For over 100 years, emfec has supported colleges, training providers and partners in the further education sector. Recently, emfec has been involved in several collaborative projects, bringing together sector professionals to address challenges. These projects have benefited over 8,000 staff and learners and have generated over £3 million in project income in recent years.

1. supporting the changing landscape of
Further Education
for over 100 years

2. Image courtesy of Loughborough College
FOREWORD 4
OUR STORY 7
OUR WORK 15
NETWORKS & 33
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
MEMBERSHIP 37
contents

3. 5
ForewOrd
At emfec we pride ourselves on the work we do to support our colleges and the
wider skills sector. Much of our work over the past three years has been focused
on three key areas:
1. Professional development for practitioners and managers
through Networks, CPD, lesson observations and conferences
2. Projects which aim to drive up standards of teaching, learning
and assessment and strengthen leadership, management
and governance
3. Representing members interests and providing a platform to
discuss and debate pertinent issues.
Our colleges continue to remain at the forefront of their communities for which
they serve. They work tirelessly to make a difference to individual lives day in, day
out, despite the significant challenges the sector has faced over the last three
years.
As the further education and skills sector begins its new chapter post Area
Based Reviews, emfec will continue to serve in the interests of members by
providing access to high quality professional development, projects and
opportunities to inform and influence policy locally and nationally.
Paul Eeles Linda Houtby
emfec Chief Executive Chair of the emfec Board
We work closely with emfec and its fellow
members to effectively share best
practice, promote good work and ideas
with a wider audience and grow networks
of common interest.
Louise, West Nottinghamshire College Group
“
“
Image courtesy of
Derby College

4. 7
COLLABORATION. INTEGRITY.
our story
emfec is a membership body with charitable status that provides
a wide range of quality services and impartial support to colleges,
training providers and partners within the education and skills
sector.
We have supported further education for over 100 years, and
in modern times have become known for our commitment to
high-quality and responsive services, professional development,
projects and partnerships.
Collaboration is at the heart of all that we do, from our partner-led
project work to our networks and conferences which bring
together professionals from across the sector to tackle
challenges and embrace opportunities together.
CREATIVITY. QUALITY.
Image courtesy of Gateway College

5. 1912 1946 1966
emfec formed
emfec formed as the East Midland
Educational Union (EMEU) as a direct
response to the withdrawal of science
examinations in 1899. Despite hostility, the
collective voice of the EMEU succeeded
in getting the examinations reestablished,
with 852 entries recorded in 1912.
RACs Established
Regional advisory councils were
established. The East Midlands Council
became known as the Regional
Advisory Council for the Organisation of
Further Education in the East Midlands
(RACOFEEM).
Robins Wood House
Established
Robins Wood House was established at
the base for EMEU, RACOFEEM, and the
East Midlands Regional Examinations
Board. The latter still has a presence in
the building as Cambridge Assessment.
MEANWHILE:
The Titanic strikes
an iceberg in the
north Atlantic Ocean
and sinks.
MEANWHILE:
The first meeting of the
United Nations is held at
Methodist Central Hall,
Westminster, London.
MEANWHILE:
England wins the World
Cup on home soil.
emfec formed as the East Midland
Educational Union (EMEU) as a direct
response to the withdrawal of science
examinations in 1899. Despite hostility, the
collective voice of the EMEU succeeded
in getting the examinations reestablished,
with 852 entries recorded in 1912.
Regional advisory councils were
established. The East Midlands Council
became known as the Regional
Advisory Council for the Organisation of
Further Education in the East Midlands
(RACOFEEM)
Robins Wood House was established at
the base for EMEU, RACOFEEM, and the
East Midlands Regional Examinations
Board. The latter still has a presence in
the building as Cambridge Assessment.
MEANWHILE:
The Titanic strikes an iceberg in the
north Atlantic Ocean and sinks.
MEANWHILE:
The first meeting of the United Nations is
held at Methodist Central Hall,
Westminster, London.
MEANWHILE:
England wins the World
Cup on home soil.
9
For over 100 years, emfec has worked to
support colleges, providers, and partners
within the further education and skills
sector.
From humble beginnings in 1912, emfec
began as the East Midlands Education
Union (EMEU), formed as a direct response
to the National Board of Education’s
withdrawal of Science examinations in 1899.
Despite opposition from the Board of
Education, the examinations were
re-established. This victory was the first
of many accomplishments, demonstrating
how a collective voice can affect positive
change in the interest of learners.
By 1970, EMEU had grown to set nearly
500 writen examinations, receiving 67,000
subject entries. It was also working closely
with City & Guilds in providing examinations
for national Craft and Technician courses
our History
which would now be recognised as
apprenticeships.
EMEU and RACOFEEM continued their work
until 1982, when Local Education
Authorities were faced with increasingly
tightening budgets. As a result, the activities
of EMEU as an examining body and
RACOFEEM as a planning and organising
body combined to create what we now
know as emfec.
On 1 January 1992, emfec began trading as
a company limited by guarantee, whilst
retaining its charitable status. On the
national stage, the Incorporation of Colleges
had seen the removal of further, tertiary and
sixth form colleges from local authority
control, giving them financial independence.
As a member-led organisation, emfec was
now free to provide its services directly to
the newly-independent sector.

