Please find below the latest monthly update to the Partnership Community Forum (PCF) which we hope you will find of interest.  

We had our meeting on the 26^th January which was very well attended with two key speakers providing valuable insights into the work they are doing and how partners can benefit from their services.  Please click on the links below for the minutes and associated documents and presentations from the meeting.

Due to the demands for information sharing we have taken the decision to send out our bulletin on a fortnightly basis.  If you wish to have information included within the bulletin please contact Nick Bray our office administrator email: nbray@learning-partnership.co.uk

Minutes of the PCF Meeting on 26 January 2012

For Employer Factsheet regarding the DWP Flexible Support Fund

Information on work clubs

For information regarding Work Experience

For information on working with partners on the Flexible Support Fund

For the presentation delivered by Skills for Care

For the Presentation by TCHC on Community Grants

For details of the current Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Council ESF Projects

For details of the Acorn programme

Learning Partnership – Partnership Scheme

Work continues on getting more organisations signed up to our Partnership Scheme and we have now produced a development plan which identifies the areas where organistions have identified a support need. 

If you have not been contacted by us already and wish to sign up please visit our website or contact Chris Cooper for more details.

The application is in two parts – Associate membership and Full Partner membership.  There is no cost involved just some of your time to complete the process which we are happy to support you with.

For more information contact Chris Cooper ccooper@learning-partnership.co.uk   or visit our website for more details…

Next round of applications will be released in April 2012 with project deadline for submission in June 2012.   for more details

This is a voluntary programme aimed at moving families closer to and into sustained employment. The programme is designed to complement existing services that take place within a Local Authority, whilst reducing the wider impacts on intergenerational worklessness.

Reed in Partnership is the prime contractor for the DWP ESF Families Programme in the East of England. The Learning Partnership is the approved end to end provider working in conjunction with Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Councils delivering the Families Programme in Bedford and across Central Bedfordshire. The Families Programme is delivered through a strong partnership of community, voluntary and private sector organisations to engage with individuals and families to support them in getting back to work. Referrals can be made by Teams within Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Councils, Schools, Colleges, Family Learning Providers, Housing Associations, Voluntary and Community organisations.

If your organisation can identify families with a need or require more information, please contact

Employment Co-ordinator on 01234 857661 or e-mail:  families@learning-partnership.co.uk

To view the full promotional leaflet 

A partnership of twelve local organisations working across Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton has been awarded a Transforming Local Infrastructure (TLI) award of £799,798.  This is the third largest award to a partnership in England.

The Government has awarded this grant through Transforming Local Infrastructure, which is being delivered by Big Fund, the non-Lottery funding arm of the Big Lottery Fund.  Transforming Local Infrastructure is providing better support for frontline civil society organisations by transforming local infrastructure services.

Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd said:

“This fund is not designed to support ‘business as usual’ – it’s about making things better for the frontline.  It’s about supporting organisations with innovative business plans who want to play their part in modernising the landscape of local infrastructure.

“One of our main priorities is making it easier to run a charity.  We will ensure that we back the highest quality infrastructure support so that charities get guidance which is local, relevant and enables them to improve their service delivery.”

For further information, please contact: Martin Trinder, Community and Voluntary Service, Tel: 01234 354366 or Email: martin@yourcvs.org

We will be launching the Adult Learners Week 2012 Local Award nominations next week so keep an eye on your inbox for details of the nomination process.

Dates for your diary:

Thursday 10^th May 2012        – Newspaper supplement published

Tuesday 15^th May 2012          – Bedford Event, Harpur Street

Wednesday 16^th May 2012    – Luton Event, Smith Square, Arndale Centre

Thursday 17^th May 2012        – Regional Awards Ceremony

Friday 18^th May 2012             – Local Awards Ceremony

If you would like more details about any of the ALW activities please contact Carole Pullinger, cpullinger@learning-partnership.co.uk or 01234 857637

We would like to invite a member of staff (or two!) to get together with a group of up to 5 students (aged 16+) to form a ‘SleepEasy Group’ to come and join us on March 3rd from 7pm until 7am Sunday 4th March for our 12 hour sleep out challenge.  Will you sleep rough for a night so others don’t have to?

