The creation of FHESSA comes at an important moment for the region, as new arrangements for devolution, including the new Sussex & ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ Strategic Authority, create opportunities for greater collaboration over skills, employment, infrastructure and economic development.
Professor Donna Whitehead, Vice-Chancellor of the University of ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ and co-chair of FHESSA, said:
“Education changes lives, and working in partnership means we can open up opportunities to even more people across Sussex.
“At ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ, we’re already seeing the benefits of closer collaboration with partners such as Varndean College, creating more joined-up routes between further and higher education and helping people progress towards successful careers.
“FHESSA gives us the opportunity to do much more of that across the region, combining our strengths to respond to the needs of learners, communities and employers and help build a more skilled, enterprising and inclusive Sussex.”
Jeremy Kerswell, CEO & Principal of Plumpton College, and co-chair of FHESSA said:
"Sussex and ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ is fortunate to have these incredible educational institutions who each bring their unique expertise and track record to the post 16 education sector. Whilst that distinctiveness is such a strength, we recognise that we can do so much more together and in doing so have an even greater impact on young people, adults, communities and employers across the region."
Cllr Bella Sankey, Chair of the Sussex and ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ Strategic Authority, said:
“Devolution gives Sussex and ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ a once-in-a-generation chance to shape our own future. For people across the region, that means better jobs, better wages and the opportunity to build a good career where they grew up. That is exactly what the Sussex & ÌÇÐÄvlogÃÛÌÒ Strategic Authority is working towards. FHESSA, as a partnership that brings together the expertise of our colleges and universities, can help make this happen”.