6. 1999 2006 2011
ABC AWARDS
Established
ABC Awards was formed as a national
awarding body as a joint partnership
between emfec, CENTRA, SRCET (now
AOSEC) and SWAFET (now Learning
South West). Today, ABC has over 600
Ofqualregulated qualifications within its
portfolio, and many of its staff are based
at Robins Wood House.
Extending Facilities
emfec began a major refurbishment
programme atRobins Wood House,
extending the facilities for skills and
knowledge development within the region.
John Allen, then Principal of Lincoln
College, became Chair of emfec.emfec
began a major refurbishment programme
at Robins Wood House, extending
the facilities for skills and knowledge
development within the region. John Allen,
then Principal of Lincoln College, became
Chair of emfec.
A new Strategic
plan
A review of the organisation in 2011
resulted in a new strategic plan focused
on positioning emfec to support
the development and achievement of
excellence in the further education sector.
Paul Eeles was appointed as Chief
Executive of emfec group, incorporating
ABC Awards.
MEANWHILE:
The Euro currency is
introduced.
MEANWHILE:
The 21st James Bond
film is released in British
cinemas. The film Casino
Royale, marked Daniel
Craig’s debut as 007.
MEANWHILE:
The Arab Spring grips the
world as revolutions take
place in Egypt, Tunisia,
and Libya.
1970 1982 1992
Setting
Examinations
By 1970, the EMEU was setting nearly
500 written examinations and receiving
67,000 subject entries. It was also
working closely with City and Guilds
on what would today be known as
apprenticeships.
Combination
activities
As Local Education Authorities’ budgets
began to tighten, it was decided to
combine the activities of the EMEU
and the RACOFEEM to create what we
now know as emfec.the East Midlands
(RACOFEEM).
new Partnerships
On 1 January 1992, emfec began trading
as a company limited by guarantee,
whilst retaining its charitable status. As a
member-led organisation, emfec was now
free to provide its services directly to the
newly-independent sector. emfec signs a
partnership agreement with the Académie
de Strasbourg, marking the start of a long
standing relationship.
MEANWHILE:
The Rt Hon. Sir Edward
Heath becomes prime
minister after leading the
Conservative Party to
victory during the general
election.
MEANWHILE:
HRH The Duke of
Cambridge, second
in line to the British
throne, is born.
MEANWHILE:
England wins the World
Cup on home soil.
By 1970, the EMEU was setting nearly
500 written examinations and receiving
67,000 subject entries. It was also
working closely with City and Guilds
on what would today be known as
apprenticeships.
As Local Education Authorities’ budgets
began to tighten, it was decided to
combine the activities of the EMEU
and the RACOFEEM to create what we
now know as emfec.
MEANWHILE:
The Rt Hon. Sir Edward Heath becomes
prime minister after leading the
Conservative Party to victory during
the generalelection.
MEANWHILE:
HRH The Duke of Cambridge, second
in line to the British throne, is born.
MEANWHILE:
Parliament passes the Further and
Higher Education Act
ABC Awards was formed as a national
awarding body as a joint partnership
between emfec, CENTRA, SRCET (now
AOSEC) and SWAFET (Learning
South West). Today, ABC has over 600
Ofqualregulated qualifications within its
portfolio, and many of its staff are based
at Robins Wood House.
emfec began a major refurbishment
programme at Robins Wood House,
extending the facilities for skills and
knowledge development within the region.
John Allen, then Principal of Lincoln
College, became Chair of emfec.
A review of the organisation in 2011
resulted in a new strategic plan focused
on positioning emfec to support
the development and achievement of
excellence in the further education sector.
Paul Eeles was appointed as Chief
Executive of the emfec group, incorporating
ABC Awards.
MEANWHILE:
The Euro currency is
introduced.
MEANWHILE:
The 21st James Bond
film is released in British
cinemas. The film Casino
Royale, marked Daniel
Craig’s debut as 007.
MEANWHILE:
The Arab Spring grips the
world as revolutions take
place in Egypt, Tunisia,
and Libya.
On 1 January 1992, emfec began trading
as a company limited by guarantee,
whilst retaining its charitable status. As a
member-led organisation, emfec was now
free to provide its services directly to the
newly-independent sector. emfec signs a
partnership agreement with the Académie
de Strasbourg, marking the start of a long
standing relationship.