For more details

Relate Bedfordshire and Luton have pleasure in forwarding to you information regarding our next 1^st Impressions workshop, which may be of interest to you.

The course is a one day workshop, to be held on 14^th March in Bedford town centre.  The course is designed for ‘front of house’ or appointment staff who greet your clients.  The course covers Professional Conduct, Confidentiality, Communication Skills and managing difficult clients along with many other useful skills.

To view the poster

The Federation of Holistic Therapists has released its calendar of events for 2012.

To view the calendar

Bedfordshire and Luton Mind is running a series of 5 week workshops designed to improve peoples’ way of life and to help control feelings of anxiety.

For course details

Develop EBP are looking to recruit an Assessor/Internal Verifier for the Children and Young People Workforce.

To view the advertisement and for contact details

The Learning Partnership – Bedfordshire and Luton working together with its consortia of partners are able to offer free Information, Advice, and Guidance sessions in Bedfordshire and Luton.  This service offers careers and skills advice and can be delivered to fit individual needs.  In addition, the service can provide:

• CV support
• Improving interview skills
• Information on the job market
• Signposting and referral to other organisations

If you think this service would benefit your client groups please contact us directly to arrange a visit to discuss how we can work together to support your clients.  Please contact:

Christopher Cooper -Tel: 07825 686702  or Email: ccooper@learning-partnership.co.uk

LOOKING FOR A ROOM TO HOLD MEETINGS OR SEMINARS?

WE MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU

We have 2 rooms available for hire at competitive prices at Calibration House, 1 Sunbeam Road, Woburn Road Industrial Estate, Kempston, Beds, MK42 7BZ.

Our larger room, Room 1, will comfortably seat 20 delegates in Boardroom Style, 30 in Theatre Style or 18 in Cabaret Style.

The Room has a laptop (providing Internet Access and Office 2007), projector, SmartBoard and Flip Chart facilities.  Refreshments are available. 

Our smaller room, Room 2, will comfortably seat up to 12 delegates in Boardroom Style.

For further information and pricing plans, please contact us on 01234 851154 or email nbray@learning-partnership.co.uk or visit our website: http://www.learningincommunities.co.uk/events/training-room-facilities

The PUMA.Creative Catalyst Award is an international documentary film development fund offering up to €5,000 (approx. £4,190) per project.

Awards are intended to support the development of early-stage documentary projects and the edit of a trailer. Applications may be made by documentary filmmakers working anywhere in the world for the development of creative films of any length and on any subject, in any style or form.

Extra consideration will be given for films that meet PUMA.Vision’s core values of Safe, Peace and Creative.

Any member of a project’s production team may submit the application.

The deadline for applications for the spring 2012 Call is 27 February 2012 (6pm, UK time).

BFI Shorts 2012 is a new short film production scheme that forms part of the British Film Institute’s commitment to supporting emerging filmmaking talent and providing opportunities for filmmakers to demonstrate their potential to create feature films.

The scheme will support live-action fiction projects and encourages a diverse range of films that tell compelling stories and have the ability to engage, inspire and entertain audiences.

Funding is available to support up to 20 live-action narrative fiction shorts which:

-        have a duration of 10-30 minutes;

-        are able to engage, inspire and entertain audiences;

-        demonstrate that the filmmakers have the ability to dramatise stories that require a bigger canvas;

-        are achievable within the allocated time-frame and budget range specified; and

-        have no development or production finance already in place.

The budget for each film will be between £25,000 and £50,000 and will be fully funded through the BFI award.

Applications are accepted from directors, writers and producers in the UK.

The deadline for applications is 5pm, Friday 23 March 2012.

The final Call for Proposals for ‘continuous training’ under the MEDIA 2007 programme has now been launched.

This strand of MEDIA 2007 involves improving the continuous vocational training of professionals in the audiovisual sector in order to give them the skills needed to create competitive products for the European – and other – markets.

The Call offers a two-year framework partnership agreement, and has an indicative budget of €7 million.

The deadline for submissions is 16 April 2012.

