To function effectively in a rapidly changing sector, effective leaders must have access to sound analysis of government policy in the medium to long term. This is especially crucial as the further education and skills sector moves toward a culture of autonomy and self-regulation; an FE leader must be able to realise a vision that delivers national priorities while also meeting local needs. The LSIS policy team is committed to building this capacity for strategic policy, by providing intelligence, analysis and forums for policy discussion and debate.

You can register online to receive updates from the policy team. Previous editions of policy updates are available to download from the policy updates section.

This page gives a brief overview and signposting details to these resources and activities.

Policy seminars

Throughout the year, LSIS hosts invitation-only seminars for leaders in the FE and skills sector to examine and discuss policy developments facing the sector. Information on the latest policy seminar series, including notes and reports at they are produced, are available in the policy seminars section.

Below are links to discussion reports and support materials from recent policy seminars.

• LSIS NEETs seminar
• Changing public services – changing professional practices
• The importance of being local: reframing the role of learning and skills in the strategic development of place
• The learning and skills sector and the economic crisis - stepping up to the mark
• Identifying the contribution of FE providers to local priorities, partners and places
• A self regulating learning and skills sector - shifting the paradigm

FE and the Financial Crisis – stepping up to the challenge

The FE and skills sector has a key role in supporting employment and skills strategies to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis and prepare for the upturn. 

LSIS aims to support the sector during this time and we provide an overview of the impact of the recession on employment and skills, and the measures and strategies being developed by government that are relevant to the FE and skills sector. 

• Go to the Financial Crisis and FE page 

Brief guides

LSIS produces summaries of policy developments, initiatives and topics pertinent to the FE and skills sector, for example: the government reshuffle, FE and the financial crisis and Excellence and Fairness.

• Go to the Brief Guides page here

LSIS council policy discussions

The policy services team produce breifing papers and presentations for the LSIS council. Materials from these discussions are available in the LSIS council policy discussions section.

Consultation Responses

LSIS responds to various consultations on issues relevant to the learning and skills sector.

• BIS consultation on Meeting the low carbon skills challenge, June 2010