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

2. 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

3. “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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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