The first application round for study visits 2012/2013 for educational and vocational training specialists and decision-makers is now open.

Eligible specialists can apply for the study visits that will take place between September 2012 and February 2013.

The visits will explore themes such as:

The transition from education and training to the world of work.

Cooperation of educational and training institutions with their communities and the labour market.

Ensuring equal opportunities for disadvantaged groups.

Quality assurance mechanisms in schools and training institutions.

The continuing professional development of teachers’ and trainers’.

The deadline for applications is 30 March 2012.

The second round of applications, for study visits between March and June 2013 will open on 23 July 2012 with a deadline of 12 October 2012.

The Employer Ownership of Skills Pilot aims to find more effective ways to improve skills in the workforce and to use these improved skills to drive up productivity and growth. The competitive fund will route public investment directly to employers and will be backed by significant resources from existing skills budgets.

Up to £50 million is available for the 2012/13 academic year, starting in August 2012. Subject to success of the first round of the pilot, up to £200 million will be available for the second round in 2013/14.

BIS wants to see significant and scalable proposals for skills investment and therefore the minimum cash investment from Government will be £250,000 for collaborative proposals involving SMEs, and £1 million for individual or consortia bids involving large employers.

The pilot is open to employers of all sizes and sectors in England. Bids are encouraged from groups of employers working together in their sector, supply chain or local area, but single employers can also apply, provided bids are above the bid threshold levels. BIS is particularly keen that SMEs participate, either as part of a supply chain proposal, or in a collective bid developed in conjunction with other partners, for example a National Skills Academy, a Sector Skills Council or through a Group Training Association.

Whilst the organisation can be based anywhere, the benefits of the proposal must focus solely on England. All bids must be led by a named employer(s).

The deadline to register an intention to bid is 13 April 2012. The final deadline for bid submissions is 26 April 2012.

Businesses and training providers in England are being invited to bid for a share of £6 million through a new round of the Higher Apprenticeship Fund, which will support the development of thousands of new Higher Apprenticeships.

In Round Two BIS is seeking applications to develop activity in any of the following specific sector / sub-sector areas and approaches:

Accounting.

Aerospace / Aviation.

Early Years Professional.

Health.

Land based engineering.

Law (Paralegal).

Renewable technologies / micro-generation.

Retail and hospitality.

Space Industries.

Utilities and energy.

Education (online/e-learning).

Through this second round of funding BIS wants to ensure clear and achievable ladders of progression for apprentices to pursue their aspirations for higher level skills achievements including post-graduate study and the attainment of professional qualifications to more sectors of the economy.

The scheme is available for existing and new staff aged 16 and over. Collaborative partnership bids are invited. The following organisations, with preference given to consortia, are eligible to apply:

Employers.

Sector Skills Councils.

Professional Bodies.

National Skills Academies.

Employer groups.

Learning Providers, including independents.

FE colleges and HE institutions.

There is currently no deadline for set for the receipt of applications under Round Two, therefore applications may be submitted at any time.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

10. New initial teacher education projects – bidding guidance

LSIS has produced guidance documentation for initial teacher education (ITE) providers to apply to the first phase of a development fund for the sector to explore new models of delivering initial teacher education, working with Skills Funding Agency funded providers. Priority areas include English and Mathematics and STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). This first phase of funding is available to support HEFCE funded ITE provision.

‘New Challenges, New Chances – Further Education and Skills System Reform Plan: Building a World Class Skills System‘ (published 1 December 2011) announced a number of actions to develop and promote excellent teaching. The paper highlights the need for a professional workforce, and emphasises that outstanding teaching and learning depends on the quality of teachers and trainers, their specialist skills and how they are supported.

BIS has announced a number of key actions aimed at ensuring excellence in teaching and learning in the further education and skills system, and ensuring that we have world-class teachers and trainers. LSIS has been commissioned to work with the sector on this, providing development funding for new models of delivery of initial teacher education.

The main purpose of these projects is to set up new, sustainable models of delivery of ITE which will:

• support providers to develop new models for ITE to the highest quality standards;
• create efficient models for ITE, while maintaining fitness for purpose, with a focus on creating excellence in teaching and learning;
• develop ITE provision which is attractive and affordable to new trainees and employers.

