The long wait for FE providers to sign up for Chartered Status ended today with applications for membership finally open.
Colleges and independent learning providers can apply for membership to the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE), set up in 2013, in the latest “significant step” on the route to chartered status for the FE sector.
The body, which was granted the Great Seal of the Realm in October, published its regulations and guidance for applicants today (November 17), which detail the standards providers need to meet in order to join.
To be considered for membership, providers must have an overall rating of good or outstanding at their most recent Ofsted inspection, and be in receipt of public funding from the Skills Funding Agency (SFA).
Providers must also show how they can meet the CIFE’s quality standards, covering a range of areas including teaching and learning, governance, finance and engagement with the local community and employers.
“This is another significant step along the road to the development of a Royal Chartered body in the Further Education sector,” said Lord Lingfield, chair of CIFE (pictured above).
“There is still much to be done but we have reached the point when we should open our doors to organisational members, and bring together those high performing organisations who are key to shaping the sector’s future.”
Click here for more details on applying for Chartered Status.
So are FE colleges solely funded by the EFA not valued enough to gain Chartered Status?