REASEHEATH COLLEGE BOARD

Transcription

1 REASEHEATH COLLEGE BOARD Minutes of the meeting held at 9.15am on Thursday, 17 July 2014, The Philip Leverhulme Centre, Reaseheath College Present: Emily Thrane (Chair) Colin Baxter Rachel Bailey Malcolm Burns Meredydd David Jon Furber Dr Ian Graham Elizabeth Harrison Melvin Johnson Graham Morgan David Pearson Richard Ratcliffe Rose Rowland Alastair Taylor In attendance: Dave Kynaston, Vice Principal Graeme Lavery, Director of Finance and Resources Jackie Schillinger, Clerk to the Board PART 1 At the start of the meeting, Peter Green, Director of Quality, Learning and Support, presented a development session on the Ofsted dashboard data for Reaseheath College with comparison data for local and land-based colleges. Item Matters raised Action APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR The Clerk requested nominations for the position of Chair for the period 1 August 2014 to 31 July Richard Ratcliffe proposed Emily Thrane as Chair, seconded by Jon Furber and all those at the meeting were in favour. 1

2 1.2 RESOLVED: Emily Thrane appointed as Chair of the Board for the period 1 August 2014 to 31 July APPOINTMENT OF BOARD MEMBERS Emily Thrane proposed the appointment of Richard Ratcliffe and Jon Furber for a further period of office of three years from 1 August The proposal was seconded and all were in favour. RESOLVED: Richard Ratcliffe and Jon Furber appointed as members of the Board for a further three year period from 1 August APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIR Emily Thrane proposed the appointment of Richard Ratcliffe as Vice Chair of the Board for the period 1 August 2014 to 31 July The proposal was seconded and all were in favour. RESOLVED: Richard Ratcliffe appointed as Vice Chair of the Board for the period 1 August 2014 to 31 July APOLOGIES Apologies were received from Mike Kelly, Gavin Patience, Amy Wellings and Jonni Price. 5. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Rachel Bailey s interest as a Cheshire East Council Member and the interests of Emily Thrane, Richard Ratcliffe, Jon Furber, Graeme Lavery and Meredydd David as Directors of DART Ltd were noted. 6. MINUTES RESOLVED: Minutes of Part 1 of the meeting held on 15 May 2014 approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair FORMER REASEHEATH TRUST FUNDS Meredydd David presented a proposal on the future use of the former Reaseheath Trust funds to support Higher Education students in extreme financial need or specific disadvantaged groups in order to support students who would otherwise lose out as a result of the removal of the Access to Learning Fund. Following discussion, governors approved the proposal and decided that a small group of governors, such as the members of the Search and Governance Committee could make decisions on non- 2

3 standard awards and review awards annually. RESOLVED: To approve the proposal, as received, on the use of the former Reaseheath Trust funds. PROPERTY STRATEGY AND CAMPUS MASTER PLAN Graeme Lavery and Meredydd David presented the latest design plans for the new projects, in the context of the overall master plan and planned timelines, previously considered in detail by the Estates Development and Property Group and the Finance and General Purposes Committee. Projects Chaffinch and Wren (Food Futures and Foundation), with established funding are about to start the build phase. The final contract sum for projects Wren and Chaffinch meets the budget previously approved by governors. Projects Toucan and Lapwing (Halls of Residence and Social Space) are in the design stage with preparation for planning applications currently taking place. One third funding from the Local Enterprise Partnership is available for these projects, with a significant proportion of LEP funding earmarked for Reaseheath projects which align with the LEP Strategic Economic Plan. Future projects will be progressed in line with the financial strategy, ten year forecast and affordability considerations, with governors continued input and monitoring. Emily Thane, on behalf of the Board, congratulated the Principal and the management team for the strategic vision on funding and the commitment to the work of the LEP. Following discussion on aspects of the campus master plan, including benefits of zoning and biosecurity measures around the farm, the property strategy and campus master plan was approved. RESOLVED: To approve, in principle, the property strategy and campus master plan. MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS GL/REJ to action JS to presentation to members. 9.1 Graeme Lavery presented the period 10 management accounts, previously scrutinised by the Finance and General Purposes Committee, with an update on the period 11 position. He reported that the overall College outturn position is a positive one, especially after the one off change in the stock valuation this year, with strong performance over the last few months on maintaining good cost control. Members noted the good progress made by the finance team on reducing student and trading debt. The team is continuing to work working on reducing the amount against small debtors 3