Applications which create new partnerships would be particularly welcome (for example, between industry, FE and skills providers, HE Institutions and professional and learned bodies), as would projects which address equality and diversity issues across the FE and skills sector.

Phase One projects will support HEFCE funded provision and be expected to demonstrate that they will be working within the new arrangements for funding of provision, and the new arrangements for student loans for trainees (where applicable), proposed for 2012/13.

In addition to the above, LSIS will be looking for:

• a spread of projects across different regions in England;
• projects that address the distinct needs of different parts of the FE and skills landscape*;
• projects which address subject priorities: Mathematics, English and the range of STEM subjects.

The aim of these projects is to develop effective and efficient methods of delivery of ITE for the future. Projects which use funds principally as subsidies for trainees will not be considered.

Full bidding guidance for the Phase One project opportunities is now available for download. Applications must be submitted by midnight on Wednesday 22 February 2012:

• New Initial Teacher Education projects Guidance and Application form (.doc, 108KB) 

Support for potential bidders is available from the Centres for Excellence in Teacher Training (CETTs) (contact details available in the bidding documentation). Enquiries should be directed to the CETTS in the first instance, but you can contact LSIS via ITE@LSIS.org.uk.

Funding for Phase Two will be announced after April 2012. This will also support ITE provision accredited by awarding organisations (AOs).

*This does not include training programmes for staff in sixth form colleges who are trained through DfE/TDA routes..

Young filmmakers in the UK who are between the ages of 18 and 25 years on the closing date may apply.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 24 February 2012. 

DepicT! is an international short film competition provided by Watershed Media Centre which seeks to uncover up and coming film-making talent in the UK.

The contest is open to applications from film-makers with productions that last no longer than 90 seconds but still manage to show originality, imagination and the ability to engage audiences. Films can focus on a wide range of genres, including:

Animation.

Documentary.

Drama.

Experimental or artist film.

Hybrid work.

All shortlisted film-makers will be invited to attend the Encounters Short Film Festival in Bristol.

The winning entry will receive a £1,500 cash prize plus UK distribution through the Digital Screen Network.

Film-makers in the UK may apply.

The deadline for entries to the 2012 competition is 9 July 2012.

The overall aim is to improve teaching and learning by using these funds to overcome barriers and provide additional opportunities for CPD in circumstances where otherwise it would not take place. All projects must demonstrate how they intend to improve teaching and learning. Projects should also be capable of contributing to the IfL 30 hour (or pro rata) CPD requirement and include opportunities for reflection.

LSIS is committed to improving the quality of teaching and learning through the use of its change agents*. This Regional Innovation in Teaching and Learning Fund is aimed at improving the effectiveness of teaching and learning through the transfer of effective practice using change agents. This builds on the findings in the LSIS funded report “Brilliant teaching in further education and skills” based on research by the Institute for Learning (IfL). This found that “CPD is most likely to lead to the desired impact if based on learning from others – from shared resources, from peer support and working together”. This focus on Teaching and Learning is reinforced by New Challenges, New Chances, published by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills in December 2011.

Collaborative applications between two or more organisations within a region or between regions are encouraged. We are particularly keen to hear from providers who have embedded the work of the change agents into cross-organisational improvement strategies in Teaching and Learning.p>

Please read the accompanying invitation and guidance, and complete and return the application form to the LSIS funding portal by

midnight on 13 February 2012:

• RITLF invitation, guidance and application form (.doc, 153KB)

Please note that you will have to pre-register with the LSIS funding portal and we advise doing this in advance of your application.

* LSIS change agents include: Subject Learning Coach, PDA or Eguides , and priority may be given to these (although applications that use other change agents – key individuals who have a focus on teaching and learning and are authorised by their SMT- are welcome).

Grantfinder searches over 4,000 funding sources and is the UK’s largest and most comprehensively supported database of its type.  We are pleased to work in partnership to bring you access to the very latest funding opportunities that affect the learning and skills sector.

