ColegauCymru has published a report highlighting the impact of the Senedd Cross Party Group (CPG) for Further Education (FE) and Skills work in 2023/24.
This academic year, the CPG was pleased to hold a joint meeting with the CPG for Universities. This meeting was the first of its kind and a valuable step in our journey towards a tertiary sector ahead of establishment of Medr in August 2024. This was followed later in the year by a celebratory event launching the Demonstrating the Social Value of FE Colleges in Wales report, which included a contribution from the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle MS.
John Griffiths MS, Group Chair, said,
“The cross-party group has been an important platform to better connect politicians with those working in Further Education across Wales. Having benefited from further education myself in Newport, I appreciate and recognise the opportunities it can give to an individual for a second chance in life.
Over the last 12 months, I’ve been very pleased to chair the Cross-Party Group for Further Education & Skills and work with the ColegauCymru team.”
ColegauCymru Chief Executive, David Hagendyk, added,
“The ColegauCymru team and I look forward to building on the success of the CPG over the next academic year, which will be a significant time of change for the tertiary sector as we transition into Medr.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Chair, John Griffiths MS, for his work with the Group over the last seven years. It is encouraging to know that we have such continuous support from a Senedd Member who has been through an FE education firsthand and understands the benefits it provides to learners and their lives.”
Looking ahead to 2024/25
The transition into Medr will bring both challenges and opportunities for the sector, and we are working to ensure a smooth and efficient transition for all organisations involved. We are clear that Medr must ensure that learners are at the heart of a reformed post-16 sector, and we stand ready to work with them to support this goal. During this transition phase, the CPG is more valuable than ever to highlight both areas for celebration as well as development across the sector.
Further Information
Senedd Further Education and Skills Cross Party Group Annual Report
Summer 2024
For more information, please contact:
Rachel Cable, Director of Policy and Public Affairs
Rachel.Cable@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
