NFER Ambition 2009-2012
The strategy in detail
We will continue to develop the children’s services research market:
- with a particular focus on the voice of children and young people; the impact of children’s services, provision of data-related services, and on workforce development issues
- by exploring the contribution we can make to preventing youth crime
We will build on our strength in assessment development and research:
- to develop e-assessment products and expertise for the primary phase
- to explore the potential for assessment of areas of learning and development beyond the core subjects
- to explore the potential for using the outcomes of our assessment research in developing training and support for teachers
We will build on our extensive work with schools to develop mutually beneficial relationships with these key suppliers and users of our research, assessment and information services:
- to lessen the perceived burden on schools of the demands placed on them by our work for clients
- to ensure schools receive and recognise benefit from the whole of NFER’s work
- to develop and market more services to schools which meet their need
We will increase the impact of our own and others’ research on practice:
- by providing research outputs which meet clients’ needs and increase the wider impact of our work
- by developing highly effective ways of summarising research and key findings in areas of relevance to those working with children and young people
- by engaging selectively in implementation work (eg seminars, toolkits) which builds on the research findings, where this clearly adds benefit to practitioners or clients
- by underpinning our work with experts in their field; where we do not have that expertise we will work with partners to maximize our capabilities
- by promoting and developing research based practice within education and children’s services
We will secure new clients with an interest in learning and development and ensure that existing clients take up the full range of NFER services of relevance to them:
- by focussing on the development of strength in key research areas (for example 14-19, FE, HE, skills, early years), through staff development, partnerships and/or acquisition
- by developing effective strategic relationships with existing and potential clients so that we understand and can anticipate their needs
- by creating demand for meaningful international comparisons which shed light on what works elsewhere and why
- by expanding our work in other parts of the UK
- by improving the quality of our project outputs and demonstrating the impact of our work
- by being pro-active and influencing - sometimes creating - the research agenda
- to increase our income in these areas
To do all of this we will need to ensure we recruit, retain, develop and reward well motivated and skilled staff:
- by developing consistently excellent management skills at all levels and leadership skills at more senior levels, so that we are well placed for the future
- by managing change effectively
- by ensuring we manage performance well and provide staff development opportunities to meet identified needs - of both individuals and the organisation
- by modernising the systems and processes which support the winning and delivery of excellent projects
- by building in some fun at work
All of the above, together with a focus on maintaining NFER’s existing high levels of expertise and commitment, will ensure we continue to win and deliver excellent projects.