About the network
People, places and planet
The further education and skills sector’s position at the heart of communities makes us uniquely placed to support the just transition to a green economy that works for everyone: people, places and planet.
Our
purpose
The purpose of the Berkshire ESD Network, and this supporting web site, is to create a place that FE and skills sector staff across Berkshire can go to as a trusted starting point in finding resources to guide developments in their subject or institution, as well as a space for colleges to come together to share good practice and identify opportunities for collaboration.
The evolution of the network
The Berkshire ESD Network emerged from the Berkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan, which identified Skills for a Net Zero Economy as a cross-sector priority. New Directions College was commissioned to develop resources to help FE sector staff embed sustainability-related transferable skills and Carbon Literacy across their curricula.
Shaped by the Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy
Initially envisioned as a web-based repository for teaching resources, the concept evolved in response to a growing recognition that there was a risk of duplicating efforts already underway by organisations such as ETF, EAUC, and AoC. Around the same time, the Department for Education published its Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, which set out expectations for all educational institutions—from early years to FE—to appoint a sustainability lead and develop a published climate action plan. The strategy also introduced national support programmes, including the Climate Ambassadors Scheme and the Sustainability Support for Education website.
The Berkshire ESD Network
Following a meeting of sustainability leads from Berkshire’s FE and ACL colleges, it was agreed that a more collaborative and strategic approach was needed.
The Berkshire ESD Network—and this supporting website—now serves as a trusted starting point for FE and skills sector staff across Berkshire. Rather than hosting a large volume of resources, the site primarily signposts to existing high-quality materials and initiatives. It also provides a space for colleges to share best practices and explore opportunities for collaboration in embedding Education for Sustainable Development.
What the network initially aims to achieve
Connect colleges
To connect Berkshire colleges’ sustainability leads and create space for them to share knowledge, collaboratively problem solve and learn together.
Proactive network
To create a proactive and innovative network of practitioners across Berkshire who are keen to embed sustainability within their subjects and ensure a just transition.
Online platform
To establish a web site to support the network and showcase existing and emerging good practice, with signposts to resources, case studies and commentary.
Strengthen links
To strengthen links to Berkshire’s local authorities, with their statutory responsibility for climate action, so that the important role of colleges is fully recognised in local plans.
Build links
To build links with other networks and sources of support, to make the most of connections and align efforts.
Identify gaps
To identify gaps in knowledge and practice where a collaborative approach could speed up progress and explore sources of support to address them.
