- Is the National Healthy FE Framework an accreditation system?
- Is there any funding available to support Healthy FE?
- What is being done to encourage PCTs to engage with colleges?
- Why should a college embed the Healthy FE programme into its mainstream business?
- What is the purpose of the regional networks?
- Why were other partners not at the first Healthy FE regional network meeting?
- Is there any funding available to support the Healthy FE Regional networks?
- What is the role of the regional coordinator?
Is the National Healthy FE Framework an accreditation system?
No, the Recognition award is a self-review process granted to those who have implemented the Healtyh FE Framework by meeting the set criteria. The nature of the framework is one of continuous development and meeting the needs of changing cohorts on an annual basis. The outputs of the programme should support the evidence base for the ECM and Common Inspection framework that all colleges are tied into as part of their annual assessment process.
As part of the process the Self-Review Tool can be used annually to benchmark progress.
Is there any funding available to support Healthy FE?
Whilst there is currently no dedicated funding for colleges to introduce Healthy FE or health and wellbeing services until the end of March 2011, the process is under review.
What is being done to encourage PCTs to engage with colleges?
It is recognised at levels of the programme that engagement with PCTs is vital to making Healthy FE a success. The DH is working to positively encourage PCTs to engage with colleges through existing communication channels. The Strategic Health Authorities are also involved through the broader sexual health services agenda.
At a national policy level, the FE team is endeavouring to work with a variety of policy teams to ensure that the 14–19 Agenda in this setting is included in current and future strategy and guidance.
Why should a college embed the Healthy FE programme into its mainstream business?
Every college and local area has different demographics and a corresponding variety of needs for both learners and staff; therefore there can be no fixed formula for addressing health and wellbeing. Therefore, the Healthy FE Programme aims to be a flexible programme that enables colleges to tailor their response to best meet the needs and structure of their organisation. The benefits of this process will be to provide a dynamic and comprehensive approach to health and wellbeing that runs throughout the organisation.
Many colleges are already addressing the health and wellbeing needs of the college population and can cite positive results, including increased participation, retention, attention and achievement. Staff absenteeism rates have reduced, leading to financial savings within the college. This has been achieved through taking a holistic approach to health and wellbeing and underpinning this with effective partnership working, which is essential if colleges are to address need successfully.
What is the purpose of the regional networks?
The regional networks are being set up to offer the opportunity for colleges and other partners to come together to share priorities and the resulting good practice and to challenge and support each other on the development of the college as a healthy setting. The Regional networks will also provide a two-way communication route with the Healthy FE Steering Group to ensure that the programme remains sector-led.
As the regional networks mature, they will be well placed to carry out peer review to support performance improvement, develop benchmarks and celebrate success both locally and regionally.
Why were other partners not at the first Healthy FE regional network meeting?
The first regional network meetings were deliberately targeted at FE colleges in the first instance. The steering group considered that FE colleges should be provided with an opportunity to determine how they want the Regional networks to work and who would be the most appropriate membership for each region. Prior to bringing in other partners, colleges wanted to develop an understanding of each others’ priorities and where their support needs lay. Additional members will then be invited by each regional group, based on the ongoing needs.
Is there any funding available to support the Healthy FE Regional networks?
There is funding available to cover the costs of hosting and running the regional network meetings, e.g. room hire and refreshments. These should not operate at cost to the colleges. Contact your regional chair or coordinator for further information.
What is the role of the regional coordinator?
The regional coordinator’s role is to act as the main communication point for the given region. They will be responsible for the development of agendas, issuing meeting invitations to attendees and circulating minutes of meetings. Support will be given to the regional coordinators through the National Healthy FE Framework team to reduce any burden of administration in supporting the regional network meetings.