The Chartered Institution for Further Education and FE Associates are delighted to announce a new, sector-leading partnership that will provide all graduates of FE Associates leadership development programmes with the opportunity to gain professional recognition as Associates of the Chartered Institution for Further Education.

FE Associates is one of the sector’s leading providers of leadership development programmes working with leaders at all stages of the leadership career ladder. Since 2018 FE Associates have delivered training and development programmes to over 2,500 sector leaders through national open courses and in-house bespoke programmes.

The Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE) is the only Chartered body for technical and professional further education. It was established by Royal Charter in 2015 to promote excellence in further education and skills training providers and to celebrate individual contribution to the advancement of vocational, technical and professional education.

The Institution aims to elevate the prestige of FE careers through formal recognition which encourages the pursuit of individual excellence, rewards personal development and places professionalism at the forefront of the sector.  In so doing, CIFE also seeks to encourage high quality, industry-related professional development for individuals which contributes to the wider advancement of FE.

Commenting on this new partnership, FE Associates Managing Director Matt Atkinson said: “Our passion and purpose at FE Associates is very much focused on the professional and career development of sector leaders and managers. Our leadership development programmes are a core part of our offer, and this ground-breaking new partnership means that our programme graduates will have the opportunity to gain professional recognition for their leadership and to become Associates of the Chartered Institution for Further Education, elevating the status of our continued professional development for the talented leaders serving our sector.”

CIFE Director Lesley Davies CBE FCFE said: “ The advancement of FE, which is so critical to the country, relies on the cultivation of talent and skills throughout the sector, and especially in leadership. The Institution understands the unique context of Further Education and the commitment and contribution required from leaders to deliver outstanding education for learners, communities and employers. We are delighted that this new collaboration with FE Associates means we can extend recognition opportunities to a wider range of eligible professionals who all share and demonstrate that commitment to their ongoing leadership development, practice and learning.  We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of Associates into the Chartered Institution.”

As well as delivering bespoke in-house programmes to a large number of college leaders, FE Associates provides national open programmes through it’s Leading for Success series. With a focus on providing high-impact development opportunities for new and first-time leaders, middle leaders, senior executive leaders and college governors, FE Associates’ programmes are designed and delivered in collaboration with highly respected sector leaders. For more information about FE Associates’ development programmes see www.fea.co.uk/programmes.