LSIS in the news

For copyright reasons, not all press coverage is available electronically. LSIS would like to thank those publishers who have given permission for their material to be reproduced here. If you would like any further information regarding any of the stories or issues covered, please contact the LSIS press office.

Date	Medium and title	Summary
25/02/10	Excellence Gateway Oakwood Court College: Webcams and avatars enhance communication for students with severe learning disabilities news.bbc.co.uk Avatars helping students to speak	A good e-practice case study about how webcams and avatars at Oakwood Court college with severe learning disabilities. Read the full case study on the Excellence Gateway.
03/08/09	Fenews.co.uk LSIS makes £330,000 available through two new research schemes	LSIS has launched two new schemes for research grants and bursaries totalling £330,000. The LSIS Leadership Practitioner Research Programme 2009-10 and the LSIS Bursary Scheme, will give FE practitioners much needed backing to carry out their own research.
31/07/09	TES FE Focus Research grants offer	LSIS announced £330,000 of FE research grants this week for two initiatives - its Leadership Practitioner Research Programme 2009-10 and the LSIS bursary scheme.
31/07/09	TES FE Focus Ofsted is back with 'no more Mr Nice Guy'	Ofsted's 'light touch' approach promised to hand power back to the professionals which seemed to have been realised in the shape of LSIS. LSIS will continue to support self-improvement in FE but self-regulation may now be more of a distant dream.
26/06/09	TES FE Focus Sector looks to its own experts to raise quality and save on private consultants	David Collins who takes over as chief executive in August, said the work of LSIS has been held back by former education staff now working in private consultancies whose knowledge could be out of date.
19/06/09	TES FE Focus Collins to leave AoC presidency and head government agency	David Collins will be taking over LSIS in August, following the resignation of its former chief executive, Roger McClure, who stepped down last week. His brief was to ensure that the service was genuinely being led by colleges and training providers.
05/06/09	TES FE Focus LSIS council election	Nominations for the governing council of LSIS are still open. Each constituent group will elect candidates before putting forward a final selection for appointment by LSIS. The new council will be announced on July 6.
May 2009	Talisman The Learning and Skills Improvement Service talks to the sector	LSIS' first statement of strategic direction marks the beginning of a new conversation between LSIS, the sector and partners.
21/05/09	Fenews.co.uk LSIS Performance Panel reaches mixed report	A new LSIS panel has produced its first performance review of the young organisation and the findings are a mixture of praise and highlighted areas of concern.
08/05/09	TES FE Focus LSIS running to plan	LSIS' first report from the Performance Review Panel has found most of the service's programmes are on budget, running to schedule and delivering their targets and objectives.
March / April 2009	T Mag A new era	The creation of LSIS on 1 October 2008 marked the beginning of a new era of self-improvement and self-regulation in the further education and skills sector, as Chief Executive Roger McClure explains.
03/03/09	TES connect New centre proposed to fund strategic research	Further education could have its own higher education-style research council within the year, under plans developed by LSIS. The FE research and development centre would deliver strategic research programmes and fund projects proposed by individuals and institutions. Those undertaking the work may be called LSIS research fellows.
25/02/09	Fenews.co.uk LSIS strategic direction places the debate in the FE sector's own hands	The recently formed LSIS launches its first statement of strategic direction, which marks the beginning of a new conversation between LSIS, the sector and partners. Through this dialogue, LSIS will identify the key priorities for responding to the sector's ambitions.
24/02/09	Guardian supplement Comment: global v local	Jo Clough, director of international strategy at LSIS, explains how a well thought-out process of internationalisation can help the FE sector support British business better.
20/02/09	TES FE Focus New dimension adding prestige and knowledge	Editor's comment: in proposing an FE research and development centre, LSIS promises to add a precious dimension to the work of the sector and the people in it.
20/02/09	TES FE Focus New centre proposed to fund strategic research	LSIS is developing plans for further education to have its own higher education-style research council within the year.
20/02/09	Education LSIS sets strategic direction for FE	LSIS has just published its first statement of strategic direction. LSIS claims that this is the start of a conversation with the FE sector that will result in LSIS identifying "the key priorities for responding to the sector's priorities".
19/02/09	TJ Online New learning and skills body works with the FE sector to prioritise requirements	LSIS this week launched its first statement of strategic direction. Roger McClure said that its aim was to involve the FE sector in dialogue to "work together to shape our new organisation".
13/02/09	TES FE Focus Have your say on sector's drive for higher equality	LSIS has published its strategy for improvement and regulation, and invites input from staff at every level.
06/02/09	TES FE Focus Time for unity to show we can run our affairs	According to Asha Khemka, principal of West Nottinghamshire College, LSIS is ideally placed to identify and support those who fail to meet the sector's minimum standard.
27/01/09	The Guardian Chill wind hits training budgets	A new survey reveals that companies are cutting back on staff skills, against the government’s wishes. Roger McClure does not agree that the survey findings spell bad news for colleges.
23/01/09	TES FE Focus Brave new world of business acumen	Mr McClure gets straight to the point, "Colleges have to speak in the language of business, illustrating the bottom-line benefits of skills and how these skills can have a beneficial impact on the market".
