FE colleges are increasingly expected to play a key part in local strategic planning within their localities. Proactive colleges have engaged with and often taken a lead in local strategies for dealing with severe impacts of the recession such as the lack of local employment or community conflict. Developing effective local relationships is key to playing a leading role in making an impact on a variety of social and economic initiatives within the communities that FE colleges serve.

We feature here five case studies of colleges that are playing a pivotal role in addressing a variety of social and economic issues in their local communities. We want to encourage colleges to send us their examples of successful intervention in local strategic planning.

Click on an image below to watch the video case study on Excellence Gateway Television (EGTV).

Screenshot from the Oldham College video case study

Oldham Sixth Form College has played a key role in promoting community cohesion and raising aspirations in the town.

Screenshot from the West Nottinghamshire College video case study

West Nottinghamshire College is working on lifting the aspirations of communities that have suffered from three or four generations of worklessness.

Screenshot from the Lambeth College video case study

Lambeth College is contributing to community cohesion in tackling issues such as gang violence and knives.

Screenshot from the Leicester College video case study

Leicester College is working closely with local employers and the local authority on developing routes to employment.

Screenshot from the Stoke on Trent College video case study

Stoke on Trent College works closely with local employers to ensure that the courses they provide equip learners with the skills for employment.