7. 2012 2014 2015
Centennial year
emfec celebrated its centennial year. Its
Centenary Conference featured prominent
figures from across FE, including then
Minister of State for Further Education,
Skills and Lifelong Learning, The Rt Hon.
John Hayes MP.
Changing of Chair
Linda Houtby, Chief Executive of
Grantham College, became Chair of emfec
group after John Allen, who served on the
Board for six years, stepped down
following his retirement as Principal and
Chief Executive of Lincoln College.
Extending facilities
emfec continues to respond to member
and stakeholder needs, regularly
reviewing its portfolio of services. At the
heart of this are professional services to
support and develop staff in the broader
further education sector and project and
international work, particularly through
collaboration and partnership
arrangement.
MEANWHILE:
London hosts the Olympic
Games for the third time.
MEANWHILE:
Team GB competes at the
Winter Olympics in Sochi,
Russia.
MEANWHILE:
Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II becomes the
longest reigning monarch
in British history.
2016
Skills & Education
Group FORMS
emfec renews long-term partnership with
Académie de Strasbourg, celebrating 24
years of collaboration. emfec joins the
Skills and Education Group.
The Skills and Education Group
unites education and skillsorientated
organisations that share similar values
and objectives.
MEANWHILE:
The United Kingdom
votes to leave the
European Union and
triggers Brexit.
20162012 2014 2015
Centennial year
emfec celebrated its centennial year. Its
Centenary Conference featured prominent
figures from across FE, including then
Minister of State for Further Education,
Skills and Lifelong Learning, The Rt Hon.
John Hayes MP.
Changing of Chair
Linda Houtby, Chief Executive of
Grantham College, became Chair of emfec
group after John Allen, who served on the
Board for six years, stepped down
following his retirement as Principal and
Chief Executive of Lincoln College.
Extending facilities
emfec continues to respond to member
and stakeholder needs, regularly
reviewing its portfolio of services. At the
heart of this are professional services to
support and develop staff in the broader
further education sector and project and
international work, particularly through
collaboration and partnership
arrangement.
MEANWHILE:
London hosts the Olympic
Games for the third time.
MEANWHILE:
Team GB competes at the
Winter Olympics in Sochi,
Russia.
MEANWHILE:
Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II becomes the
longest reigning monarch
in British history.
emfec celebrated its centennial year. Its
Centenary Conference featured prominent
figures from across FE, including then
Minister of State for Further Education,
Skills and Lifelong Learning, The Rt Hon.
John Hayes MP.
Linda Houtby, Chief Executive of
Grantham College, became Chair of the emfec
group after John Allen, who served on the
Board for six years, stepped down
following his retirement as Principal and
Chief Executive of Lincoln College.
emfec continues to respond to member
and stakeholder needs, regularly reviewing
its portfolio of services. At the heart of this are
professional services to support and develop
staff in the broader further education sector
and project and international work, particularly
through collaboration and partnership
arrangement.
MEANWHILE:
London hosts the OlympicGames for the
third time.
MEANWHILE:
Team GB competes at the Winter Olympics in
Sochi, Russia.
MEANWHILE:
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II becomes the
longest reigning monarch in British history.
MEANWHILE:
The United Kingdom votes to leave the
European Union and triggers Brexit.
emfec renews long-term partnership with
Académie de Strasbourg, celebrating 24
years of collaboration. emfec joins the
Skills and Education Group.
The Skills and Education Group unites education
and skills orientated organisations that share
similar values and objectives.
the
future
extending serviceschanging of chaircentennial year skills & education
group forms

