Framework for Excellence Embedding the Concepts Integration into Self-Assessment and other College Systems Chris Payne, Castle College Christine Doubtfire, Castle College Tony Cooper, Central Area Team

FfE – Embedding the concepts Source Data Balanced Score card Self-Assessment Framework for Excellence Based Common Inspection Framework Based Mixed Framework for Excellence / Common Inspection Framework Business and Strategic Planning Performance Monitoring Peer Review and Development

FfE – Embedding the concepts Introduction Framework for Excellence – the basics Castle college involvement to date Integration into SAR and other systems The future….

FfE – Embedding the concepts Introducing Framework for Excellence The basics….

FfE – Embedding the concepts Framework for Excellence (FfE) - Aims Increase quality and responsiveness of provision in the FE system for all learners and employers Open and transparent performance assessment supported by published data Provide an independent, quantitative assessment of sector performance Help all users access clear information to make informed choices

FfE – Embedding the concepts Framework for Excellence - Background FfE to be rolled out to all colleges from Summer 2008 Some measures still under active development (Version 2,3) Results published to providers and used by LSC - March 2009 Whole FE System included from summer 2009 Results published to public - March 2010

FfE – Embedding the concepts Responsiveness Responsiveness to Employers Responsiveness to Learners Effectiveness Quality of Outcomes Quality of Provision Finance Financial Health Financial Control Use of Resources Overall Rating

FfE – Embedding the concepts What do providers have to do? Responsiveness New annual survey of learners using standard methodology/questions Administer employer views survey using standard methodology/questions Achieve New standard for Employer Responsiveness? Effectiveness Nothing required – based on existing data collection Finance Submit timely Financial Statements for by March 2009 Submit Financial Management and Governance Review for by March 2009

FfE – Embedding the concepts Introducing Framework for Excellence The stealth process….

FfE – Embedding the concepts Castle College - in the beginning Merger discussions started Nov 2005 Formed in June 2006 Very fast process to introduce structure/systems Early decision to operate a highly devolved model of accountability Financial management/Staffing/Resources Curriculum development Quality Improvement Need for rigorous internal review mechanism to drive excellence and financial stability

FfE – Embedding the concepts The SAR Process – Phase 1 – post merger SAR maintained 2 processes, models and formats Little ownership due to large changes in structure Initial SAR pulled together painfully primarily using top level data – inconsistencies with team SARs Would it stand up to external scrutiny?

FfE – Embedding the concepts Introducing FfE Chosen as a pilot college on basis of recent merger experience Set up cross-college project team covering all main areas Strong support from Senior Management/Executive Chose to take stealth rather than Big bang approach Opted for very active involvement in FfE development groups

FfE – Embedding the concepts The SAR Process – Phase Needed to develop single process that would stand up to rigorous external scrutiny Drive and mission to move to Outstanding Decision to base SAR on FfE dimensions High risk approach – would FfE be another transient initiative? At this point little was published on FfE indicators

FfE – Embedding the concepts The SAR Process – Phase 2 – Team Level Common process for Curriculum and support areas Responsiveness Employers Learners National and Local Priorities Effectiveness CIF Key Questions 1-5 Including ECM and E&D Financial Efficiency Have recruitment targets been achieved? Does the division operate from a secure financial base? Supported by high quality online data reports

FfE – Embedding the concepts Internal Moderation - the Business Review Cycle Introduced as key internal review mechanism to drive quality improvement and Financial Health Quarterly assessment of all areas – curriculum and support 1.Responsiveness and Effectiveness Review 2.Financial Review 3.Feedback to Executive External Moderation Peer review process External Panel

FfE – Embedding the concepts Q3 Review In Year Retention - especially NTI (Curriculum) Employer Responsiveness Teaching Observation Profiles Service Standard evaluation (Support) Q1 Review Internal Moderation of SAR Early recruitment (Curriculum Areas) Service Standards (Support Areas) Q2 Review SAR Action Plan Learner Responsiveness MLP – Notices to improve (Curriculum) E&D Measures (Curriculum) Detailed Service Standards (Support) Responsiveness and Effectiveness Review

FfE – Embedding the concepts The SAR Process – Phase Undertook two reviews of process Independent Peer Review (Notts/Leics Partnership) Whole college evaluation led by Learning and Standards Forum FfE detail becoming clearer No longer a high risk approach

FfE – Embedding the concepts Peer Review identified areas for development Ownership within teams Rigour of review process Benchmarking against high percentiles Whole college evaluation Better incorporation of non-FE activity (WBL, HE, TtG etc.) More detail behind data – ability to drill down Involve learners in process

FfE – Embedding the concepts The SAR Process – Phase 3 - Changes Extended Financial section in line with FfE KPIs Streamlined, user-friendly templates Responsiveness to Community and External Partners HE SAR linked to IQER incorporated into process Learner, employers and external partners involved in process

FfE – Embedding the concepts Further Embedding of FfE Restructuring of Quality team Responsiveness Specialist Effectiveness Specialist Raising Awareness with Governors Reorganisation of Key Performance Indicators Grouped around FfE Measures with additional measures introduced Briefings on FfE

FfE – Embedding the concepts Further Embedding of FfE Work with Senior Managers/Executive on Overall Performance Ratings (OPRs) Measurements of employer engagement Looking at Fees and Volumes work as internal measure for Directorates Main Franchise Partner – Confetti adopting FfE into internal systems Considering using OPRs at Division/Faculty Level

FfE – Embedding the concepts The Final Results

FfE – Embedding the concepts In the Beginning….. The next merger - Possibly the shortest lived college in history!! Opportunities to use FfE to mould the new systems and processes? A final Message….. Dont underestimate the importance of FfE The actions you are taking now will influence your rating in March 2009