CFE has worked with the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) since 2006 to develop the government's policy for provider specialisation.

In June 2007, CFE completed a 6 month research project exploring the feasibility of 'specialist networks' - a vision set out in the FE Reform White Paper of an integrated, specialised network of learning providers that could respond to employer demands for industry specific and more advanced skills.

The project began with a scoping paper that explored what it means to be a 'specialist' provider and identified how specialist networks of providers are configured in other national systems.

Through a combination of interviews, focus groups and online surveys CFE consulted with a range of national and regional stakeholders and over 130 training providers (FE Colleges, HEIs, WBL and independent providers).

The final report was used to inform DIUS/LSC strategy in this area and has led to our involvement in the support of the National Skills Academy programme.