Narrowing the gap : alternative modes of engaging employers is a research project funded by ESCalate and granted to Claire Taylor of Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln. The project aims to develop and trial alternative modes of engaging public private and voluntary sector employers from education and childrens' services with the different phases of HE course design and delivery. This is in order that the HEI and employers develop a shared understanding of each others' working practice and that levels of employer engagement are increased at the different phases of course design and delivery. The project will work with employers involved in two Foundation Degrees related to Education and Childrens and Youth Services at Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln. The alternative modes of engagement will be: round-table consultation events; work-shadowing; an interactive web environment; video conferencing. Uniquely the project will aim to evaluate the sustainability of each mode for employers engaged in delivering education and children's services from different sectors (public private and voluntary). Project outcomes will include a research report a 'Toolkit' to support academic staff in enhancing employer engagement and a dissemination conference open to tutors and employers from the relevant sectors
