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closely tied to local and regional government. This is a conception
of leadership that diverges from that which emerged through the
quasi-market established at the time of incorporation, and during
the top-down planning experienced through the period of the
Learning and Skills Council.
The relationship between these college leaders and their local
environment is clearly a dynamic one, taking place at a time
when the governance frameworks of colleges and within localities
continue to evolve. This is a significant development, which is not
widely appreciated, and which could benefit from wider research.