Coleg Gwent

I said that I would be updating ELL Committee Members on Coleg Gwent.  In order to be helpful to all Members, I am making the following information available in the form of a written statement,

Members will be aware that I wrote to Sheila Drury, Chairman of the National Council-ELWa, on 11 May about Coleg Gwent.  I sought ELWa’s views on whether the proposed changes and assurances, are proportionate and appropriate.  I expect ELWa, as the strategic body responsible for post-16 education and training, to ensure that changes coincide with its wider plans for the Gwent area and that the proposals fit in with what other providers offer.  I also look to ELWa to make an assessment of the Governors’ and management team’s use of evidence that informed its decision making.  

ELWa officers have met Coleg Gwent’s senior management team and will continue to stay in close communication with the college.

Coleg Gwent is proposing a restructuring operation that follows on from a comprehensive review of its operations, which has taken into account bench-marked data of other colleges in the UK compiled by external experts.  The review has examined the needs of every curriculum area for the coming three academic years.  The college Governors considered proposals on 4 May 2004 and subsequently the college has begun a 30 day consultation period with staff, students, local authorities and CCETs in the Gwent area.  If the proposed changes are implemented, they will be effective from September.  

Organisational changes are a normal part of college operations and ELWa is confident that Coleg Gwent is handling this matter professionally and effectively.  The College has identified three areas of change: where demand is already low or decreasing; where demand is increasing; and where there has been substantial change in the method of delivery.  Needs and demands change over time and providers have to respond.  This can necessitate refocusing of activities and redeployment of resources.

Where learners are affected by the change, Coleg Gwent has given assurances that every student on a course affected will be able to complete that course.  The majority will do so at the same location.  A minority will have to move but Coleg Gwent will provide transport for them.

The college management team has advised staff of the changes and is in consultation with Trades Unions (ACM, NATFHE and Unison) with the aim of minimising redundancies, which are estimated to number 35 at this stage.  It is hoped that the proposed redundancies can be made on a voluntary basis or by persons taking retirement.  Once the consultation period has ended the Governing Body will take its decision.

During the consultation period, ELWa will work closely with Coleg Gwent to assess the impact for future learners.  It will also review the College’s business plan and submit an assessment to me in due course.

Sheila Drury will report to me again within four weeks and I will update the Committee at that time.