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The Herald Scotland
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Colleges say two years is too long to wait for reform
Commissioned by the Scottish Government, the aim was to review Scotland's skills delivery system, including the structure and funding model for the further and higher education sectors. Mr Withers' report made several key recommendations, many of which addressed what he called the "fragmentation" in the system, which led to challenges in funding and implementing programmes such as apprenticeships that are important to Scotland's economic development. Among the report's major findings were recommendations to create a single funding body for all post-school training and learning, streamline learning pathways for skills and qualifications and create "parity of esteem" between qualifications. Two years after the report, Andy Witty, Director of Strategic Policy and Corporate Governance for Colleges Scotland, has said that there is "unfinished business" on reforming the college sector. Writing in The Herald, Mr Witty said the Withers Report was a "breathe of fresh air" when it was published, but there have been too many delays implementing its key findings. "Colleges supported this milestone report at time of its publication two years ago, and its message to government and stakeholders today is still the same and can be summed up in two words: Deliver Withers. "There was a very clear warning in the Withers Review – do not cherry pick, implement all of the recommendations – but we are now in a position, two years on, that some parts are slowly moving forward and some parts are not." While Mr Witty said that there is hope for the proposed Tertiary Education and Training Bill to address the "complex, fragmented and confusing" funding system currently divided between the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), Skills Development Scotland (SDS), and the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), other recommendations "remain on the proverbial shelf." He said that creating a national, lifelong digital training record would allow learners, graduates and workers to better track and showcase their skills and qualifications. Mr Witty added that it is critical to end the "false dichotomy" between vocational and academic pathways and create "parity of esteem." "James Withers argues that all educational routes—whether academic, vocational, or work-based—should be valued equally, recognising that learners are diverse. "We support this fully." Read more However, Mr Witty said that colleges face an uphill battle against increased funding challenges and an "unsustainable" status quo. "While the vision for a streamlined, learner-centric post-school education system has been articulated, the journey from recommendations to realisation remains incomplete–there is an urgent need for action to transform Scotland's skills landscape. Colleges are very willing to play their part in that." Economic advisor James Withers was the author of an independent review of Scotland's skills system. (Image: James Withers) In March, Mr Withers appeared at Holyrood's Economy and Fair Work Committee and was asked about his review. As evidence to the committee, Mr Withers reiterated his findings and highlighted what he saw as a problematic view of colleges as a secondary pathway. "I worry that we have a burning platform in our college system. Before I started the review, I had not been in a college for 20 years, and I had a very outdated view of what colleges were doing. "I finished the review believing that they are an absolute jewel in the crown. They are rooted in the community and connected to businesses, schools and university institutions. "If we get that bit right, that could be game-changing, but from what I have seen in the college sector, I worry about its future. "There needs to be a good look at the college system. I worry that there might be a messy reorganisation based on who falls down first financially, rather than anything else. "There is potential for colleges to be rooted in regional skills planning and regional economic partnerships. "The close working between the college and university system is valuable, but we cannot see the college system as just another feeder into university, so that we can say that we have more kids than ever going to university. That should not be the measure of success." A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Ministers accepted the premise of the key provisions set out in the independent review of skills delivery by James Withers. The Post-School Education and Skills Reform Programme was developed following this and considerable work is now underway across government to implement this change. 'We are clear about the importance and status of vocational pathways and are providing £185 million this year to deliver funding for 25,000 new modern apprentices, 5,000 Foundation Apprentices, 1,200 Graduate Apprentices and continue to support over 38,000 apprentices in training.'
