This interim report provides feedback on the Enterprising FE pilot programme, which is providing support and training for senior FE staff.

Key findings:

• So far, the feedback from participants is that the workshops have provided a valuable opportunity to develop creativity skills. However, there has been a mixed response regarding the potential for college-wide impact.
• More work should be done to influence senior leaders to participate in the programme and introduce enterprise strategies in their colleges.
• Other resources are available from Oxford Brookes, but there is a very low level of awareness and uptake of these resources.
• Interviewees were mostly unaware of the additional support offered by other organisations, so it would be beneficial to strengthen the links between the Enterprising FE programme and these initiatives.

The South East of England Development Agency (SEEDA) and Nesta are working in partnership to help further education (FE) institutions foster a culture of enterprise and innovation in young people, by creating a programme of professional development training and support for senior FE staff.

In doing so, the Enterprising FE pilot programme has been devised and is being run by Oxford Brookes University. The pilot began in September 2008 and will last for three years.

Authors:
Qa Research and Kate Beresford Associates and Nesta