Changing times : the role of the Curriculum middle managers within Colleges of Further Education

There has been a significant increase in interest of the role of academic middle leaders within education in recent years. However, little research exists on the specific role of curriculum middle managers within colleges of Further Education. This study explores the role of curriculum middle managers within three colleges of Further Education situated in the West Midlands and Staffordshire region of England. A mixed method, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were use to secure the perceptions of senior managers, curriculum middle managers and lecturers. The findings show that the role of the curriculum middle manager in Further Education is complex and demanding and is still being developed to take into account the changing focus of the Further Education sector. In practical terms, the study highlights the influence that senior management are having on the enactment of the role, including the prioritisation of certain tasks. This study captures insights which should inform the future research agenda in Further Education, including highlighting possible areas for further research on this topic. Recommendations are made that encompass proposed improvements to: • the current definition of the role of the curriculum middle manager; • the range and scope of tasks expected; • staff management. It is further proposed that there is proactive dissemination and communication of the responsibilities assigned to the role if more effective working relationships are to be achieved between curriculum middle managers and their role set