21/01/09	Fresh businessthinking.com Workforce development even more important during recession	Skills are even more important during tough economic times, according to a new report published today by the CBI. Commissioned by LSIS, the report shows that almost half of firms (47%) have links with FE colleges.
13/01/09	Guardian supplement And the final shortlist is ... the 2009 Bett awards	CEL is one of five shortlisted for the 2009 Bett award for 'Supporting institutional leadership and management solutions', for the WBL Online Leadership Toolkit
January 2009	Talisman Resource helps tackle homophobia	LSIS recently launched a new training resource, 'Visible and Valued'. The resource shows how homophobia affects the lives of staff and learners and explains how to ensure compliance with the law.
January 2009	Talisman New programme supports those aiming for quality	The Quality Champions Accreditation Programme was recently launched by LSIS. The innovative 12 month programme is designed to identify, develop and accredit the leaders who are already working to make quality improvements within the further education sector.
January 2009	FE Today LSIS win 2009 BETT award	Work Based Learning Leadership toolkit wins the 'Supporting institutional learning and management solutions' award.
January 2009	Viewpoint Greengoose performing arts group	Greengoose performing arts group, made up of students with a learning disability from Bromley college, performed at the Learning and Skills Improvement Service STAR Awards.
January 2009	FE Today The fifth annual Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) STAR Awards	The Oscars of the further education sector - were held in London 24 November, with a chef, a college principal and an offender learning head among those honoured.
January 2009	Talisman The further education Oscars	At the fifth annual STAR Awards the dedication and expertise of people who make a significant contribution to improving the skill levels of young people and adult learners were honoured.
January 2009	Talisman A new sector-led improvement body for learning and skills	The creation of the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) marks a new beginning for the community of providers in the further education and skills sector – colleges, private training providers, local authority adult education services and providers in the voluntary sector.
12/12/08	TES FE Focus Training needs to bring good returns	With the support of LSIS, the CBI will publish a report in 2009, containing a wealth of case studies of businesses and colleges that have successefully worked together.
12/12/08	TES FE Focus Effort to improve	LSIS has launched its 11-week consultation on the National Improvement Strategy (NIS).
December 2008	FE Today LSIS honours the cream of the further education sector at STAR Awards 2008	The fifth annual Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) STAR Awards - the Oscars of the further education sector - were held in London last night (24 November), with a chef, a college principal and an offender learning head among those honoured.
December 2008	ALP Connect Issue 41 CETT-ing the Standard in Teacher Education	Markos Tiris, CETTs Programme Director at LSIS tells Connect about the Centres for Excellence in Teacher Training (CETTs) and how providers can get help and support from a centre near them.
28/11/08	TES FE Focus Six bold steps to go-it-alone FE	Six core principles will underpin moves towards self‑regulation and self‑improvement for the further education and skills sector. Consultation is due to start on the principles that are part of a revised National Improvement Strategy (NIS) now led by the recently formed LSIS.
28/11/08	UCU.org.uk Visible and Valued DVD launch and Leading sexual orientation policy	Details of Visible and Valued, a unique DVD created for use in the further education system and the innovative leadership programme ‘Leading sexual orientation policy’.
26/11/08	Fenews.co.uk LSIS announces STAR Awards 2008 winners	Winners of the LSIS STAR Awards have been celebrating their success in London. Over 500 further education staff and learners from across England attended to congratulate the winners, who were selected from more than 2,500 nominees.
18/11/08	Ukperformingarts.co.uk Talented performers add sparkle to the 2008 LSIS STAR Awards	Learners from FE institutions across England will show off their creative streak at the 2008 LSIS STAR Awards. The awards recognise the dedication and expertise of those who contribute to improving the skill levels of young people and adult learners.
16/11/08	Fenews.co.uk LSIS launches pioneering resource for sexual orientation equality in FE	LSIS has launched a ground-breaking training resource to provide a practical approach to sexual orientation in the FE sector.
11/11/08	Fenews.co.uk Further Education's brightest stars soon to be unveiled	It is now less than two weeks before the national Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) STAR Awards ceremony. Only ten winners will be selected from 100 shortlisted nominees who come from a variety of further education providers.
11/11/08	The Guardian College voices	Carolyn Cheasman talks through her experiences growing up with a stammer, attending speech therapy at a centre of excellence as a graduate, on to her recent nomination for the LSIS Lifetime Achievement Star Award.
04/11/08	Fenews.co.uk New LSIS programme to accredit FE quality champions	LSIS has launched a new programme to recognise, support and celebrate the further education professionals driving quality improvement. The new Quality Champions Accreditation Programme will commence in January 2009 to start as the sector moves towards self-regulation, supported by LSIS.
Autumn 2008	Update Magazine CETT for Success	A look at Centres for Excellence in Teacher Training (CETTs), from the start of their journey in April 2007, through their first year, to their future aims of building on the work already achieved.
