PODIUM is the Further and Higher Education Unit for the 2012 Games. The Unit has a nationwide remit and has three major aims:
To communicate both within the sectors and with outside agencies about the potential for universities and colleges to support the successful staging and delivery of the London 2012 Games and to help create a wide reaching and lasting legacy.
To facilitate collaborative work and the sharing of best practice within the sectors (and their communities) in order to develop projects and events which maximise the benefits of hosting the 2012 Games.
To work with institutions to use the 2012 Games as a catalyst to enhance existing activity and place the Further and Higher Education sectors in the global spotlight.
The Unit works directly with a number of stakeholders including colleges, universities and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), seconding the Unit’s Head into LOCOG’s Culture, Ceremonies and Education team for two days per week. Other stakeholders include; London Higher, the Olympic Delivery Authority, Government Departments, Regional Development Agencies, Sector Skills Councils, the Association of Colleges, British University & Colleges Sport, Guild HE and Universities UK.
Podium provides an environment that brings relevant parties together, encourages discussion and helps to facilitate work in collaboration. The Unit supports the development of Paralympic and Olympic related activities and projects which involve the FE and HE sectors. Stakeholders and individuals can access up-to-date Games related news, opportunities and events through this website, frequent newsletters, forums and events.
For more information on work and projects related to the 2012 Games taking place near you, go to 'in your region'. If you are attracted by the idea of 2012 Games engagement, but unclear of what you can offer, visit the showcase page to see a range of inspirational projects and activities or download a copy of Spotlight.
Podium continues to be hosted by London Higher and is based alongside their offices in Senate House. The unit is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) with additional funding from the Higher Education Funding Council of Wales (HEFCW).
