A diverse range of organisations were present at the event, which was hosted by fdf (Foundation Degree Forward) and Universities UK.
The event highlighted how the flexibility of Fd programmes is perfectly suited to the way public sector organisations operate and offer a work-based qualification tailored to meet specific requirements.
For example, one of the major problems for the civil service is mobility or ‘churn’. With the recent Cabinet reshuffle, the department responsible for universities (DIUS), itself formed only two years ago, was merged with the department responsible for business and enterprise (BERR) forming the new, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
A Fd in Government provided by the University of Portsmouth takes such changes into account and supports the learner across changing roles and departments. Learners come from a cross section of departments and the retention rate is excellent - 100%.
“The Foundation degree in Government is a unique programme having been designed with and, especially for, the civil service,” explains Dr Sue Tatum, fdf’s Director for Employer Partnerships (Public Sector).
“The government’s Capability Review indicated considerable failings across government departments with the need to enhance skills and ‘professionalise’ working practices. This programme provides a relevant and exciting learning opportunity for civil servants that addresses the areas of shortfall but also prepares learners to work flexibility and creatively. It is being very well received.”
The University of Portsmouth was specifically invited as a showcase the Fd programme at the House of Commons event. This programme was set up with civil service departments through the National School of Government (NSG).
It has been specifically designed to address the skills gaps identified through the ‘Professional Skills for Government’ (PSG) training requirements. Although PSG sets the career training route for higher level civil servants, the need to incorporate these requirements for those working at executive level through a relevant higher education level learning process had been identified.
The University worked with NSG to design its programme which requires learners to apply their learning in the workplace and to bring learning from work to inform academic analysis.
“fdf, UUK and Phil Willis MP (Chair of the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Select Committee) were pleased that the University accepted our invitation to the Commons reception,” added Dr Tatum.
“The event provided a valuable showcase to MPs, civil service heads and other representatives from the public sector on how such Fd programmes are professionalising education and practice.”