Grantfinder is the UK’s largest and most comprehensively supported database of its type.  For more information or to arrange a demonstration please call 01909 501200.

Whilst the majority of the funding opportunities are from the Grantfinder database we are now also providing details of other funding opportunities.

DepicT! is an international short film competition provided by Watershed Media Centre which seeks to uncover up and coming film-making talent in the UK.

The contest is open to applications from film-makers with productions that last no longer than 90 seconds but still manage to show originality, imagination and the ability to engage audiences. Films can focus on a wide range of genres, including:

• Animation.
• Documentary.
• Drama.
• Experimental or artist film.
• Hybrid work.

All shortlisted film-makers will be invited to attend the Encounters Short Film Festival in Bristol.

The winning entry will receive a £1,500 cash prize plus UK distribution through the Digital Screen Network.

Film-makers in the UK may apply.

The deadline for entries to the 2012 competition is 9 July 2012.

Grantfinder is the UK’s largest and most comprehensively supported database of its type.  For more information or to arrange a demonstration please call 01909 501200.

Whilst the majority of the funding opportunities are from the Grantfinder database we are now also providing details of other funding opportunities.

The DG Enterprise & Industry has published a Call for Proposals inviting universities, schools, training providers, local authorities and others to put forward proposals to develop entrepreneurship education.

The Call will support transnational projects with European added value in the field of education for entrepreneurship, with a special focus on supporting teachers. Proposed projects should target teachers and young people in primary, secondary and tertiary education.

Projects should focus on one of the following priority areas (or lots):

Lot 1

• A) Creating trans-European models for primary and secondary school teachers to support the development of their skills and methods in applying entrepreneurial learning to different teaching subjects and to different contexts. (Project duration three years.)
• B) Developing, organising and executing cross-European training/education workshops for teachers of entrepreneurship at institutions of higher education – universities, colleges, business schools, universities of applied sciences and so on. (Project duration three years.)

Lot 2

• Creating a European online platform for teachers/educators to enable the cross-border exchange of good practice, methods and teaching materials in the field of entrepreneurship education. (Project duration 2 years.)

Lot 3

• Developing and testing a European common framework of tools and indicators to assess entrepreneurial mindsets, attitudes and skills acquired by students in entrepreneurship education. (Project duration 18 months.)

Applicants will need to indicate which ‘Lot’ they are applying for, as project proposals will be subject to different rules in terms of duration and maximum EU co-financing depending on the target priority. The maximum EU co-financing rate for all projects is 60%, with a ceiling of €500,000 for Lot 1, €400,000 for Lot 2 and €250,000 for Lot 3. A total of €2,450,000 is available and it is anticipated that between four and eight projects will be supported depending on the size and quality of proposals received.

The deadline for submissions is 16 April 2012.

4. Regional WorldSkills “Have a Go”

The Barnfield Federation (College and Academies) are managing a small fund to support the ‘Have a Go’ activities in the Luton and Bedfordshire area.

You are invited to submit an application to access some of these monies in order to run ‘taster’ activities within your own organisation or at other partner establishments.

WHAT ARE THEY?

The WorldSkills London 2011 ‘Have a Go’ events will give people a ‘bite-size’ taster of a new skill, trade or profession, helping to ignite their passion to learn, and provide the information they need to enhance their career options. This is a great opportunity for schools, colleges, providers and community groups to get involved – by delivering innovative and appealing ‘Have a Go’ activities to amaze, inspire learners and local communities.

WorldSkills London 2011 ‘Have a Go’ ‘tasters’ will take place around the UK throughout 2011 and up to 24th February 2012 – giving organisations the opportunity to run events to suit their timetable or to fit in with other initiatives – such as recruitment events, parents evenings or other events designed to promote skills and the vocational education route for young people and adults.

