims

4. Objectives
Develop a wider portfolio of FRA qualification to meeting industry need
Space credible for this form of engagement
Embed new forms of teaching and learning and curriculum innovation
Including enhancing back-end infrastructure
Specialist spaces to match curriculum
Diversify the FRA offer and income streams
Curriculum offer: digital and technical skills focus
Income streams: flexible space
Build demand for specialist courses through IAG
Develop Apprenticeships and implement

5. Process of application: overview of process
Project team and roles
Principal
Overall progress and review
Internal team input from curriculum
Director of Finance & Resources
Liaison with employers, architects, build suppliers
Project cost estimates, financial benefit modelling
First draft application
Internal team input from: facilities, finance, HR
Director of Strategy and Funding
Strategic fit, objectives & rationale
Logic chain & outcomes modelling
IT infrastructure & cost estimates
Internal team input from: IT, Registry

6. Process of application: FRA experience/advice
Pre application
Ensure fit with strategic aims and the GLA funding is the only way to achieve
Writing the application
Start with the objectives, rationale, logic chain and planning – don’t try and write until this is clear
Expect multiple iterations (internally and after submission)
No one person can do it all
Attend GLA sessions on the fund – very useful
Read the guidance & documentation – seems like there is too much, but when your writing the proposal you want more
Application process
GLA staff: open, flexible, very patient and supportive
Also – details orientated, eyes like hawks, diligent and will challenge where clarity is lacking
Management cost and professional support – don’t underestimate, make provision for these items
If you can’t get the whole amount, then what? – scenario planning on different award amounts

7. Classrooms and Specialist teaching spaces
Impact and outcomes

8. Learning Resource Centre & Business Hub
Digital Hub, Retail Hub,
Learning Resource Centre & Business Hub
Impact and outcomes

9. Impact and outcomes Successes Largely to time and to budget
Specialist course development
NEETs – far exceed our target
IAG events
Jobs created
LLDD students supported
Ofsted – quality enhancement
Still more to do…
Apprenticeships (although have great private offer)
Mainstream recruitment

10. Key lessons learned
Do not underestimate senior / professional staff time & cost. Impacts all stages - application, implementation & ongoing monitoring & reporting [but pay-off still far exceeds investment]
Appoint a project manager. Our results would not have been achievable without this.
Quality assurance. Quality assure information before sending information.
Seek advice. Particularly on technical, architectural / design, legal, commissioning and other matters outside expertise [and remember you don’t always have to act on it]
Plan & model cautiously and in detail. Build in contingencies, particularly where suppliers are involved. Be happy to live with the results and outcome commitments for five years – they will be monitored.
Applying was a good decision. Results have been exceptional and enabled us to achieve rapid results.