fdf is a national body that supports the development and validation of work-based Foundation degrees. It is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to support employer engagement across higher education programmes generally and in relation to Foundation degrees specifically. By working in partnership with all relevant agencies, institutions, organisations and interest groups, fdf ensures that the development of Foundation degrees is driven by the needs of employers and students. Foundation degrees (Fds) are degree-level qualifications which are usually delivered by colleges and universities in partnership with employers and are degrees in their own right. Advantages include flexible methods of delivery and courses adapted to suit specific employer requirements. They also provide students with the opportunity for additional higher level study including the attainment of professional qualifications, and for employers, the opportunity to fill their skills gaps. fdf was launched in the summer of 2003 following the publication of the government white paper ‘The Future of Higher Education’ (January 2003) which called for increased participation in Foundation degrees, and greater involvement of employers in their design.