Researching the sector from within: the experience of establishing a research group within an FE college

This article comes out of our shared experiences of undertaking post graduate research whilst working in the further education (FE) sector. In 2014, we established a research network within our college, with the initial aim of providing opportunities for those undertaking research to meet and discuss their work. We provide insight into our experiences as members of this network and consider the impact on our sense of selves as researchers, on our college and on the wider research community. Using Lave and Wenger’s community of practice model we review the structure and development of the network and our journey from novice to expert members. Within this we explore the development of our identity, the need to find both an internal and external voice, and the importance of creating a critical space within which to grow. We consider the issues encountered in establishing the network, and how it has developed over time. In concluding we evaluate our experiences and consider the implications for others in the sector. We reimagine a sector where FE practitioners can create spaces to develop researcher identities and voices, raising the profile of research on the sector from within the sector.