Dr Carol Thompson from the University’s School of Teacher Education received the funding from the Further Education Trust for Leadership (FETL), an independent think tank which aims to strengthen and support the leadership of thinking in FE.

Fellowships are funded research projects for enquiring, bold, creative individuals who are passionate about further education, training and skills learning. 

Dr Thompson’s research will investigate ways in which leadership and management approaches in FE can create a culture which empowers professionals to develop methods which allow them to innovate in their roles.

It will investigate existing leadership cultures in education in order to compare approaches to leadership and management, and will consider a range of models currently in use with an aim of synthesising this information in ways which can be used by leaders in the sector.  

Dr Thompson said: “I am delighted to be given the chance to make a real difference to a sector that was a big part of my own development.  Having worked in FE for more than 20 years, I know how many dedicated and creative people there are in colleges. The fellowship will give me the chance to highlight and help use this potential.”