4 and acknowledges that this needs to be reduced as far as possible. Copies of the period 11 accounts were made available to members at the meeting RESOLVED: To receive the Management Accounts for the 10 months to 31 May 2014 and note the updated position. BUDGET AND TEN YEAR FORECAST Meredydd David presented the financial management context in which the College is operating. Graeme Lavery presented the draft Budget for 2014/15 and the ten year forecast for the period 2014/15 to 2024/25, including the revised financial objectives. It was reported that the College is able to predict a strong surplus next year due to growth in student numbers, by around 90 students, for 2014/15. However, the overall funding cuts picture remains challenging, with further funding reductions expected for the next five years. In the autumn, recruitment figures will be clear and the impact of changes to course weighting for land-based colleges will be known. Management will bring to governors their proposed approach to the funding challenges ahead, including an approach to addressing the cost base. Meredydd David informed members of the proposed AoC pay award for 2014/15 of a 1% increase, with a higher increase of 2% for those on less than living wage and the removal of the lowest current pay grade, to ensure that the minimum salary is the living wage. RESOLVED: i. To approve the Budget for 2014/15 and note the three year forecast to the submitted to the SFA; ii. To approve, within the budget, the Association of Colleges proposed pay award, subject to budgeted recruitment/budgetary targets being met as of 1 October 2014; iii. To receive the ten year forecast. FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE Richard Ratcliffe presented the minutes for the meeting held on 20 June The following points were highlighted: The work and progress on Performance Development Reviews (PDRs), with 90% of PDRs being carried out across College. The committee supported the continued focus on training for managers in the areas of PDRs and recruitment; The assessment centre for industry specialists held this year proved very effective, with about 40 people attending and about 20 people 4

5 coming through, subject to further assessment and vacancies. The College has sought to keep warm these potential recruits; The sickness record of the Foundation Department was noted by members as a possible indicator of problems. Management confirmed that action is being taken by HR, working with the department. The developing performance pathways guidance booklet, for new teaching staff, currently under consultation, was welcomed as an excellent new initiative to improve the quality of teaching and learning; The report on business area costings and contribution to central had been requested by the committee following the curriculum area costings report at the spring 2014 meeting. It is an important management planning tool for the year ahead and the committee will continue to provide oversight to management financial planning this year; The report on the review of the financial objectives was discussed and the committee recommended that the Board approves the finalised principles and objectives; The committee approved the Statement of Policy on discretionary powers under the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations 2013 and received the Firearm protocol, provided for information RESOLVED: To receive the minutes of the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting held on 20 June 2014 and to approve the revised College Financial Objectives. QUALITY AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE Emily Thrane presented the minutes of the meeting held on 11 June The following points were highlighted: The outstanding QAA outcome, with congratulations and thanks to be expressed to Rachel Ellis-Jones and her team, and Peter Green and his team, from the Clerk on behalf of the Board; FE and HE quality monitoring reports, performance reports and consideration of targets for 2014/15, with the committee noting that Maths and English provision is progressing and the new initiatives on performance management; The consideration of FE and HE academic board minutes; The assurance provided to the Board on the agenda items considered and the requested approval of the KPI targets for 2014/15; An annual Safeguarding report will be presented in future to the Board in the autumn term. JS to action JS for Board agenda December

6 12.2 RESOLVED: To receive the minutes of the Quality and Standards Committee meeting held on 11 June 2014 and to approve the following KPI targets for 2014/15: 2014/15 Target Long qualification success rate 89% Long Level 3 qualification success 87% rate Apprenticeship overall success rate 77% Apprenticeship timely success rate 60% Percentage of grade 1 and grade 2 lessons 80% (15% grade 1 0% grade 4) Student progression rate 91% Student satisfaction rate 96% (93% for target areas) PRINCIPAL S REPORT Meredydd David presented the comprehensive report of recent activities within the College, with particular points noted by members as follows: Nick Boles MP is the new minister for Skills and Equalities and Greg Clark MP is the new minister for Universities and Science; The restructure of the Animal Management curriculum area and the impact of the Higher Education Faculty, resulting in the reduction of Curriculum Area Managers in Animal Management from three to two; The increased capacity of full-time centralised Maths and English teachers; The consideration of incentives to encourage high quality staff to join the College in areas such as Engineering and Maths and English; The College s Master of Horticulture, Harry Delaney is retiring; Letters from parents, such as the one included in the report, are a welcome inclusion in the Principal s Report and could be forwarded to governors at other times; Andy Capper, Curriculum Area Manager for Construction has recently left the College s employment; The current management reporting projects on the Customer Relationship Management system and dashboard reporting were welcomed; The development of an online student shop was welcomed. JS to action 6