The aim is to create around 4,000 opportunities for people in our area, to ‘Have a Go’ at a new skill. It can be used to support schools, colleges, providers and community groups to provide ‘Have a Go’ activities that build on and complement the recent very successful WorldSkills London 2011 event. This is for a range of participants including European Social Fund disadvantaged groups e.g. NEETs, unemployed adults etc. These activities will also provide a legacy for future activities to promote skills developments. �
Activities will be:

• Attractive to a range of ages and abilities of individuals including NEETs, unemployed adults, lone parents and other disadvantaged individuals
• High quality and varied opportunities
• Adding value to the organisations’ skills promotions
• Engaging key local players in providing opportunities
• Involving local partners in trying out new skills
• Supporting progression in learning through advice and guidance or further contact with providers

WorldSkills London 2011 ‘Have a Go’ communications will provide a range of support and resources including templates, toolkits and marketing materials. Details of how to obtain these without charge will be available following your successful bid.

Partners will need to supply detailed information on their ‘Have a Go’ ‘tasters’ monthly to WorldSkills UK so that they can be uploaded onto an interactive map to direct people to the activities.  An events calendar will show the range of events taking place. Media support to draw attention to the events will be managed through the individual organisations taking part and nationally by WorldSkills London 2011 and UK Skills. Use of the European Social Fund logo and approved WorldSkills London 2011 resources for ‘Have a Go’ is a requirement for all organisations requesting this funding.  A record of the volume of opportunities taken up will be maintained to monitor progress towards the national total and delivery of the European Social Fund project.

The European Social Fund in England is investing in jobs and skills – focusing on people who need support the most and helping them fulfil their potential.

Partner organisations will be expected to provide these opportunities across our area thus not exceeding a cost of approximately £5.00 per person for the ‘Have a Go’ activity.

If you are committed to taking part in this project you will need to complete the attached application for funding support by 28/11/2011. The applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges that include regional representation from NIACE on 06/12/2011. You will be notified of the outcome of your application by email by 09/12/2011.  Please ensure that your email details are clear in your application.

NB – although it says the deadline has past, we can confirm that  Barnfield College are still accepting applications,.

5.   New Initial Teacher Education projects – advance notification of a call to action‘

New Challenges, New Chances – Further Education and Skills System Reform Plan: Building a World Class Skills System’ (published 1 December 2011 ) announced a number of actions to develop and promote excellent teaching. The paper highlights the need for a professional workforce, and that outstanding teaching and learning depends on the quality of teachers and trainers, their specialist skills and how they are supported.

BIS has announced a number of key actions aimed at ensuring excellence in teaching and learning in the further education and skills system, and that we have world-class teachers and trainers. LSIS has been commissioned to work with the sector on this, providing development funding for new models of delivery of initial teacher education (ITE).

The call to action

In early 2012 LSIS will be publishing guidance documentation for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) providers to apply to the first phase of a development fund for the sector to explore new models of delivering Initial Teacher Education, working with Skills Funding Agency funded providers. Priority areas include English and Maths and STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

The main purpose of these projects is to set up new sustainable models of delivery of ITE which will:

• support providers to develop new models for ITE within the highest quality standards;
• create efficient models for ITE, while maintaining fitness for purpose, with a focus on creating excellence in teaching and learning; and
• develop ITE provision which is attractive and affordable to new trainees and employers.

Applications which create new partnerships would be particularly welcome (for example between industry/FE and skills providers/HE Institutions/ professional and learned bodies) as would projects which address equality and diversity issues across the FE and skills sector.

Phase 1 projects will be expected to demonstrate that they will be working within the new arrangements for funding of provision, and the new arrangements for student loans for trainees (where applicable), proposed for 2012/13.

In addition to the above, LSIS will be looking for:

• a spread of projects across different regions in England;
• projects that address the distinct needs of different parts of the FE and skills landscape* and
• projects which address subject priorities; Maths, English and the range of STEM subject.

The aim of these projects is to develop effective and efficient methods of delivery of ITE for the future. Projects which principally use funds as subsidies for trainees will not be considered.

Full bidding guidance for the Phase one project opportunities will be available in early 2012 together with arrangements for support for potential bidders. Enquiries in the meantime should be directed to tlpfundingportal@lsis.org.uk. Phase two will be announced later in the year.

