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New code of governance for Scottish colleges - The HeraldScotland
30/12/2014 16:36
New code of governance for Scottish colleges
STUDENTS have been placed at the heart of a new code of governance for Scottish colleges.
The document, drawn up as part of a major shake-up of the sector, also sets stringent rules on accountability and openness for the powerful boards that now run colleges.
The code was drawn up after a major reorganisation of further education in Scotland with colleges across the country merging to form bigger regional institutions.
However, there has been concern over how the new structures and the boards which run them will be able to deliver a better service at a time when funding has been cut and staff numbers slashed.
The new code of governance states: "The boards must have close regard to the voice of their students and the quality of the student experience should be central to all board decisions.
The article also has.....
The publication of the new code was welcomed by Robert Foster, vice-president of student body NUS Scotland, but he also called for more funding.
He said: "Since the start of the college reforms we've been clear that they can only succeed where they have students at the heart of decision-making.
"This code goes a long way towards achieving that, with a clear recognition of the benefits of increased student involvement and representation at all levels of college governance.
"Over the past few years we have seen college students' associations develop hugely to become a strong and respected voice in their colleges, delivering real and positive change students, but at a time when colleges continue to be asked to do more for less we need to ensure adequate funding is in place to support that progress."
The Correlate is not convinced that Robert has any real awareness of Scottish FE and would ask if he could help us in detailing how "This code goes a long way towards achieving that, with a clear recognition of the benefits of increased student involvement and representation at all levels of college governance."
We are also a tad anxious about Colleges being asked to do more for less ... Is he aware of the remuneration levels of heavy senior management structures? We would suggest that it is the lecturers and support staff who are being asked to do more for less … and it is this that impacts on the student experience! And according to at least one group this has been anything but good!
We are however happy to publish any response from those involved….
We also find it interesting that we have this published at this time and might have considered it to be after some horses have bolted!
However if it offers serious accountability to Boards of Management and to Senior Managers then it is welcomed but we will reserve judgment as it is not only the code itself that matters but in the monitoring of and the application of the code; and we might suggest that recent history does not offer any comfort in this area!
Read the HeraldScotland article here.... Opens in new tab / window
Download a copy of the New Code here - (pdf format file)
Code of Governance for Scotland's Colleges - Home Page .... Opens in new tab / window
Steering Group ..... Opens in new tab / window
Evidence .... Opens in new tab / window
First Stage Responses .... take note of respondees ... is there an organisation missing here?
Second Stage Responses .... (interestingly these were not available at time of posting?)
The Correlate is refreshing for 2015 ... with the new site on stream for 5 January 2015 ... and in election year maybe we will look for a wider audience response to what is happening in Scottish Further Education. :o)
Does your MSP or MP know about this new code?
Are they confident that their college has no Adam Smith skeletons in the cupboard?
Is the Governance up to scratch?
Let's hear from them in the New Year! :o)
Wishing all our readers and contributors a very special, positive and successful New Year!
Stay Safe!
The Correlate
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