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News archive - April 2009

‘Needs-based’ framework for mismanaged college programme

A PACKAGE of measures centred on a “needs-based rather than a demand-led approach” has been proposed by Sir Andrew Foster in a bid to rescue the beleaguered further education building programme, which stalled in December with 144 college and sixth form schemes placed on hold.

The recommendations follow his independent review of the Capital Programme in Further Education, published this month, in which he criticised the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), the body responsible for the programme, for its “inadequate management “ and “lack of long term financial strategy.”

A surge in college proposals had opened a huge gap between the resources identified and the cost of the projects underway or in the pipeline. “There were warnings of overheating as early as February 2008, says Foster, “but there was delay and confusion in addressing them.” It was not until December that the LSC declared a moratorium on further schemes while it conducted a review of the programme, which revealed that 253 projects were already underway or fully approved (along with eight deferred schemes). A further 79 projects had already received the first stage of approval in principle, with a requirement of £2.7bn from the LSC. A further £3bn would be needed for the 65 colleges that had submitted proposals for approval in principle.

“Clearly, there were more applications than could be funded in this spending round and not all schemes could be implemented in the original timescales envisaged,” says Foster. “A good policy has been compromised by the manner of its implementation. The policy intent to transform the FE estate is clear and positive. But the implementation approach did not include a robust financial strategy or a regional or national approach to prioritisation.”

The Foster review aims to ensure a speedy recovery in confidence and project policy for the future of the capital programme. To this end, there must be “an early and open process of engagement and consultation” between the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills, the LSC and the college sector, with a panel of college principals identified to work with the two bodies. In turn, this grouping should confer with the Association of Colleges, the Sixth Form Colleges’ Forum, the 157 Group, the Local Government Association, local authorities and Regional Development Agencies.

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