Autumn 2008	TLP Newsletter CETT-ing the standard for effective teaching and learning	CETTs have already had an influential role in shaping new methods and approaches to teacher education. Creating a network of knowledge is a key part of the CETT’s strategy and all centres continue to bring together providers to pool expertise.
Autumn 2008	Quality Improvement CETT for Success	The CETTs are in their second year and have quickly established themselves as important hubs of information and support for teachers and teacher trainers across England. This autumn, the CETTs launched a new website, hosted on the LSIS Excellence Gateway.
November 2008	Chips Supplement Accessibility tools available on the Gateway	Details and opinions on the Excellence Gateway accessibility materials.
November 2008	FE Today Excellence Gateway unveils improved accessibility tools for FE teachers and trainers	LSIS has launched a new set of guidelines to help teachers and trainers make learning more accessible. The resources act as a one-stop shop for further education professionals, drawing together a wealth of advice previously scattered across disparate websites.
23/10/08	Fenews.co.uk Further Education Minister unveils improved accessibility tools for FE sector	LSIS has launched an online toolkit which provides practical guidelines for teachers and trainers to make learning materials even more accessible. In addition, the Excellence Gateway incorporates some 50 education websites and a resource bank comprising more than 75,000 pages.
23/10/08	TJ Online Further education minister supports roll out of online accessibility toolkit to engage disabled learners at Lewisham College	LSIS has commissioned JISC TechDis, an educational advisory services company that specialises in accessibility, to develop and produce the new accessibility guidelines for trainers and teachers – with the aim of widening participation and supporting disabled learners at the college.
20/10/08	LLUK Further Education minister unveils improved accessibility tools for FE sector	LSIS has launched an online toolkit which provides practical guidelines for teachers and trainers to make learning materials even more accessible.
17/10/08	JISC Minister launches 'one-stop' accessibility shop	An online toolkit of practical guidelines has just been unveiled by the new Minister for Further Education, Siôn Simon. The guidelines are designed to help teachers create learning materials to reach all learners, regardless of ability.
September 2008	FE Today One year on the Excellence Gateway reports dramatic increase in users	As the leading portal for the further education system, the Excellence Gateway aims to transform delivery by becoming the recognised web channel where further education practitioners can access high quality resources and information, and share effective practice.
01/08/2008	Professional Development Learning and Skills Improvement Service - dedicated to development	Colleges and providers will own and direct a new improvement body in the FE and skills sector. While the structures for LSIS are being put in place, it is business as usual for CEL and QIA.
01/08/2008	TES FE Focus New improvement body deserves to be embraced	Reflecting on CEL's success over the past five years, Lynne Sedgmore says that a radical new organisation is needed for the greater good of the sector, its leaders, staff and learners.
01/07/2008	T Mag A Phoenix Arises	As the new FE improvement body is formed from CEL and QIA, T Mag summarises the views of providers revealed in their responses to the consultation carried out earlier this year.
13/06/2008	TES FE Focus Out of retirement to improve quality	Roger McClure has been appointed chief executive of the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), the body formed to replace CEL and QIA.
10/06/2008	The Guardian College report (supplement) A step towards independence	Unlike its predecessors, the new organisation being formed from CEL and QIA is to be controlled by the sector itself.
10/06/2008	The Guardian All change – again – in FE agencies	On the day that the new organisation being formed from CEL and QIA is named, Peter Kingston observes that FE seems to have more quangos than schools and universities.
21/03/2008	TES FE Focus Fill-in boss for quality quango	Sue Dutton, acting chief executive of AoC, will be interim chief executive for the new FE improvement body that will replace CEL and QIA.
07/03/2008	TES FE Focus New quango boss backs out	Ioan Morgan, principal of Warwickshire College, has decided not to take on the role of chief executive at the new organisation replacing CEL and QIA.
04/03/2008	The Guardian A chance to help shape our own future	Let's grasp it. Chris Thomson notes the emphasis on dialogue pervading the consultative prospectus for the new sector-owned organisation that will replace CEL and QIA and is optimistic for the future of FE.
31/01/2008	T Mag Improving the sector	In the wake of the announcement that CEL and QIA will merge, what will the new sector-owned organisation look like?
25/01/2008	TES FE Focus Room at the top	Lynne Sedgmore, chief executive of CEL, is not applying to lead the new organisation that will be formed by bringing together CEL and QIA.
27/11/2007	FEnews.co.uk QIA and CEL to create new organisation for leadership & innovation in FE	QIA and CEL will come together to create a new sector-led organisation that will provide a centre of expertise in improvement leadership and innovation for the further education system.
23/11/2007	TES FE Focus Quality agencies: merger announced	It has been announced that QIA and CEL will merge to form a single body, expected to be in place from April 2008.
26/10/2007	The Guardian Quango announces first year results	QIA has published its first annual report. At the behest of the government, its been exploring ways of merging with CEL.
26/10/2007	TES FE Focus Quangos in firing line	A government review of the institutions overseeing further education will encompass QIA and CEL.
18/09/2007	The Guardian Merger on the cards for quangos	As the further education sector moves towards self‑regulation, the Quality Improvement Agency (QIA) and CEL are exploring options for working together more effectively.