The Herald Scotland
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Colleges have unfinished business on the reform front
James Withers recently gave evidence at the Scottish Parliament's Economy and Fair Work Committee, and he expressed some concerns at the pace of reform and the persistence of systemic fragmentation in our post-school education and skills training system. Colleges are not benefitting from this ecosystem, but more importantly neither are learners. Change is moving very slowly when the world is moving very quickly. Andy Witty, Director of Strategic Policy and Corporate Governance for Colleges Scotland has said that there needs to be urgent action on reform in the college sector. (Image: Colleges Scotland) There was a very clear warning in the Withers Review – do not cherry pick, implement all of the recommendations – but we are now in a position, two years on, that some parts are slowly moving forwards and some parts are not. One major recommended change was the creation of a single funding body to consolidate responsibilities currently divided between the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), Skills Development Scotland (SDS), and potentially the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). This complex, fragmented and confusing funding landscape could be reformed with the upcoming Tertiary Education and Training Bill currently moving its way through the Scottish Parliament. But other recommendations remain on the proverbial shelf. Many of these would massively improve the experience of learners using colleges, and of college graduates now in the world of work. There was a recommendation for the creation of a national, lifelong digital training record. This initiative aims to chart individuals' skills development throughout their lives, connecting into a revitalised careers service, allowing Scotland's learners to track and showcase their skills and qualifications throughout their lives. There was also a recommendation to end the 'false dichotomy' between academic and vocational pathways and critically achieving "parity of esteem" across all post-school learning pathways. James Withers argues that all educational routes—whether academic, vocational, or work-based—should be valued equally, recognising that learners are diverse. We support this fully. At Committee in March, Withers also expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation, cautioning against allowing existing institutional interests to dictate the pace and direction of change. He stressed the importance of designing a system centred on the needs of learners and employers, rather than preserving the status quo. The status quo for colleges is that they are delivering a world-class service on an ever-reducing amount of funding – real-terms investment into Scotland's colleges has dropped by 17% since 2021/22. This isn't sustainable on a stand-still basis let alone while funding pressures keep rising – the vital need to support more students with additional support needs, real urgency to invest in digital infrastructure as well as physical infrastructure, and inflation pushing up education and skills training delivery costs as well as energy bills and additional employer National Insurance Contribution costs for colleges. Scotland must have the ability to adapt its post-school learning system to meet the ever-evolving demands of the economy and society. These demands are coming quicker and faster and with stronger signals of change than ever before. While the vision for a streamlined, learner-centric post-school education system has been articulated, the journey from recommendations to realisation remains incomplete - there is an urgent need for action to transform Scotland's skills landscape. Colleges are very willing to play their part in that. Andy Witty is Director of Strategic Policy and Corporate Governance for Colleges Scotland.
The Herald Scotland
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Union warns members are being 'blocked' from college talks
GMB's senior organiser for public services, Keir Greenaway, has recently written to Colleges Scotland about concerns over the union's treatment in the sector. In a letter to the new Colleges Scotland chief executive officer, Gavin Donoghue, Mr Greenaway said that potentially cutting access to facility time–paid time off during working hours for union representatives to carry out union duties–would damage sector relations at a crucial period. "As it currently stands, not only are trade union rights under Fair Work and the national recognition agreement under threat, but our reps' statutory rights are also being broken. "CES (College Employers Scotland) have issued guidance which colleges are using at a local level to prevent reps from exercising their trade union duties – a right our reps hold under law. "It has also been proposed that national facility time be cut by 91% which prevents trade unions from being able to meaningfully consult and engage our members." Mr Greenaway also referred to potential changes in national bargaining structure for support staff and GMB's limited role in discussions. Currently, national bargaining in the college sector occurs at the National Joint Negotiation Committee (NJNC), with two side tables in place to negotiate for support and lecturing staff. The support staff side table has five seats: Unison holds three, while Unite and GMB hold one each. In March, Unison and Unite submitted notice that they wished to leave the current side table setup and establish a new negotiation structure involving only