Brighton-based Papworth Research & Consultancy is currently working on two studies designed to help the Sussex Learning Network (SLN) plan for the future.

The consultancy specialises in assignments focusing on education, training, workforce development, lifelong learning, evaluation, and community involvement. It is led by Rachel Papworth who holds a masters degree in Applied Social Research and is a member of the Institution of Economic Development.

Over the past 15 years, Rachel has worked extensively with regeneration organisations and partnerships. She began her career working for organisations such as the Institute for Employment Studies and Pieda plc, and set up Papworth Research & Consultancy ten years ago.

The consultancy’s first study for the SLN aims to identify how FE and HE institutions in Sussex that are currently delivering Foundation degrees might collaborate to market them.

Rachel explains: “It involves consultations with employers, and focus groups with current/potential Foundation degree students, to find out:

• What people know about Foundation degrees
• What elements of the Foundation degree model they like and dislike
• Their sources of information on Foundation degrees
• Their awareness of current marketing campaigns
• What they see as the pros and cons of studying at a partner college or an HE institution.”

The study is providing information for Foundation degree providers that will help them work together on effective marketing activities. Foundation degrees are designed to make higher education a realistic option for a wider variety of people and Rachel is confident that “this research will help ensure that more people benefit from the opportunity of higher education.”

Papworth Research & Consultancy’s second assignment focuses on the future sustainability of the SLN’s activities. Through consultations with stakeholders across Sussex, the consultancy is investigating:

• Awareness of SLN and its work
• Views on the need for, and the feasibility of setting up, services across Sussex to:
• provide information to employers and employees about all vocational learning in HE offered by Sussex FE/HE institutions
• support progression into and through HE for learners in work and those on vocational programmes
• support and develop agencies and staff working with existing and potential learners in work, education and training
• How such services might be funded/supported.

This research will contribute to the SLN’s process of planning for sustainability as it reaches the end of its three-year government funding.

Papworth Research & Consultancy likes to develop ongoing working relationships with clients.  Its SLN involvement, for example, grew from working with Deputy Director Sarah Hardman in her previous role at Brighton & Hove City Council.

“The majority of our assignments are repeat business,” says Rachel, “and we believe that’s due to the co-operative and flexible working relationship we develop, combined with our attention to detail and commitment to quality.

“We are always happy to take on work in Sussex. It’s great to be making an impact in our own area and to be able to keep our carbon footprint down by travelling to meetings by bicycle. Being based locally also means that we can hold even short consultations face-to-face”.

Rachel sees her consultancy’s work with the SLN as  “an excellent opportunity to help the SLN plan for the future” and, she adds, “We enjoy working with SLN’s positive, helpful and supportive team”.