The Future of Network of Networks – Analysis from the ‘How might we…?’ workshop 

The workshop provided a good platform for discussion and for collaborative learning, mutual reflection and exchanging of ideas for the future.   Many ideas have been proposed to help improve our practices and to strengthen our network.  

Here are some of the suggestions which the Network of Networks’ Steering Committee are considering implementing: 

• Ensure equal distribution of work by circulating amongst members and appointing responsible members for different tasks.   
• Actively utilise new working groups, e.g. new projects (funding and resources). Way of working: Share expertise with each network, create a common vision; from the vision set targets and identify the steps required to achieve targets.   
• Share knowledge, outcomes, products, experiences and make sure results are visible. 
• Organise blended mobilities and similar courses between a number of schools within the network. 
• Use internationally active staff as ambassadors and connect staff for specific topics. 

• Steering committee needs to be more formalised, rotate chairing of the network (on an annual basis?). 
• Create relevance; invite members from the networks to local/regional events. 
• What do VET schools need from Network of Networks? Exchange of knowledge, guidance, cooperation in projects, expansion in quality, strong relationships, joint forces. How to reach this? Ambassadors, succession planning, digital market place for projects, internships and best practices, networking on different levels and different themes, to involve each level within an organisation. 

   

1. How might we improve the effectiveness of NoN? (How to govern the whole network?) (Related to aspiration 1: Bring coherence, and enhance effectiveness and efficiency)   

• Outside experts  
• Use capacity building model to improve operation 
• Money to support NoN work (membership fee) 
• Equal distribution of work and appointed responsibilities for different tasks (circulation) 
• Improve website 

• Service design process for mobilities 
• Making results visible and measuring them 

   

2. How might we drive the network forward and ensure its sustainability? (regardless of Brexit)? (Related to aspiration 1: Bring coherence, and enhance effectiveness and efficiency)  

• Trust between partners 

• Time to do things 
• Stories of members and best practices implemented 
• Utilising working groups, eg. new projects (funding & resources) 
• Utilising the tools that have been created 
• Terms of reference supported by collaborative platforms 

• Commitment of VET leaders 
• VET leaders could form own network / steering committee 

   

3. How might we (all NoN partners together) enhance excellence in VET? (Related to aspiration 2: Enhance the quality of VET and support Economic, Social and Sustainable Cohesion)   

• Sharing how to apply certain tools and methods 

• Sharing knowledge, outcomes, products, experiences 
• Sharing excellence programs between partners 
• Excellence linked in the learning process 
• Support development & implementation 
• Visibility of results, documentation 

• Reflection & evaluation 
• Many levels: student performance, staff professionalism, quality at VET programmes, internal excellence 
• PDCE – IMWR 

   

4. How might we improve international learning opportunities for students within NoN (eg. considering physical mobilities and collaborative projects)? (Related to aspiration 2: Enhance the quality of VET and support Economic, Social and Sustainable Cohesion) 

• Gamification 
• Collect & share data, disciplines, WBC, arrangements, peer learning platform 
• NoN buddy program 
• Mixed groups/pairs, communication at the same level 
• Students from different schools working on a certain topic together 

• Blended mobilities, common courses between few schools + physical mobility / visit 

5. How might we encourage / support staff competence development internationally? (Related to aspiration 3. Enhance the quality of VET education by Continuous Staff Competence Development)   

• Light structure 
• Few moments of presentation, eg. annual meeting 

• Staff exchanges 
• Use internationally active staff as ambassadors 
• Connecting people in specific topics, advantage of the network, trust in supporting staff competence 

   

6. How might we define the topics for the NoN thematic working groups? (What do you expect to achieve through the thematic working groups? How might we measure their impact?) (Related to aspiration 3. Enhance the quality of VET education by Continuous Staff Competence Development)   

• What do we need and want? 
• Share expertise with each network, then create common vision, from vision create steps & targets. 
• Allocate tasks, set deadlines, no lead but round responsibility 
• Involve members of schools, ask them what they want (surveys) 
• Funding, clear output 

• Flexibility, adaptability 

7. How might we increase the reach of/membership of the NoN? (Should we invite more networks to join NoN? What type of networks should be invited to join NoN?  What criteria to use criteria?) (Related to aspiration 4. Raise awareness about the Network of Networks and its Added Value)  

• Quality over quantity. 
• Quality = added value, strong commitment and dedication, trust, active networks 

• Risks: bureaucracy, administration, difficult managing, risk of country that’s less dedicated 
• Aim of NoN: enhance cooperation across borders. New members = increasing opportunities but be aware of the implications.  
• Added value needed for new members 
• Steering committee needs to be more formalised + president? 
• To grow = to get more strength & more influence on policies 

• Partner needs to contribute, commit, dedicate, be active 
• Trial period, first friend then partner (application) 
• Include neighboring countries + look where our stakeholders (eg. Companies) go. 
• Requirements: network of VET with all sectors represented, minimum amount of schools? Number of students? 

8. How might we be more proactive as a network? (website content, newsletters, other?) (Related to aspiration 4. Raise awareness about the Network of Networks and its Added Value)   

• Create role models to share between organisations 
• Set up social media calendar & assign people to execute and monitor platform 
• Thematic session for teachers and others to learn, exchange and meet others 
• Involve experts outside of NoN (EU, companies etc.) 

• Measure impact through indicators & goals, measure growth & development of the network 
• Hire a secretary/administrator for general support. Or group responsible of these tasks. 
• Investigate new ways, eg. marketplace app (what can you offer rather than what are you looking for) 
• Create relevance, invite the other networks for your local/regional events. 
• Involve students. 

• Take turns (caroussel), each regional network is in the lead once in 5 years. 
• Not only VET leaders’ conference, but also for teachers/other staff 
• Share Skills competition experiences, meet each other there 

9. How might we set out the long-term vision of NoN? (Beyond 5 years strategy timeline)?    

• Commitment on all organisational levels 

• Connect with long-term strategies from EU regarding VET (but also other related topics). 
• Set aims and goals but keep on open point (instead of fixed one) because of unforseen events 
• Strengthen relationships and have a clear view on the “why” of NoN (why do we exist), vision 
• Connect long-term vision with resources, working groups, experts, teachers, futurists, management, VET leaders 
• What do VET schools need from NoN? Exchange of knowledge, guidance, cooperation in projects, expansion in quality, strong relationship, joint forces 

• How? Ambassadors, succession planning, digital market place for projects, internships & best practices, networking on different levels and different themes, for each level in the organisation.  
• Involve students at all levels. Set up workshops with students, they provide answers/ point the direction.