1. Learning from MODNet

2. Work Based Learning at Middlesex • 1996 Middlesex was awarded a Queens Anniversary Prize for “Excellence and Innovation” for pioneering work based learning. • 2003 the UK Quality Assurance Agency commended Middlesex for innovation and rigor in the assessment of work based learning. • 2005 HEFCE awarded Middlesex a Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in WBL. • 2007 Institute for Work Based Learning established • 2009 HEFCE awarded Middlesex £8m to establish the Middlesex Organisational Development Network.

3. MODNet project objectives • The establishment of a provider network focused on organisational development • The establishment of Business Development and Marketing resource to promote work based learning • The development of appropriate quality, infrastructure and financial frameworks to support flexible work based provision • Further development of the University’s work based curriculum • Expansion of student numbers, especially through co-funded arrangements at UG level • The use of accreditation of in-house training to develop sustainable business relationships with employers

4. The provider network • Strategic partners included Further Education Colleges and Private Training Providers • Key role of accreditation in engaging private providers and their employer clients • Concept of a joint approach across all NQF levels had surface attraction but not decisive

5. Further development of WBLCurriculum • Review of Work Based Learning Framework – focus on pan-University use • Approval of new Titles: Professional Practice in …. • A project driven approach to work based learning programmes • Generic work based learning progression from Fd or equivalent professional qualifications • The combination of WBL project modules with subject modules • New work based learning provision examples: • MBA Shipping and Logistics - Lloyds Maritime • Fd Sports Development - Tottenham Hotspurs Foundation

6. Business Development and Marketing • Team established - between February and September 2009 • Joint development events with business development teams in partner organisations – over 300 new contacts made • Central employer enquiry line established • High profile events - Informatology Conference, Stock Exchange with Consalia, London Chamber with Boris Johnson, Hendon employer event with Michael Portillo, Joint Conference with CBI • Formal endorsement of Middlesex WBL approach by the London Chamber of Commerce

7. The development of systems and infrastructure • Staffing resources to support project development • Institute for Work Based Learning staff • Work based learning staff within University Schools and central services • Student record system • Developed registration systems that meet the requirements of new approaches to work based learning - eg employer cohorts • Customer Relationship Management system • Limited impact as did not achieve a whole university approach • Support for work based learning students • Further development of distance learning technologies • Identification and dissemination of best practice with Schools and strategic partners

8. Working with Employers • Impact of the recession on employers and on the University • Small awards eg University Cert, Dip, Advanced Dip, PGCert more attractive than full Hons or Masters degrees • Co-funding not an attractive proposition • Use of accreditation key to partnership working

9. Halifax Community Bank:Journey in Practice • Developing Professional Branch Management Teams • Accreditation of in-company training plus work based project for University Advanced Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate • Sales up 9.8%, Customer Impact scores up 40% • WBL project linked to faster improvement

10. Halifax Community Bank:Journey in Practice • “JIP is the Jewel in the Crown for the Lloyds Bank Group in Professionalising the retail banking workforce” Peter Hallard, Group Learning Director • “To gain a qualification from a University while carrying out my day job is a fantastic opportunity” Ian Grady, Branch Manager • “Furthermore I have a business plan which really fits my branch” Sandra Dixon, Branch Manager

11. The Work Based Learning proposition • values the learning already held by the individual and their organisation, • enables the individual to plan their own programme, • is flexible in delivery eg distance/ or in-company learning programme, • is flexible to meet individual/organisational needs, • leads to internationally recognized higher education qualifications.

12. Work Based Learning • focuses on the development, conduct and learning from work based projects, • aims to develop the individual as a more effective work based learner, • aims to contribute to the organisation through the creation of new knowledge and the application of learning to achieve organisational objectives.

13. WBL suggests new kinds of HE/Employer partnerships • Beyond Joint design of programmes • Combine individual learning and organisational development • Create strategic partnerships for knowledge recognition, creation and use

14. Linking WBL to the knowledge requirements of employers • Focus on organisational objectives to ensure that knowledge has a performative edge and is thus of value to the organisation. • Develop strategies for working with tacit knowledge eg focus reflexive practice to enhance individual knowledge recognition, creation, dissemination and use. • Fully exploit the structural capital of partner organisations in fostering knowledge recognition, dissemination, creation and use and seek to enhance the structural capital of organisations.

15. Follow up reading • Garnett J (2012), Authentic work integrated learning, in Hunt L, & Chalmers D (eds), University teaching in focus: A learning-centred approach, ACER Press: Melbourne. • Costley C and Critten P (2012) The Business Value of Structured Workplace Learning, Glocal Focus Special Supplement 6(1) 13-16 • Garnett J, Costley C and Workman B (eds) (2009) Work Based Learning: Journeys to the core of Higher Education, London: Middlesex University Press • Higher Education Academy (2008) Work-based learning Workforce development: connections, frameworks and processes, York: HEA • Contact: J.Garnett@mdx.ac.uk • Contact: C.Costley@mdx.ac.uk