When the Government says in the White Paper,

“Inspection of colleges will become much more selective, focusing on areas of weakness”

what they mean is that if you're underperforming (by their terms) then you're very much going to be on their radar. And subject to intervention, competition, merger or federation if improvements are not secured within a specified period.

“Far too many colleges, and other providers or departments within them, are 'coasting' and need to improve.”

On the other hand, if you're off their radar then you can look forward to 'options for freeing the excellent' such as a much lighter touch inspection and performance management regime, reduced number of inspection days, three year funding agreements, three year (rather than annual) submission of business plans, reduction in required level of dialogue with the LSC, a single data return and a range of other so-called 'freedoms'.

Covalent has produced a 7 point Action Plan for FE Colleges that details practical steps you can take to deal with the new regime. It summarises all the points of note in the White Paper and draws on our experience working on performance improvements with other public sector bodies.

download Action Plan (PDF)