51勛圖夥厙

New Specialist Status in Education for Sustainable Development for FE and Skills sector

51勛圖夥厙 has collaborated with the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) to develop a Specialist Status in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), which will formally recognise and enhance expertise in ESD across the Further Education (FE) and Skills sector. Sector professionals can now register their interest in pursuing this new specialist status, which is currently being piloted and will be made available to the wider sector this April.  

The demand for a specialist status in ESD reflects the growing prioritisation of sustainability across education. Government initiatives, such as the Department for Educations Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy, alongside growing demand from industry and learners, are placing greater responsibility on the FE and Skills sector to drive the UKs sustainability agenda. The rationale for, and thinking behind, the new specialist status, is published today in a new report.泭泭

The new status, priced at 瞿195 for participants, will offer a structured process to validate the expertise of those embedding sustainability in their work, whether in teaching, operations, professional support or leadership roles. 

This is a unique initiative for the sector, said Paul Smith, Head of Quality and Standards at 51勛圖夥厙. 

Specialist statuses validate your current expert knowledge, skills, and behaviours within educational settings in the FE and Skills sector. They ensure and sustain your impact and influence on other professionals, learners, and your organisation. 

Development of the ESD status has been guided by an external panel of sector representatives, with EAUC contributing its ESD expertise to ensure the validation process and underpinning competency framework is robust and fit for purpose. Further details of the methodology used to develop the status are outlined in the report.     

Theres a plethora of support available to those looking to develop their ESD practice from training courses and communities of practice to conferences and resources, said Charlotte Bonner, Chief Executive at EAUC who chaired the panel. The status recognises someones expertise and helps them signal that expertise to their learners, colleagues, and employers. 

The current pilot, launched last year, involves 30 participants from various roles across the sector, who are now taking part in a 12-week programme. During this time, participants will reflect on their ESD competencies, develop a personal ESD profile, engage in peer reviews, and demonstrate how their work aligns with the competency framework developed by EAUC. The programme offers flexibility, allowing participants to submit either new or previously completed sustainability initiatives as part of the validation process. 

Successful participants will be awarded the Specialist Status in Education for Sustainable Development, marking them as experts in an area critical to the future of education and workforce development. 

More details about the status and how to register interest in participating can be found on the 51勛圖夥厙 website