LSIS, a sector-owned organisation dedicated to raising standards in education, intends to slimline the service's operation as it continues to promote improved FE teaching and learning.

Chief executive Rob Wye told FE News how the organisation was to be made "fit for purpose" by reducing 30 per cent of its workforce, while LSIS hoped to employ more apprentices to take their number up to ten per cent of all the service's staff.

Mr Wye said the primary concern for the FE sector and LSIS would be "coping with budget reductions to make sure we continue to deliver the best we possibly can for learners with the money available".

And on research into efficiency indicators for education bodies, Mr Wye didn't believe any "magic" solution would be found that would allow every education centre to compare themselves to each other.

However, he added that "like-for-like" comparisons would be encouraged in areas such as inputs and outcomes, class sizes and use of space.

Facing FE's forthcoming challenges, Mr Wye also outlined seven areas of focus for LSIS.

Among these were improving teaching and learning, curriculum development, better value for money, helping the sector to understand and implement policy, looking at the standard and qualifications work inherited from Lifelong Learning UK, and reforming LSIS itself.

He particularly drew attention to a scrutiny of leadership, management and governance. Mr Wye explained LSIS would ensure the right leaders and chairs of boards were in place so the FE sector could maintain standards and "stay ahead of the game".

Jake Ryan