Managing Special Projects

In this article, Denise Bishop, Curriculum and Quality Consultant at FE Associates, explores how expert project management has supported a major FE collaboration through the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF). From co-writing the initial bid to overseeing funding allocation and compliance, FE Associates has played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this ambitious two-year project. By bringing together eight FE colleges and developing a strategic approach to funding and resource sharing, the initiative has fostered valuable collaboration, enhanced employer engagement, and driven innovation in key sectors.

FE Associates provided specialist project management to a large FE collaboration for the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF).  From the inception of co-writing the bid and collaborating with eight FE colleges to developing a submission which encompassed four main projects directly responding to needs which were identified within the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and which focussed on Health & Social Care, Creative and Media, Retail, Transport and Food & Drink Manufacturing and Jobs and Careers Pathways.

The two-year project management involved working with and supporting partners with the original bid and then the allocation of grant funding. Developing a tracking and reporting system to ensure all partners worked within their allocated spending levels and claimed funding on their behalf. Overseeing the compliance with funding rules associated with Grant Funding Allocations.

One successful outcome of the project was the valuable collaboration between all partners; this included the formulation of a steering group as strategic oversight and the development of an immersive technology group, which allowed partners to collaborate on purchases of ultra-immersive rooms and augmented reality to achieve cost savings and will help partners to work together and share teaching and training resources across the collaboration and the wider community together with improved collaboration and engagement with employers. Our comprehensive project management, with close attention to detail and support and guidance for partners, has enabled the sharing of information and expertise across a range of sectors and FE partnerships.

Often, as part of their interim roles, our consultants are tasked with managing projects. At FE Associates, we provide expert guidance and oversight to ensure the successful delivery of every project. Discover how our interim leadership services can support your next project by clicking the button below: