Case Studies

Aimhigher Kent and Medway

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  Title:

  Leader of the Aimhigher Kent & Medway Audit Group

  Overall Aim:

  To examine project in terms of its value for money, and assess its effectiveness against its wider objectives. Also to assess AHKM as a partnership, scrutinise the relationships between constituent partners, and ensure that the interests of learners are always prioritised over the interests of individual institutions.

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  Details

  Aimhigher Kent and Medway (AHKM) is one of 44 partnerships delivering a national project to widen participation in higher education. The Partnership involves 5 universities, 7 colleges, 2 Local Authorities and over 50 schools as well as adult and community education services, education business partnerships and other providers. AHKM required a thoughtful and intelligent practitioner whose approach would be particularly appropriate to the complex demands of auditing the project. John from Collingwood was invited to join the Group in recognition of his lifetime’s experience of the school sector.

  John is the leader of the AHKM Audit Group and has written two extensive reports for the Executive Area Partnership Committee. The Group itself operates at an equally high level and comprises senior managers from Universities, Colleges, Schools and the Learning and Skills Council. Not only did AHKM require someone focussed on putting the learner at the heart of the audit, but a deep understanding of the strategic, management and operational challenges faced by schools and colleges in the current political and social climate.

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  Key Challenge

  The key challenge was for the audit team to operate with great tact when interrogating a partnership where there is competition as well as co-operation. They must be skilled negotiators who can be effective at all levels and in dialogue with a range of sectors.

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  Outcomes

  “John is able to bring his considerable experience and expertise to these tasks in such a way that partners feel supported rather than diminished, ensuring that audit is welcomed for what we will learn rather than feared because of how we will be judged. However, he is unafraid to to make plain where he feels that clarity or change is needed. His reports have been well received and attest to his expertise and experience in the education sector.”

  Dr Felicity Dunworth, Director, Aimhigher Kent and Medway