Skillset Academi+ supporting the Welsh creative industries
"Skillset Academi+ was first piloted in Wales from 2009 to March 2011, during which time the scheme assisted over 350 industry professionals by running 54 courses. Having used this opportunity, which was funded by HEFCW, the Academy has fostered new partnerships with experts and has proven a track record of targeted training appealing to a wide cross sector of the industry. In 2012, the second phase of training will be funded by the EU's Convergence European Social Fund (ESF) through the Welsh Government. ...
The impact of digital technology, combined with the recession, has increased the speed of change within the Creative industry, transforming the way in which we operate. The focus of Skillset Academi+ is to enable Welsh companies and freelancers to re-skill through high quality and flexible training that is entirely tailored towards real industry needs in this digital age.
The concept for this training programme draws on hard evidence produced by Skillset on the impact of the recession and changes in digital technology on the Creative Media sector in Wales. Recently gathered research shows which skills are needed to help companies and freelancers weather the economic downturn and come out the other side with a competitive edge.
The content of courses offered by Skillset Academi+ has been shaped by feedback from industry practitioners on priority skills gaps and training needs."
(Skillset Academi+)
CONTRIBUTOR
Simon PerkinsSHARE
Beacon: visual arts organisation based in Lincolnshire
"Beacon seeks to inspire others by sharing its curiosity about contemporary visual art through the delivery of a programme of regular events and one off curated projects.
Beacon is a visual art organisation based in Lincolnshire in the East Midlands. It was set up in 2004 by John Plowman and Nicola Streeten. In 2006 Beacon Artproject Limited became a not for profit company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales. Registration No 5809581. In June 2009 Beacon achieved charitable status."
(Beacon Art Project, UK)
Fig.2 Published on 2 Oct 2012 by Beacon Artproject, "Interview of the Week: Laura Mahony on Amanda Coogan's performance workshop".
Fig.1 Amanda Coogan, live durational exhibition for the Beacon Art Project at Ascoughfee Hall.
CONTRIBUTOR
Simon PerkinsSHARE
Universities UK: representative body for the UK higher education sector
"Universities UK is the major representative body and membership organisation for the higher education sector. Our members are the executive heads of UK universities.
Together with Higher Education Wales and Universities Scotland, we work to advance the interests of universities and to spread good practice throughout the higher education sector."
(Universities UK)
CONTRIBUTOR
Simon PerkinsSHARE
Russell Group: 20 leading UK universities
"The Russell Group represents the 20 leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with business and the public sector."
(Russell Group)
[In the UK the Russell Group represent the traditional and 'red brick' universities and the 'Million+ group' represents the new or 'Plate Glass' universities.There is a similar equivalence in Australia between the more traditional 'sandstone universities' and the 'new' or 'Post-1992 universities'.]
CONTRIBUTOR
Simon PerkinsSHARE
HEFCE : Research : Research Excellence Framework (REF)
"The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the new system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions (HEIs). In previous years, research quality has been assessed periodically through the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).
We are currently consulting on proposals for the new framework. We will issue guidance on the REF in 2010 after completing the consultation. The first REF exercise is due to be completed in 2013.
We are working in collaboration with the Scottish Funding Council, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, the Department for Employment and Learning (Northern Ireland), and with a wide range of stakeholders to develop the new framework. Representatives of the four funding councils sit on a steering group which oversees its development.
The REF will focus on three elements, which together reflect the key characteristics of research excellence. These are:
* Outputs: The primary focus of the REF will be to identify excellent research of all kinds. This will be assessed through a process of expert review, informed by citation information in subjects where robust data are available (for example, in medicine and science).
* Impact: Significant additional recognition will be given where researchers build on excellent research to deliver demonstrable benefits to the economy, society, public policy, culture and quality of life. Impacts will be assessed through a case-study approach that will be tested in a pilot exercise.
* Environment: The REF will take account of the quality of the research environment in supporting a continuing flow of excellent research and its effective dissemination and application."
(Higher Education Funding Council for England)
CONTRIBUTOR
Simon PerkinsSHARE
