News Release: 31 March 2014

Education and Training Foundation launches new interactive website

The Education and Training Foundation marks the end of its initial set up phase with the launch tomorrow of a brand new interactive website, featuring easy navigation, exciting interactive content and opportunities for immediate feedback.

Created and delivered by Coast Digital, the new site is designed to best support Foundation aims of engaging with the sector and informing stakeholders about the Foundation and its activities in a clear, open, transparent and inclusive way.

It replaces an interim site which was established to provide background information and keep the sector up to date when the Foundation was launched on 1 August 2013.

Key enhancements are improved navigation and search tools and the provision of interactive areas where thoughts and ideas can be shared through forums, blogs and polls.

The new site, which was developed following a user consultation survey conducted by Coast Digital, also makes greater use of images, sound and video content - with functionality allowing documents, podcasts and PowerPoint presentations to be downloaded.

News and events will now feature on the home page alongside profiled areas of Foundation activity, as will the latest funding and Tender opportunities, alongside advice and support for organisations seeking to submit applications.

The website also links directly and prominently via the homepage to the FE Advice Site, Excellence Gateway and Foundation Online Learning (formerly the Leadership Learning Environment), three longstanding and popular sector resources which have recently come under the Foundation's umbrella after being transferred from predecessor organisations. Streamlining access to these sites via the Foundation home page effectively creates a ‘one stop shop' for anyone with an interest in the sector, whether they're a future potential teacher, an existing practitioner looking for examples of inspiring practice, or a future leader or governor looking to improve their leadership and management skills.

All three of these resources are being rebranded and redeveloped. The new look FE Advice site is being launched to coincide with the launch of the main site, with the Foundation Online Learning and Excellence Gateway sites due to follow soon after (although access to the sites will continue seamlessly while they are being redeveloped).

David Russell, Chief Executive Office of the Education and Training Foundation, comments: ‘We are really pleased with our new website. It is now much easier to find information, keep in touch, and feed into the work we are doing. Please visit the site, find out about the many ways you can get involved, and let us know what you think'.

The Foundation will send a Tweet as soon as the new site is live on Tuesday. Follow us @ET_Foundation to be among the first to know!

We would love to hear what you think about the new site, or about your ideas as to how we can continue to develop and improve it. Please send your comments toenquiries@et-foundation.co.uk', or Tweet to the Hashtag #foundationupandrunning

Visit the new website atwww.etfoundation.co.uk

Ends.

Notes to Editors

About the Education and Training Foundation

Set up to improve professionalism and standards in the further education and skills sectors, The Education and Training Foundation sets professional standards and provides support to ensure learners benefit from a well-qualified, effective and up-to-date professional workforce supported by good leadership, management and governance.

More information

For more information please contact:

Lindsay Wright, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

Lindsay.Wright@etfoundation.co.uk/020 3740 8279

Rachel Malic, PR and Communications Officer

Rachel.Malic@etfoundation.co.uk/ 020 3740 8278