Evaluation of the Golden Hello Initiative - York Consulting

• what is included under generic titles - for instance whether thegeneral subject of science includes areas such as Sport’s Science orFood Sciences or whether this is specifically related to physics orchemistry for example;• whether a shortage ‘subject area’ refers to the whole course taught(e.g. ICT: computer programming) or a component element of acourse (e.g. Business Studies of which a component element is ICT).Recommendation Twelve• Undertake research to identify requirements for shortage subjects.• Make explicit scope and definition of shortage subject areas selected.• Document and circulate definitions to delivers and otherstakeholders.7.25 The eligibility criteria need to be simpler and clearer to avoid ineligibleapplicants inadvertently being approved. Aside from action to address theissue of shortage subject area definition, it is recommended that:• the requirements for eligibility outlined in the guidancedocumentation are asked as direct questions on the applicationform, for instance:−−−‘have you undertaken paid teaching employment (e.g. as alecturer, instructor, demonstrator) on an incidental basis at aneligible institution before taking up a permanent post in FE?Yes/No’;‘are you a returnee to teaching? Yes/No’;‘are you employed as a teacher in an FE institution or a non-FEsector independent specialist college? Yes/No’.• guidance on the aims and remit of the initiative are documentedand disseminated to ensure greater transparency for, andunderstanding among, stakeholders;• the definition of a ‘teacher’ is made explicit to outline whether thisincludes or excludes staff who have previously ‘taught’ in the FE sectoras an instructor for example.• there is a more robust checking system.Recommendation Thirteen• Clarify and simplify eligibility criteria.• Ask direct questions relating to eligibility on the application form.