Design and Deliver Further Education Executive Leadership Programme

A contract was awarded for an established provider of senior executive training, with a national reputation for excellence, to co-design, develop and deliver the professional development programme for "top leaders" in the education and training sector.

The sector was defined as Further Education (FE) colleges both specialist and general, independent training providers (ITPs), adult and community learning providers (ACL), designated Sixth Form colleges and third sector providers (VCS). It did not include schools.

Providers of further education and training have a significant role to play in meeting the national productivity challenge through high quality education and training at every level of the nation's workforce. In order to deliver these ambitious plans, excellence in senior leadership is required of every institution to assure and ensure provision that is responsive to employment needs, of excellent quality, allows for learner choice and progression to employment provided by institutions that are resilient and financially sustainable.

There is no longer a recognised programme of specific training for the CEOs/Principals in this sector and no formal training or route into the role. Tenderers were asked to draw parallels from their experience and explain how they will assure currency, applicability and relevance to the FE and training context.