In July last year, LSIS council member and Principal of South Thames College, Sue Rimmer, wrote an article for the Guardian emphasising the importance students placed on their colleges – stating that for some students they are a safe haven to learn and engage in meaningful activities. The following month, during the college summer holidays, rioting broke out in a number of English cities and towns.

LSIS is holding an event for FE providers and voluntary, community, public and private sector organisations to come together to make best use of resources to maximise the potential of colleges to be year-round places where students can engage, and as hubs for community activity. Taking place on Friday 11 May 'Bridging the summer gap' will give practitioners the opportunity to hear about enrichment activities provided for learners. This 'call to action' for the sector will feature a talk by Sue Rimmer, a presentation by learners from South Thames College and the opportunity to explore how community organisations and the FE and Skills sector can work in partnership. For more information visit the events section.