FE Fit for the Future Steering Group

Purpose

The FE Fit for the Future Steering Group provides strategic oversight of the FE Fit for the Future Programme. It is responsible for guiding the programme, monitoring progress, and ensuring that reform activity supports the Department for the Economy's objectives for a sustainable, high-performing and learner-focused Further Education sector.

Role and Responsibilities

The Steering Group will:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the FE Fit for the Future Programme.
• Ensure alignment with relevant Departmental, Executive and wider policy priorities.
• Oversee delivery of the programme's four reform strands: 
  • Curriculum Framework;
  • Performance Framework;
  • Funding Model; and
  • College Collaboration and Empowerment.
• Review programme progress, risks, issues and dependencies.
• Consider recommendations from advisory and task-and-finish groups.
• Approve programme outputs and recommendations prior to submission for Ministerial consideration.
• Promote collaboration and engagement across the Further Education sector and wider stakeholder community.

Membership

The Steering Group brings together representatives from:

• Department for the Economy
• Department of Education
• Further Education Colleges
• College Governing Bodies
• Learner representatives
• Employers and employer representative organisations
• SOLAS (Further Education and Training Authority)
• Curriculum Framework Advisory Group

Chair

Tracey Teague
Deputy Secretary, Skills and Education Group
Department for the Economy

Meeting Arrangements

The Steering Group normally meets quarterly and may meet more frequently if required.

Governance

The Steering Group is supported by the FE Fit for the Future Programme Team and Programme Director. Decisions and recommendations are subject to relevant Departmental governance processes and Ministerial approval where appropriate.