East Midland Educational Union formed
East Midland Educational Union (EMEU) was formed as a direct response to the withdrawal of science examinations in 1899. Despite the hostility, the collective voice of the EMEU succeeded in getting the examinations re-established, with 852 entries recorded in 1912.
1912
Meanwhile
The Titanic strikes an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean and sinks.
RACOFEEM established
The East Midlands Council became known as the Regional Advisory Council for the Organisation of Further Education in the East Midlands (RACOFEEM).
1946
Meanwhile
The first meeting of the United Nations is held at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, London.
Robins Wood House established
Robins Wood House is established as the base for EMEU, RACOFEEM and the East Midland Regional Examinations Board. The latter still has a presence in the building as Cambridge Assessment.
1966
Meanwhile
England wins the World Cup on home soil.
Setting examination
By 1970, the EMEU is setting nearly 500 written examinations and receiving 67,000 subject entries. It is also working closely with City and Guilds on what would today be known as apprenticeships.
1970
Meanwhile
The Rt Hon. Sir Edward Heath becomes Prime Minister after leading the Conservative Party to victory during the general election.
Combination activities
As Local Education Authorities’ budgets begin to tighten, it is decided to combine the activities of the EMEU and the RACOFEEM to create what is known as East Midland Further Education Council (EMFEC).
1982
Meanwhile
HRH The Duke of Cambridge, second in line to the British throne, is born.
emfec formed
On 1 January 1992, emfec becomes a member-led charity and is free to provide its services to support the newly incorporated colleges, due to take place the following year.
During this year, emfec also signs a partnership agreement with the Académie de Strasbourg, marking the start of a long-standing relationship.
1992
Meanwhile
Parliament passes the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.
ABC Awards established
ABC Awards is formed as a national awarding body. This is a joint partnership between emfec, CENTRA, SRCET (later known as AOSEC) and SWAFET (later known as Learning South West).
1999
Meanwhile
The euro is introduced.
Extending facilities
emfec begins a major refurbishment programme at Robins Wood House, extending the facilities for skills and knowledge development within the region. John Allen, then Principal of Lincoln College, becomes Chair of emfec.
2006
Meanwhile
A whale takes a dip in the River Thames in London.
New strategic plan
A review of the organisation in 2011 results in a new strategic plan focused on positioning emfec to support the development and achievement of excellence in the further education sector.
Paul Eeles becomes the new Chief Executive of emfec, following the retirement of Jennie Gardiner.
2011
Meanwhile
The Arab Spring grips the world as revolutions take place in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya.
Centennial year
emfec celebrated its centennial year. Its Centenary Conference featured prominent figures from across FE, including the then Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, The Rt Hon Sir John Hayes MP.
emfec becomes emfec group incorporating ABC Awards.
2012
Meanwhile
London hosts the Olympic Games for the third time.
Changing of our Chair
Linda Houtby, former Principal and Chief Executive of Grantham College, becomes Chair of the emfec group following John Allen's retirement.
2014
Meanwhile
The Ebola virus epidemic becomes a global health crisis.
Developing services
emfec continues to respond to member and stakeholder needs, regularly reviewing its portfolio of services. At the heart of this are professional services to support and develop staff in the broader further education and skills sector, such as professional development and international and project work.
2015
Meanwhile
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II becomes the longest reigning monarch in British history.
Skills and Education Group formed
emfec group renews its long-term partnership with Académie de Strasbourg, celebrating 24 years of collaboration.
emfec group joins Skills and Education Group.
2016
Meanwhile
The United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union.
Certa joins the Group
Open College Network Yorkshire and Humber Region (OCNYHR) joins Skills and Education Group.
Atholl Stott becomes the new Chair of Skills and Education Group, and Linda Houtby becomes Chair of OCNYHR.
2017
Meanwhile
One Love Manchester, a benefit concert organised in response to the bombing after Ariana Grande’s concert at Manchester Area two weeks earlier, is held.
The worker bee becomes a symbol of unity and defiance in the wake of the attack.
emfec changes its name
emfec formally changes its legal name to Skills and Education Group, and ABC Awards changes its legal name to Skills and Education Group Awards. The ABC Awards, Certa Awards and emfec brands remain in the market place.
John Yarham becomes the Chair of Skills and Education Group Awards.
2018
Meanwhile
HRH Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle.
The Foundation formed
Skills and Education Group launches its Foundation, focusing on social mobility and widening participation.
emfec's brand is removed from the marketplace.
2019
Meanwhile
England becomes Cricket World Cup champion after beating New Zealand.
Facing challenges and finding wins
Skills and Education Group embraces digital solutions and moves our professional development offer online, training over 4,000 individuals during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
2020
Meanwhile
Captain Sir Tom Moore, 99, begins to walk one-hundred lengths of his garden in aid of NHS Charities Together, with the goal of raising £1,000 by his 100th birthday. In 24 days, he attracts over 1.5 million individual donations, and the campaign receives £32.79 million.
BIIAB joins the Group
Skills and Education Group welcomes BIIAB to the family, reinvigorating the brand and improving service to members, employers and learners.
Skills and Education Group Awards begins offering the Level 1 Award in Workers’ Rights and Labour Exploitation, developed to raise awareness of the basic employment rights provided by UK law and designed in conjunction with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).
2021
Meanwhile
Kamala Harris becomes the first female, first black and first Asian-American to become Vice-President of the United States.
