Search results

In this paper we examine the impact of buildings in further education (FE) colleges. We use ideas from actor-network theory to highlight the roles that buildings undertake in FE. These ideas are suggestions for areas of further discussion and this working paper is a vehicle for the initial dissemination of these ideas. The paper draws upon actor-network theory and in particular the ideas of Callon (1986), Latour (1987, 2005) and Law (1991). The ideas we promote here are developed out of the research carried out for the Centre for Excellence in Leadership in which 91 in-depth interviews were conducted with senior leaders (principals and senior leadership team members) in over 29 English FE colleges. The main aim of the paper is to create discussion in the sector about the roles undertaken by buildings in FE colleges in England but there are doubtless a number of transferable and generalisable insights that may benefit other sectors and inform further debates.