8. benefitted
8,000staff & learners
Image courtesy of Gateway College
emfec prides itself on delivering and developing high quality local,
national and international project work. We do this by working
in collaboration and through partnership arrangements with the
further education and skills sector.
our work
15
Outstanding Teaching, Learning
and Assessment
Further Education Trust
for Leadership
Skills Show Experience
Leonardo da Vinci, Strasbourg
Leonardo da Vinci,
Strasbourg
Prepare East Midlands,
Skills Competitions
Professional Exchange
Technical Assistance (ESF)
Technical Assistance (ESF)
Syrian Vulnerable Persons
Resettlement Scheme (ESOL)
Collaborative Training Days
Outstanding Teaching, Learning
and Assessment 4
SET for Success
Regional Specialist Leads maths
& English
Future Apprenticeship Task
Group
Worldskills
Northamptonshire
2016/17
2014/15
Project income
£3.1 million
2015/16
15

9. current projects
Image courtesy of Loughborough College

10. Image courtesy of Loughborough College
emfec is working in partnership with the Association of Colleges and the Association of
Colleges London to deliver a £1 million programme that will invest in post-16 technical and
professional education and training. Supported by the Education and Training Foundation,
the programme will promote outstanding teaching, learning and assessment.
The project will run throughout 2017 and see 20 projects across England receive funding
to enhance the quality of teaching, learning and assessment in post-16 technical and
professional education and training. It will focus on supporting the development of
teaching practice and stronger links with employers with the aim of working towards
outstanding provision in the sector for all students on technical routes.
The key principles of the project are:
• enhancing teaching, learning and assessment towards outstanding
• implementing and promoting the use of the Professional Standards
• offering peer-led, collaborative development of teaching for
leaders and practitioners
• creating sector-led solutions to sector defined problems
• evidence based, research informed.
Outstanding Teaching,
Learning and Assessment -
Technical Skills Programme
19

11. set for successMapping ESOL for the
Syrian Vulnerable Persons
Resettlement Scheme
emfec is working in partnership with the East Midlands Councils (EMC) to map formal
and informal adult ESOL provision across the East Midlands. Working with local
authorities, providers and stakeholders, the mapping exercise aims to support the
planning and co-ordination of ESOL provision to support the Syrian Vulnerable
Persons Resettlement Scheme (SVPRS).
The SVPRS is a Government resettlement programme aiming to relocate 20,000 of the
most vulnerable Syrian refugees to the UK. The scheme prioritises help for
survivors of torture and violence, and women and children at risk or in need of
medical care.
Resettled refugees and their families will require support, part of which will be the
developing English language skills through ESOL provision. Recognising the
challenges of delivering ESOL, emfec is working with providers, local authorities and
other stakeholders to determine what provision is available, explore the challenges of
delivering this and look at how these may be overcome.
21
emfec has been commissioned by the Education
and Training Foundation to develop an innovative
programme that will recruit and develop a cohort
of 25 Science, Engineering and Technology (SET)
graduates as a high quality teaching resource in
the sector.
This graduate training scheme for teachers started
in March 2017 and will focus on those careers within
the relevant routes of the Sainsbury Review. The
programme seeks to grow the capacity of
organisations ensuring they are ready for, and
benefit from, the changes that the review will bring.
The programme will support a regional based Hub in
the East Midlands from which a consortia of
providers are linked and support the recruitment,
training, coaching and mentoring of graduates who
wish to enter the teaching profession to deliver a
majority of teaching within the SET subject areas.
Graduates will leave the year-long programme with a
PGCE in post compulsory education and training.
Image courtsey of
Loughborough College