*This does not include training programmes for staff in sixth form colleges who are trained through DfE/TDA routes

6. Regional innovation in teaching and learning funds (RITLF)

LSIS is issuing an invitation to providers to bid for an LSIS funded-project which will promote innovative continuing professional development (CPD) in teaching and learning. Each project will be funded up to the value of £5,000, and LSIS is funding a minimum of four projects in each of the nine regions.

The overall aim is to improve teaching and learning by using these funds to overcome barriers and provide additional opportunities for CPD in circumstances where otherwise it would not take place. All projects must demonstrate how they intend to improve teaching and learning. Projects should also be capable of contributing to the IfL 30 hour (or pro rata) CPD requirement and include opportunities for reflection.

LSIS is committed to improving the quality of teaching and learning through the use of its change agents*. This Regional Innovation in Teaching and Learning Fund is aimed at improving the effectiveness of teaching and learning through the transfer of effective practice using change agents. This builds on the findings in the LSIS funded report “Brilliant teaching in further education and skills” based on research by the Institute for Learning (IfL). This found that “CPD is most likely to lead to the desired impact if based on learning from others – from shared resources, from peer support and working together”. This focus on Teaching and Learning is reinforced by New Challenges, New Chances, published by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills in December 2011.

Collaborative applications between two or more organisations within a region or between regions are encouraged. We are particularly keen to hear from providers who have embedded the work of the change agents into cross-organisational improvement strategies in Teaching and Learning.

Please read the accompanying invitation and guidance, and complete and return the application form to the LSIS funding portal by midnight on 13 February 2012:

• RITLF invitation, guidance and application form (.doc, 153KB)

Please note that you will have to pre-register with the LSIS funding portal and we advise doing this in advance of your application.

* LSIS change agents include: Subject Learning Coach, PDA or Eguides , and priority may be given to these (although applications that use other change agents – key individuals who have a focus on teaching and learning and are authorised by their SMT- are welcome).

Action Grants

This Call is based on the FRC annual work programmes for 2011 and 2012 and combines the priorities as well as the resources available for both years. The available funding consists of an indicative amount of €20.97 million.

Grant applications must be for a minimum of €75,000, for up to 80% of overall eligible project costs.

Overall priority will be given to large-scale projects built on a wide partnership involving organisations from a significant number of Member States and offering a true European scope and relevance. As a minimum, projects require a partnership of two organisations from two different Member States. Applicants must be non-profit making, legally constituted, public or private organisations such as NGOs, universities, research institutes, and national, regional and local authorities.

The priorities for this Call are as follows:

• Fundamental Rights
  • Informing on where the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights applies and where to turn to if fundamental rights are violated (CFR).
  • Promoting the Rights of the Child (RoC).
  • Combating racism, xenophobia and antisemitism (RXAS).
  • Fighting Homophobia: Enhanced/improved understanding and tolerance (HMPB).
  • Training and networking between legal professions and legal practitioners (TRAI)
• Citizenship
  • Participation in the democratic life of the Union (DEMO).
  • Raise awareness about Union citizenship and the rights attached to it and identify obstacles to their effective exercise (CITI).
  • Raise awareness and improve knowledge about the EU rules on free movement, in particular Directive 2004/38/EC (FREE).
  • Facilitate sharing of knowledge and exchange of best practices on acquisition and loss of Union citizenship (BPoC).
  • Address the gender imbalance in participation in the European Parliament elections (GEND).

• Data protection and privacy rights
  • Training and awareness raising on data protection including general information on the fundamental right to the protection of personal data and awareness-raising campaigns.
  • Improving practical cooperation between Data Protection Authorities.
  • Reinforcing children’s privacy in the online environment.
  • Identifying and tackling the challenges posed by new technologies for the fundamental right to data protection.
  • Technological and organisational means to improve data protection compliance.

The deadline for submission of applications is 13 March 2012 (12.00 CET)

Operating Grants

This call for proposals is aimed at supporting the functioning of non-profit organisations – such as voluntary associations, foundations and NGO’s – pursuing activities which contribute to the objectives of the specific programme Fundamental Rights and Citizenship (FRC).

A total budget of €1.6 million is available and grants can for up to 80% of the total eligible cost of the Forecast Operating Budget, up to a maximum of €250,000.