support staff. GMB has not asked to leave the current structure, so it is not part of discussions about a new bargaining structure, Mr Greenaway said. "Reps being able to exercise their rights and duties unimpeded is vital given the discussions which are ongoing on a new national agreement. "Regretfully, GMB Scotland has been blocked from these talks, which will directly affect our members, without us first agreeing to withdraw from the existing agreement. "This is an unreasonable request which requires us to tear up the existing agreement in place of one that is yet to even be negotiated. "It is difficult for our members to see these steps by their employers as anything other than an attack on their right to work collectively. "Without progress in upholding those rights under the law and Fair Work, then it is likely to lead to a review of college funding by the Scottish Funding Council." He called on Mr Donoghue, who became Colleges Scotland's CEO at the start of June after leaving his previous position as director of CES, to reset relations and "respect" GMB's place at the table. Read more In a statement from CES and Colleges Scotland, a spokesperson said that although CES, Unite and Unison have begun discussions about a possible new setup, the three parties have agreed that GMB should not be part of these talks until the union submits a similar notice. 'Scotland's colleges are committed to embedding Fair Work principles and have taken forward a range of measures to ensure wellbeing, respect and opportunity for staff. These include a pioneering National Menopause Policy, accelerated payment of the annual Real Living Wage increase, a new national Disciplinary Policy, and moves to support the provision of flexible working hours. 'UNISON and Unite notified employers of their intention to resign from the current national collective bargaining agreement in March, requesting that talks begin on developing a new agreement to cover college support staff only. CES is working constructively with UNISON and Unite to take this request forward but, as the GMB has chosen not to resign from the current collective bargaining agreement, it is the collective position of UNISON, Unite and CES that GMB will not be part of these talks. 'Effective and constructive partnership working with trade unions is essential to progressing the Fair Work agenda at colleges. CES will continue to work closely with our trade unions partners - college staff are critical to delivering education and training to learners across Scotland.'
STV News
28-05-2025
- Business
- STV News
College leaders from all four UK nations unite to call for more cash from PM
College leaders from Shetland to Somerset have come together to urge the Prime Minister to provide more cash for the sector in the UK Government's upcoming spending review. The first-of-its-kind letter has been sent to Sir Keir Starmer urging him to 'take bold action to ensure our colleges have the resources they need to thrive'. It has been sent from the Association of Colleges, ColegauCymru/Colleges Wales, Colleges Scotland and the further education colleges in Northern Ireland. Also signed by college principals and chief executives from right across the UK – including by 21 principals from Scotland – the letter insists the sector has a 'vital role to play' in the UK Government's key missions, including national renewal and kickstarting economic growth. Making the plea ahead of the spending review on June 11, the leaders accepted that with education being devolved, UK Government spending decisions 'are only directly relevant to colleges across England'. But they added that 'investment focused on further education and skills in the spending review will be a powerful statement of intent' across all four nations of the UK. Money provided to devolved administrations via the Barnett formula – which distributes funds to the other nations of the UK – could also help provide them with 'the funding they need to resource colleges'. David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said: 'The decisions taken in the spending review will have a massive impact on the prospects of our young people and the opportunities adults will have to train and learn new skills. 'Investing in colleges is vital if the Government is serious about delivering on its missions – growth, opportunity, clean energy, a better NHS and safer streets.' Mr Hughes added: 'Colleges are the heartbeat of our communities, the foundation of our economy and the key to unlocking the potential of every individual and kickstarting the economy. 'I am proud that college leaders from across the four nations have united today to urge the Prime Minister to recognise this and take bold action to ensure our colleges have the resources they need to thrive.' Dr Graeme Jackson, interim chief executive officer of Colleges Scotland, stressed the sector is 'vital to delivering economic growth and opportunity'. PA Media College leaders from all four nations of the UK have united to send the 'first of its kind' letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer He stated: 'Scotland's colleges are training talented people for key sectors which are important to the whole of the UK, including energy, construction and digital, helping to lift people out of poverty and supporting communities.' While he added 'most funding' for the sector in Scotland comes from the Scottish Government, Dr Jackson said: 'The Prime Minister must also back Scotland's colleges if UK-wide goals are to be met. 