7 13.2 RESOLVED: To receive the Principal s Report, with thanks passed to all those involved COLLEGE STRATEGIC PLAN Meredydd David presented the final strategic plan monitoring report for 2013/14, showing good progress in delivering the Strategic Plan in the vast majority of areas. It was noted that apprenticeship performance requires further work in 2014/15 to improve performance in framework and timely success. Meredydd David presented the draft Strategic Plan for , previously debated by governors in January and May 2014, and currently out for consultation with stakeholders. Governors have received a copy of the consultation document and will receive a final document, following the consultation period. Governors considered and approved, subject to the correction of a small number of typographical errors, the main elements of the Strategic Plan as included in the consultation document circulated and in Annex 1. They also considered and approved the key performance indicators for each of the four main areas: Learning and Skills; Quality; Human Resources; and Finance and Resources. As part of the Strategic Plan review, the meeting also considered the College Public Value Statement. It was agreed to include specific reference to the College mission in the statement in addition to a link to the full mission, vision and values. It was also agreed to include a headline value in the statement as well as a link to the latest Economic Impact Assessment. RESOLVED: i. To receive the Final Strategic Plan Monitoring Report 2013/14; ii. To approve the draft Strategic Plan and Key Performance Indicators as circulated for consultation; iii. To approve the Public Value Statement for publication on the College website, subject to the amendments noted in 14.4 above. SEARCH AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE 15.1 Emily Thrane presented the minutes of the meeting held on 5 June The following points were highlighted: Thanks to all who completed the membership skills audit. The results show a strong overall coverage of key skill and experience Peter Green to provide updated inspection briefing for new 7

8 areas by the current membership; Recruitment a targeted approach will be taken to the recruitment of two additional governors to strengthen industry and employer representation an appropriate representative from Eden and an approach to a small number of land-based employers. This will involve a meeting/interview by members of the committee and will take into account equality and diversity issues; A review of link governor arrangements recommends that Richard Ratcliffe links with Horticulture, in addition to his current links, Rachel Bailey links with Foundation, Alastair Taylor links with Engineering and Work Based Learning and David Pearson links with Student Services and Support, in addition to his current links; Policies - The committee considered and approved the updated Access to College Information Policy and the updated Governor Gifts and Hospitality Policy; Governance Documents The committee considered and recommends for approval the revised documents, provided at agenda item 15.2, and which will be available on the governors intranet, with new log in details to follow before the new term. academic year. JS to action RESOLVED: To receive the minutes and to approve the following: The Link arrangements at Appendix 1 to the full minutes The Forward Plan of Business for 2014/15 Instrument and Articles of Government Standing Orders Governor Code of Conduct AUDIT COMMITTEE Dr Ian Graham presented the minutes of the meeting held on 12 June The following points were highlighted: Assurance on DART Limited audit activity, with a controls-based external audit approach agreed for DART Limited for the 2013/14 year; The Risk Management Annual Report, with a recommendation for its approval by the Board; A discussion on approaches to reviewing risk appetite. The committee agreed that further discussion, involving the full board and management together would be helpful before making any decision on a risk appetite statement. It was agreed to hold a session on risk appetite at the autumn 2014 governor development afternoon; The external audit service reports, with a recommendation for approval of the Draft Audit Strategy Memorandum for the year ending 31 July 2014; 8

9 The internal audit service reports, with substantial assurance received on all reports, with the exception of the Learner Numbers Systems Report, where a number of recommendations were made. Committee members had sought and gained assurance from management and auditors that there is no risk of non-compliance with funding requirements. Management confirmed in the meeting that the amber report picks up on Work Based Learning (WBL) issues known to management and confirms the need to accelerate progress in improving the administration function in WBL; The audit tracking report on internal audit recommendations, showing good progress; The WBL Action Plan Update Report; The internal audit strategy and plan for 2014/15, which following consideration, was approved by the committee; The College Value for Money Statement and Procurement Strategy; The committee recommended a report on FRS102 be made to the Finance and General Purposes committee at its autumn meeting; The risk in relation to the continued difficulty in engineering recruitment was highlighted by management, with potential actions to manage this risk discussed RESOLVED: To receive the minutes and approve the Annual Risk Management Report and the External Audit Draft Strategy Memorandum for the year ending 31 July SELF-ASSESSMENT OF THE BOARD The Clerk had previously circulated a self-assessment questionnaire to governors and collected responses, with governors still to respond requested to send their completed questionnaire back to the Clerk. A summary of the process will be reported to governors and provide input to the overall College SAR 2013/14. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION RESOLVED to approve the following: The Forward Plan of Board Business 2014/15; The updated statement on arrangements for obtaining the views of staff and students for publication on the College website as required by Article 3(1)(aa); The Student Substance Misuse Policy, subject to the addition of the designated Safeguarding Governor s suggestion on the process for dealing with used needles; The Physical Restraint of Students Policy and Procedure, to be marked Under Review, pending changes to be agreed by the Safeguarding Governor, the Students Services Manager and the Vice Principal. JS to provide summary. DPK DPK 9

10 18.2 RESOLVED further to receive the report on the use of the college seal since the last meeting. 19. NEXT MEETING The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Wednesday 10 December Part I closed at 12.10pm. A Part 2 Confidential Meeting followed. Members were joined for lunch by the teaching and learning coach and staff star award winner, Anne McKay and members of the Food team, to celebrate their achievement in gaining the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Certification at Grade A, the highest possible quality mark within the food industry s global standard for food safety. 10