The deadline for submission of applications is 31 January 2012.

Both BIS and Co-operatives UK have contributed £30,000 to the challenge.

The competition is open to groups and organisations within the public, voluntary or business sectors. Awards will be made to support training, mentoring and seed funding for stand out projects, with a £15,000 prize available for an overall winner.

The prize fund will open in January 2012.

This Call is based on the DAPHNE III annual work programmes for 2011 and 2012 and combines the priorities as well as the resources available for both years. The available funding consists of an indicative amount of €25.83 million. Applications for a minimum grant of €75,000, for up to 80% of overall eligible project costs, are invited.

Overall priority will be given to large-scale projects built on a wide partnership involving organisations from a significant number of Member States and offering a true European scope and relevance. As a minimum, projects require a partnership of two organisations from two different Member States. Public or private organisations and institutions, such as NGOs, local authorities and university departments are eligible to apply.

Projects under this Call should focus on the following priorities:

• Rights of victims of violence.
• Violence linked to harmful practices.
• Children as victims and perpetrators of violence.
• Perpetrator programmes and interventions.
• Training programmes for professionals in contact with victims.
• Empowerment work at grass-roots level.
• Media violence, particularly violence linked to new technology and social networking tools.

The deadline for submission of applications is 29 March 2012 (12.00 CET).

This is an opportunity to get involved in work around the SEN Green Paper  “Support and aspiration: A new approach to special educational needs and disability” (March 2011).

LSIS wants  to develop and support a regional cluster in each of the 9 regions in order to meet the commitment in the Green Paper to encourage “partnership working between independent specialist colleges, special schools and colleges. This will help spread knowledge, improve expertise, build capacity, and share delivery arrangements so that colleges and training providers can respond effectively to the needs of learners, employers and communities to whom they are increasingly accountable.” (para 3.18)

The attached expression of interest form sets out the background and  thinking to the project. Please read it carefully and if you are interested please fill in the form and return to viv.berkeley@lsis.org.uk by close of business Friday 16th  December 2011. Any expressions of interest returned after this date will not be considered. Providers will receive a grant of £2750 to support them with their project work.

Please ensure you have capacity to participate prior to completing and submitting the form.

For more information…

LSIS is pleased to invite bids from learning and skills provider organisations for grants to support the development of sales and marketing courses or workshops, and to share these approaches with other providers.  We are offering the following opportunities:

1. Design and development of a sales training programme; Consultative selling skills for services and intangibles.
2. Design and development of a modern marketing training programme for services and intangibles.

Both will require courses or workshops to be developed and delivered as pilot projects with the target audience being those within the FE and skills sector who are; selling or marketing to employer organisations and to prospective learners. Bidders will be able to demonstrate a successful track record of achievement in teaching either subject.

Funded projects should be completed within the 2011-12 financial year – i.e. by 5 April 2012, and this should be reflected in the proposals. However, LSIS may fund bids across the regions and may ask successful bidders to work together to develop the further programme that will be rolled out after April 2012. Each bid for either sales or marketing will be eligible for payment up to £10,000 inclusive of VAT. Bidders may bid to design and pilot one or both sets of workshops/courses.

Bids should be submitted on the accompanying application form and sent by e-mail (ideally in Word format), to resource.utilisation@lsis.org.uk by 12:00 midday on Wednesday 21 December 2011. Bidders will be notified of the outcome no later than Monday 9 January 2012.

For further information….

• deliver demonstrably employer-led, innovative and future-proofed skills solutions;
• support the drive to greater ownership of skills by employers;
• use GIF investment alongside employer investment; and
• build sustainable skills capacity and infrastructure.

Applications are invited from Sector Skills Councils, Industry Training Boards, formally constituted Sector Bodies, National Skills Academies, Employer Associations, Trade Associations and Professional Bodies in the United Kingdom. Collaborative applications are welcomed from multiple sector organisations. In order to ensure the fund supports businesses in the different ways they work together to secure growth, the programme has also extended its eligibility to apply to local enterprise partnerships. 

The first deadline for receipt of applications under the Fund’s current phase is 31 January 2012