Strategic Planning Workshop: the future role of research and its use in the sector

1. Strategic Planning Workshop: the future role of research and its use in the sector 10 October 2013

2. Group 1: using evidence • Openness to using evidence is a cultural challenge facing both individuals and organisations • It is difficult to identify the right (or best) research to use in any given context. What will help are: a) synthesis and b) intermediation • FE in general is less well researched than HE or schools; VET is even less well researched • We cannot base research strategies on government policies or funding; each institution needs its own long term strategy

3. Group 2: producing evidence • Power, inclusion and credibility. Structures and power relations affect the credibility of different forms of research • Linkages and coherence across different levels of research (micro, meso and macro). These need to be considered carefully and worked on • Systems which allow participation and engagement in and with research are important • Scope and scale; involves different research questions at different levels. We need to keep in mind different parts of the lifelong learning/learning and skills field and different audiences for research

4. Group 3: developing the profession – the role of research • Context – recognising every barrier can be seen as an opportunity. Research has personal and professional power to change • Culture – bringing together people cross sector, leading research, sharing and exchanging ideas, breaking boundaries, securing sustainability and demystifying research • Importance of individual drive and commitment to personal areas of interest, e.g. subject specialism • Funding – to buy time for staff to engage in research and to support partnerships for research

5. Discussion groups: 13.40 -14.10 Group 1, using evidence: red dot, conference room Group 2, producing evidence: blue dot, glassroom Group 3: developing the profession: green dot, conference room