12. past projects
Image courtesy of Loughborough College

13. Image taken from the London
Collaborative Practice
Development Day
It was great to see the level of
engagement and networking during
the workshops and marketplace
activities. We hope to do this
again next year!
Riikka, Association of Colleges London
“
“
25
MOTIVATE. INNOVATE. COLLABORATE.
emfec, in partnership with the Education and Training Foundation, has delivered a
series of creative and interactive training days across England. Designed to enhance
and improve teaching, learning and assessment (TLA), the training days harnessed the
power of collaboration to encourage peer-led learning and the sharing of effective TLA
approaches and strategies.
Working with partners with a long and successful track record of supporting the
training and skills needs of the further education and skills sector, the series training
days bought together 700 practitioners and managers from across the sector. The
training days focused on TLA improvements and explored how some of the current
challenges facing practitioners and managers can be overcome.
The days combined practitioner-led workshops and a ‘marketplace’ to showcase
innovative TLA practices, the days also provided practitioners with the time and space
to talk and learn from one another.
The training days took place between January 2017 and March 2017 in the East
Midlands, Eastern Region, London, North East, North West, South West and West
Midlands.
Collaborative
TRAINING DAYS

14. A thoroughly enjoyable, knowledgeable trip. We have
established some good contacts and links from the
visit and we look forward to building on the
collaboration and developing a partnership.
Lisa, Leicester College
“
“
Innovative Governance in the
Further Education Sector
emfec was successfully awarded funding by the Further Education Trust for Leadership
(FETL) to support a project exploring models of leadership in governance in the further
education and skills sector.
The project, Developing Models of Leadership Thinking through Innovative Governance in
the FE Sector, explores a framework for leadership to encourage ‘thinking about leadership
by leaders’.
The primary focus was on governance, specifically the role of governors in shaping and
delivering the further education mission, which in itself is open to change. The project
brought together large numbers of governors, principals and clerks from across the East
Midlands, as well as key leaders and thinkers from the FE sector, charities and commercial
companies, to collate a broad spectrum of views.
The project also explored the purpose of governance in an age of freedom and flexibility,
before looking at new models of governance to the take the sector forward to 2020 and
beyond.
Working with Nottingham Trent University, the project team developed a series
of ‘think pieces’ to provide a focus at regional workshops. The project
culminated in a national and strategic-focused conference for more than 200
people, with a strong focus on innovation and governance.
27
Collaborating with Europe
emfec has a long-standing relationship with the Académie de Strasbourg and has
supported a significant number of opportunities for members and partners to benefit
from exchanges.
The exchanges between colleges and training providers in the East Midlands and
the lycees in the Alsace region of France, arranged between emfec and Académie de
Strasbourg, offer continuing professional development opportunities which explore
best practice and new ways of working.
Funded by the Erasmus+ programme, the exchanges provide work shadowing and
the chance to see how colleagues in France engage with employers to support their
students, particularly in relation to providing work placements.
Through our 24 year partnership with the Académie de Strasbourg over 200
practitioners, managers and senior leaders from colleges in the East Midlands and the
Académie de Strasbourg have taken part in exchange programmes via Erasmus+.

15. Outstanding Teaching,
Learning and Assessment -
Power of Collaboration
The Outstanding Teaching, Learning and Assessment project, funded by the
Education and Training Foundation, explored innovative and collaborative ways of
improving outstanding teaching, learning and assessment in the further education and
skills sector.
The project, supported by Nottingham Trent University, examined what ‘outstanding’
looked like in the context of teaching, learning and assessment and how it might be
applied in different situations.
The ambitious programme of activity supported eleven innovative research projects
led by colleges and training providers in the East Midlands, working with 50 providers,
and engaging with 500 teaching, learning and assessment practitioners, 72 senior
managers, 2,300 learners and 32 employers nationwide.
29
We look forward to further
developing our project made
possible through emfec’s
Outstanding Teaching, Learning
and Assessment project.
Lincoln College
“
“
The eleven projects explored four central themes:
• blended learning and ICT
• learner skills development
• peer evaluation and support
• practitioner professional development.
Based on the ethos of partnership and collaboration, the project leaders produced a
rich bank of evidence based research, case studies and CPD resources to help
implement and sustain outstanding teaching, learning and assessment across the
sector.
The project culminated in the Power of Collaboration event, held at the East Midlands
Conference Centre on 2 December 2016, with more than 170 practitioners coming
together from across the country to share best practice and to hear about the
outcomes of the individual projects. A 74 page report was also produced
documenting the outcomes of the project.

