I have returned from holiday to discover I am apparently involved in a secret war with further education minister Bill Rammell over demand-led funding (“Funding chief’s secret war with minister over cash”, FE Focus, June 30). This is, of course, absolute nonsense. There is no war, secret or otherwise.
The LSC has consistently supported moves to make the FE system more responsive to employers and learners. Given my private sector background, it won’t surprise anyone that I am fully behind this. The recent FE white paper spelt out some of the funding implications of this drive.
What we are now engaged in is a sensible and rational discussion about how best to implement this policy. Not surprisingly, principals are interested in what the new funding methodology might look like, and it has been discussed at my recent roadshows.
I understand that Bill Rammell is also meeting principals and other providers and he too will be talking about the need for employer responsiveness and a funding system to support it.
Such discussions can only be healthy and helpful in shaping future funding options.
Mark Haysom
Chief Executive, Learning and Skills Council
