A recent FE event gave one of my readers a valuable insight into the machinations of the Government’s public relations operation, when he was approached by a DfES employee with a thirst for knowledge.
The conversation went like this:
Her: “I wonder if you can offer me any advice. I work for the Standards Unit at the DfES and wondered if you had any ideas on ways of targeting FE lecturers and schoolteachers.”
Him: “With what?”
Her: “Some information about our activities.”
Him: “Well, write to the colleges. Maybe the staff development people to begin with, or the principals.”
Her: “How would I find out where they are?”
Him: “Ask the LSC.” (She wrote down “Try LSC”)
Him (again): “Or the AoC is just round the corner from here. You could ask them if there are any networks you could use.”
Her: “AoC?”
Him: “The Association of Colleges.” (she wrote down “AoC”)
Her: “And what about schoolteachers?”
Him: “Try the schools?”
Her: “How do I get to them?”
Him: “Do you have a database at the DfES?”
Her: “I don’t think so.(!)”
We all have our off days.