'With the right investment, colleges can do even more to build a stronger, fairer economy.' Mel Higgins, chairman of the College Principals' Group in Northern Ireland, highlighted their 'vital role in society, both in supporting economic growth and tackling social exclusion'. He added the 'agility' of colleges allows the sector to 'work effectively with employers and industry leaders to shape a skilled workforce that can meet their needs'. Stressing that investment in colleges would 'not only support young people in obtaining qualifications and skills, but will also support life-long learning', Mr Higgins stated: 'An investment in our further education colleges is an investment in our society as a whole.' ColegauCymru chairwoman Lisa Thomas said college leaders had sent a 'powerful joint statement' that 'reflects the strength of feeling right across the UK that investment in further education must be a top priority for the Prime Minister'. Adding that colleges in Wales are 'experiencing acute financial pressures', she told how 'additional, sustained investment is critical to enable colleges to deliver the skills needed for key industries, support our learners and for communities to prosper'. Ms Thomas said: 'We urge the UK Government to equip the devolved administrations with the funding they need to ensure colleges can play their full part in building a stronger, fairer, greener economy.' The UK Government has been contacted for comment. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
North Wales Chronicle
28-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
College leaders from all four UK nations unite to call for more cash from PM
The first-of-its-kind letter has been sent to Sir Keir Starmer urging him to 'take bold action to ensure our colleges have the resources they need to thrive'. It has been sent from the Association of Colleges, ColegauCymru/Colleges Wales, Colleges Scotland and the further education colleges in Northern Ireland. Also signed by college principals and chief executives from right across the UK – including by 21 principals from Scotland – the letter insists the sector has a 'vital role to play' in the UK Government's key missions, including national renewal and kickstarting economic growth. Making the plea ahead of the spending review on June 11, the leaders accepted that with education being devolved, UK Government spending decisions 'are only directly relevant to colleges across England'. But they added that 'investment focused on further education and skills in the spending review will be a powerful statement of intent' across all four nations of the UK. Money provided to devolved administrations via the Barnett formula – which distributes funds to the other nations of the UK – could also help provide them with 'the funding they need to resource colleges'. David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said: 'The decisions taken in the spending review will have a massive impact on the prospects of our young people and the opportunities adults will have to train and learn new skills. 'Investing in colleges is vital if the Government is serious about delivering on its missions – growth, opportunity, clean energy, a better NHS and safer streets.' Mr Hughes added: 'Colleges are the heartbeat of our communities, the foundation of our economy and the key to unlocking the potential of every individual and kickstarting the economy. 'I am proud that college leaders from across the four nations have united today to urge the Prime Minister to recognise this and take bold action to ensure our colleges have the resources they need to thrive.' Dr Graeme Jackson, interim chief executive officer of Colleges Scotland, stressed the sector is 'vital to delivering economic growth and opportunity'. He stated: 'Scotland's colleges are training talented people for key sectors which are important to the whole of the UK, including energy, construction and digital, helping to lift people out of poverty and supporting communities.' While he added 'most funding' for the sector in Scotland comes from the Scottish Government, Dr Jackson said: 'The Prime Minister must also back Scotland's colleges if UK-wide goals are to be met. 'With the right investment, colleges can do even more to build a stronger, fairer economy.' Mel Higgins, chairman of the College Principals' Group in Northern Ireland, highlighted their 'vital role in society, both in supporting economic growth and tackling social exclusion'. He added the 'agility' of colleges allows the sector to 'work effectively with employers and industry leaders to shape a skilled workforce that can meet their needs'. Stressing that investment in colleges would 'not only support young people in obtaining qualifications and skills, but will also support life-long learning', Mr Higgins stated: 'An investment in our further education colleges is an investment in our society as a whole.' ColegauCymru chairwoman Lisa Thomas said college leaders had sent a 'powerful joint statement' that 'reflects the strength of feeling right across the UK that investment in further education must be a top priority for the Prime Minister'. Adding that colleges in Wales are 'experiencing acute financial pressures', she told how 'additional, sustained investment is critical to enable colleges to deliver the skills needed for key industries, support our learners and for communities to prosper'. Ms Thomas said: 'We urge the UK Government to equip the devolved administrations with the funding they need to ensure colleges can play their full part in building a stronger, fairer, greener economy.' The UK Government has been contacted for comment.
