Skelmersdale & Ormskirk Advisory Committee
Minutes of Meeting held on 31 March 2008
49 Present
Les Abernethy
Anthony Allan
Steven Broomhead Chair
Mike Kelly
Barrie Moreton
Veronica Myers
Beverley Robinson Principal
Peter Townley
50 In Attendance
Ruth Carney
Peter Kneebone
51 Apologies for Absence
John Richardson, Andrew Ellams
52 Welcome
The Chair welcomed Anthony Allan to the committee as a nominated student representative. Anthony is in his first year of a National Diploma in Performing Arts at the college.
Anthony Allan to feedback to students a summary of the Advisory Committee meeting via the student newsletter with the support of the College Youth Worker.
Action: Anthony Allan
53 Conflict of Interest
None
54 Minutes of last meeting held on 21 January 2008
The minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2008 were accepted as an accurate record.
55 Matters Arising
There were no matters arising not covered by the agenda.
56 Register of Actions
Ofsted – no date for inspection had been notified by Ofsted
Issues to be raised at Corporation Board – Steven Broomhead was unable to attend the last Board meeting. Questions relating to TWL and capital investment to be raised at the next Board meeting.
All other actions were complete.
57 Presentation from Director of Further and Higher Education
Peter Kneebone gave a presentation on the structure and breadth of the Further and Higher Education unit.
A number of points were clarified:
There has been a shift in courses offered this year from part time courses to full band width courses in line with government priorities.
A recruitment drive is ongoing with summer schools planned. Train to Gain recruitment is expected to upturn towards the end of 2007/08 as employers new budget year begins in April.
The expectation is for the college to achieve break even for 2007/08 as per the business plan.
58 Advisory Committee Member’s Presentation
Peter Townley, Associate Dean, Faculty of Education, Edge Hill University gave a presentation on Foundation Degrees available at Edge Hill.
Steven Broomhead suggested that the college consider working with Edge Hill University to develop Foundation Degrees for local learners. Beverley Robinson noted that Newcastle College Corporation Board had approved Leeds Metropolitan University as the preferred HEI for Foundation Degree validation.
Beverley Robinson is meeting with Robert Smedley, Dean of the Faculty at Edge Hill University in April. It was suggested that Beverley take this opportunity to discuss possible progression opportunities.
Action: Beverley Robinson
59 Chairs Report from Governor’s Meeting
Steven Broomhead apologised that he was unable to attend the Board meeting in Newcastle on 29 January. Report postponed to next meeting.
60 Principal’s Report
Beverley Robinson presented a report on progress against aims to date.
Points to note:
· 76% of staff have now been graded good or better in lesson observations undertaken by Ofsted badged consultants.
· The earliest possible date for the Ofsted inspection is 12 May
· Business planning for 2008/09 is well underway however the LSC will not be able to confirm allocation until the end of May.
61 New Campus
Beverley Robinson reported that the Governors together with Les Abernethy and John Richardson had identified a preferred architect and presented some initial concept designs for the new campus.
Les Abernethy circulated an up to date Skelmersdale Masterplan and a consultation document. Les reported that architects for the Sports Centre which will be located directly opposite the college had been appointed. The opening date for this facility coincides with that of the new college campus.
Steven Broomhead emphasised the importance of submitting the capital application for the new campus to the LSC as soon as possible. This is planned for the end of June 2008.
Update on the new campus to be a standard agenda item at future meetings. Steven Broomhead thanked Les Abernethy for his work on the project to date.
62 Corporate Strategy
This item was deemed confidential.
63 Meeting Cycle 2008/09
The following meeting dates for 2008/09 were agreed:
Monday 6 October 2008
Monday 24 November 2008
Ruth Carney to re-circulate dates for subsequent meetings for 2008/09 following a request to consider meeting days other than Mondays.
Action: Ruth Carney
64 Any Other Business
Advisory Committee Member’s Presentations - John Richardson to present at next meeting on 12 May 2008. Les Abernethy to present an update on the Skelmersdale Masterplan consultation on 30 June 2008.
Resignation – Ruth Carney reported that Paul Hogan (staff member) had resigned from the committee. Paul had not attended any meetings since the committee was set up due to other commitments. Nominations to be sought for two new staff members of the committee.
Action: Ruth Carney
Apologies - Veronica Myers apologised for missing a number of meetings and assured the members of her commitment to the committee.
65 Confidentiality of Business
Item 62 Corporate Strategy was deemed confidential.
66 Date and Time of Next Meeting
Monday, 12 May 2008 at 1700 hrs in Conference Room Pendle, Westbank Campus
Meeting closed: 18.40