16. Absolutely loved everything about the
graduation. It was a really proud moment for me
and my family. Thank you, emfec!
Apprentice, Vision West Nottinghamshire College
““Nottinghamshire
Apprenticeship
Graduation Ceremonies
As part of a national programme to boost the profile of apprenticeships, emfec, along
with stakeholders, successfully delivered two large scale Apprenticeship Graduation
Ceremonies. The Ceremonies, part of an England wide programme to recognise and
reward the success of apprentices, also highlighted the progression opportunities
available to former apprentices.
The Graduations provided an opportunity to promote apprenticeships to the wider
community and to a new audience, engaging employers and young people, who may
not have considered an apprenticeship in the past.
During the two year programme the Graduation Ceremonies took part at the Albert Hall,
Nottingham, and celebrated the achievements of more than 300 Higher and Advanced
apprentices. A total of 550 people attended the Ceremonies and had the opportunity to
join in on the celebration and hear from a range of stakeholders, including Britain’s most
successful winter Paralympian Jade Etherington.
31

17. The college finds using emfec to provide a
graded observation process a cost-effective
way to support the improvement in the quality
of teaching and learning.
Mark, Brooksby Melton College
“ 33
Networks & Professional
development
emfec has a long proud history of over 100 years in the further education
and skills sector. We understand how to deliver exceptional training and
support. We also understand the importance of quality improvement to
help our members grow and develop.
With more emphasis than ever on the quality of teaching, learning and
assessment, our carefully researched and planned continuing
professional development (CPD) programme helps members explore
and think about how to engage and support learners.
Our programme of popular half-day Networks also enable practitioners
and managers to share ideas and discuss new and responsive ways of
working.
We also offer members the opportunity to access bespoke in-house
training. This also includes lesson observations and mock inspections
which are proving to be incredibly popular by members and
non-members.
Over the past three years emfec has supported the development of over
4,000 individuals from colleges and training providers both in and outside
of the East Midlands.

18. Association of Colleges
East Midlands
“
Through the Association of Colleges (AoC) East Midlands emfec ensures colleges are
strategically engaged on the regional and national agenda, voicing current and future
priorities.
We showcase the strategic importance of local colleges, as well as identifying, support-
ing and advocating for key organisational needs. We do this by:
1. Providing strategic advice, data analysis, and support for our
members’ work with Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs)
2. Contributing to the national and regional learning and skills agenda
by representing colleges in high level policy discussions, organising
meetings with Ministers, and lobbying MPs
3. Raising concerns and issues that arise regionally with key agencies
and stakeholders.
We also provide members of AoC East Midlands with a range of topical Networks to
share best practice, and to help influence and inform both regional and national policy.
We also host annual events in Parliament, in order to celebrate the achievements, and
excellent work of our colleges in the East Midlands.
Over the past three years AoC East Midlands Networks have been attended by 2,565
practitioners, managers, principals and chief executives and governors.
AoC East Midlands Regional Governors’ Network is a
regular and vital forum where governors share ideas,
support each other on issues and get updated on policy.
Meetings are always interesting and all governors –
new and longer serving are made welcome.
Toni, North Warwickshire
and South Leicestershire College 35

19. services
member benefits
collective voice
Image taken at the emfec
Annual Conference
We provide comprehensive support services to further education and skills providers,
as well as a regional voice to lobby for change on our members’ behalf.
We share with our members a deep commitment to innovation within the sector, and
provide numerous opportunities to bring colleagues together to network and develop
skills to enhance their ability to deliver excellence.
Membership
Take advantage of our wide variety of support
services to help mitigate the daily operational
challenges faced by providers today.
Enjoy discounts, receive publications, engage
in project work and benefit from national
representation at key events.
Connect with, and contribute to, a growing
regional and national network of further
education professionals.
Our members range from further education and sixth form colleges to work-based
learning providers and organisations which provide services to the further education
and skills sector.
become a memberTalk to our team about the benefits of joining emfec
as a member. Email or call us today!
membership@emfec.co.uk | 0115 854 1626
37

20. we’re Ready to make
a difference.
Image courtesy of Northampton College

21. supporting the changing landscape of
Further Education
for over 100 years
0115 854 1626 | emfec.co.uk | @emfec_team