Planning & Funding Cycles for the Further Education Sector

The current situation in relation to the planning, commissioning and funding of provision in the FE sector is continually changing through the ‘Machinery of Government’ reforms. These changes in the economic and political landscape have significant implications for the sector and the internal planning mechanisms adopted by colleges. This report explores what an effective planning and funding cycle for the FE sector might look like and the features of an exceptional approach to strategy and planning in colleges. In addition the research examines the different dimensions and approaches to horizon scanning which can help colleges in determining their strategic and operational priorities.