What You Need to Know

About this section


This section covers the FE provider's important role within their local community. It provides guidance on how you and your organisation can become a good corporate citizen and have a positive impact on and within your local community.

The section describes how the FE system can initiate and implement actions to create more sustainable communities. It discusses the drivers for implementing sustainable development at community and business level, and identifies the many and varied constraints that may affect any organisation’s ability to operate at the highest standards of sustainable development. It contains information and case studies to improve the level of understanding, awareness and enthusiasm about sustainable development and how it can be integrated within the FE system. It covers a wide range of topics relating to the FE system within the community and in relation to employers, which provide a wealth of ideas and case studies of how the FE system is successfully delivering sustainable development through its own initiatives:

Engaging with the community

Linking with local and regional networks

Supporting local markets and ethical trade

Sharing facilities

Engaging with local economic strategies

Encouraging volunteering


Community and Business in a Nutshell


As an FE provider, you are a member of a community made up of a wide variety of stakeholders including:

  • Individuals
  • Voluntary Groups
  • Partnerships
  • Businesses
  • Public organisations

Involving local communities in how your organisation is run means that you can meet the needs of the communities in which you are located. In working with local and regional partners, you can also ensure that the services, education and training you offer are fit for purpose.

Within your local community, you have the potential to be much more than a provider of education and training, for example:

  • The significant buying power of FE organisations means that they can make purchasing decisions to the benefit of local companies and local economies. They can also ensure that what they buy is ethically sound, through considering the social and welfare impacts of certain products and services at the local level.
  • The staff and learners of FE organisations can have positive impacts through being encouraged to take part in volunteering activities to benefit local communities.
  • The expertise of staff within FE organisations can be used to the benefit of local businesses and both can work together to develop mutually agreeable curriculum.

This guide will explore a wealth of examples to help you and your organisation implement a range of measures that can help boost your role in working with local businesses and within your local community.

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