"The post-16 system in England is supported by a wealth of data sources, such as the Individualised Learner Record, which provides more complete and timely data on further education than any other country in Europe. The importance of data is higher today than it has ever been before, and this book highlights many best practice techniques for providers to manage data and performance. I expect this to become a key tool for not only providers, but also for other data users in the sector as we work together to drive improvements in the quality of data that are collected and used for the benefit of the sector" Rich Williams, Head of the Data Service
	"This guide aims to support providers in their understanding of data and performance and will serve as a valuable tool in the collection and management of learner data. I’m pleased to see that it contains some good advice on how to develop best practice and comply with current requirements for reporting data to the standards and validation rules set by the information authority." John Perks, Head of the information authority
	"At Lewisham College we operate a culture of performance management which is dedicated to driving up standards and the quality of everything we do. In particular, our annual curriculum planning and performance cycle involves staff and learners throughout the college, all of whom interpret data to inform decisions and evidence change. This guide to performance and data is an invaluable reference tool which everyone involved in the delivery of post-16 education and training should have close to hand." Maxine Room, Principal of Lewisham College
	"The Learning and Skills Improvement Service is supporting colleges and training providers to raise standards in the context of self-improvement. In particular, the collection and use of high quality data is a prerequisite for honest self-assessment and the monitoring of quality improvement plans. What makes this guide so invaluable is that it will really help teachers and trainers understand how the qualities of their courses are judged by the commissioning and inspection agencies." David Collins, Chief Executive of the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS)
	"Further Education Colleges are complex and sophisticated organisations that collect a vast amount of data about their learners and the programmes that they study. For this data to return any value it needs to be of high quality, and for this reason colleges invest significant resources ensuring it is complete and valid. It is then used by staff and learners throughout the college to set and monitor a broad range of challenging but achievable targets which support and evidence continuous self-improvement. This hands-on guide is an excellent resource for everyone with an interest in the performance of both learners and colleges." Martin Doel, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges (AoC)
	"Against a backdrop of public sector cuts it has never been more important for learning providers to demonstrate that they can meet targets and deliver ever higher quality training opportunities. It is also important to our members that they use the data they collect to monitor their own performance, and implement improvement plans accordingly. This book is an excellent introduction to data and performance frameworks within post- 16 education. It is essential reading for everyone from the trainer to the Managing Director." Graham Hoyle, Chief Executive of the Association of Learning Providers (ALP)