Self Help Improvement Programme ‘SHiP’ (LSIS)

The Self Help Improvement Programme (SHiP) is a project that has been made possible by funding through the LSIS Flexibility and Innovation Fund.

The project is being lead and managed by Central Bedfordshire College with The Learning Partnership taking an active role in its implementation and delivery.

SHiP is a partnership project with the overall aim of improving the quality of learning provision in Bedfordshire and Luton, making all parts of the learning provider network fit for purpose to hold contracts or act as sub-contractors in the delivery of high quality learning provision. This includes:

• Improving the engagement and recruitment of young people and adults onto courses
• Stronger partnership working between FE, adult and community learning and the 3^rd sector to improve access and widen participation for harder to reach adults and young people
• Improved, more robust  quality assurance that will raise the standard of performance of learning providers locally
• A more joined up, synchronous provision making it easier for providers and advisors to inform and guide potential learners.

The project focuses on identifying skills and knowledge gaps amongst the partners, including the variable knowledge of the sector as a whole and the respective role of FE, WBL, ACL and 3^rd sector providers.

Ten providers in the county have been selected (see below) through an open expression of interest to take part in the project which will run from July 2010 until December 2011.

The first phase of delivery of the SHiP project includes each organisation going through a self assessment process with one to one support and action planning which will result in the production of an overarching skills matrix.

The information collected provides details of the skills sets and examples of good practice that each partner can offer. This in turn forms the basis of the second phase of the project which will be the delivery of a programme of tailored initiatives and intensive support to help organisations make significant improvements and to familiarise themselves with the benefits of partnership self-help in a supportive environment.

Coordinator & Contact

Caroline Wilkins
tel:  01234 840758
e-mail:  cwilkins@learning-partnership.co.uk

Partners on this Project

Central Bedfordshire College

Bedfordshire Adult Skills & Community Learning

The Centre for Youth and Community Development

Step by Step Training Ltd

Ridgemond Training Ltd

WEA

Bedford Pilgrims Housing Association (BPHA)

Dallow Development Trust

Access Europe

Inspire Solutions