The Association of Colleges (AoC) exists to represent and promote the interests of Colleges and provide members with professional support services. 

As such, our aim is to be the authoritative voice of Colleges – based on credible analysis, research, advocacy and consultation with Colleges – and the first choice destination for guidance and advice for members. 

AoC was established in 1996 by Colleges themselves as a voice for further education and higher education delivered in Colleges at national and regional level.

AoC's structure includes a busy London HQ, an active network of nine regional offices which work closely with Colleges and Government agencies in their regions, and a very wide range of member networks, through which College staff , Governors and students inform and shape AoC policy and activity.

The AoC is a membership organisation that represents FE sector colleges.  An East Midlands Regional Committee has been formed to ensure effective representation in the region.

AoC have recently launched an East Midlands FE Sports Hub, the ultimate site for accessing information regarding sport in the 27 AoC East Midlands member colleges. 2008 has seen the introduction of Further Education Sports Co-ordinators (FESCos) into the sector by the Youth Sport Trust.  Their remit to drive an increase in participation, competitive opportunities and Volunteering & Leadership activity, coupled with Sport England’s commitment to the 16-19 year age group, means an exciting time for sport in Further Education.  Click here to visit the website.

Regional Co-ordination provided by Jennifer Gardiner, Chief Executive of EMFEC

Email: jennieg@emfec.co.uk  Tel: 0115 854 1625

Regional Administration provided by Tracy Roser, Administration Manager of EMFEC
Email: tracyr@emfec.co.uk  Tel: 0115 854 1628

Structures and Responsibilities:

The East Midlands Regional Committee has overall responsibility for all AoC regional matters. In particular the Committee is responsible for:

• approving a regional strategic policy framework
• regional nominations for Chair and Governor representatives

The Chairman of the Regional Committee (or Vice Chair in cases of absence) is responsible for providing overall direction to the Support Service/Regional Co-ordinator.

AoC, East Midlands has established a Strategic, Sub-Committee - the AoC East Midlands Principals' Committee - to ensure a forum for Principals to provide guidance and direction to AoC on matters of strategic importance to the region's colleges. Membership of AoC East Midlands Principals' Committee comprises all Principals of FE sector and designated colleges in the East Midlands.

EMFEC has responsibility, through the Regional Co-ordinator, for:

• co-ordination, planning, operation and reporting of Regional AoC matters, within a strategic policy framework approved by the East Midlands Regional AoC
• provision of a Support Service to the AoC East Midlands - administration, secretariat, data maintenance, etc.

AoC East Midlands Regional Committee:

Chair:  Frank Smith