2006 conference for clerks
| Facilitating Change, Delivering Excellence Chaired by Nina Hossain, ITV News Presenter, this year's event examined what it meant to be an FE Clerk, following the White Paper, Foster Review and Agenda for Change. The conference also informed delegates on the latest policy, legal and regulatory developments, and investigated how standards in good governance will help facilitate a common understanding of excellence. This one-day event was complemented by an sponsored networking wine reception at the Hilton Metropole Hotel on the evening of the 23rd April. Conference Programme Summary of speechesAnthony Smythe, Head of Governance, AoC outlined the challenges that the White Paper contains with regard to governance. He spoke of national priorities versus local actions and highlighted what the AoC wants to see from future governing boards, including points for the new governance framework. He concluded by referring to the actions that AoC are taking to help make this a reality. Nicholas Montague, Chairman, Inland Revenue 1997-2004 spoke of his experiences managing change and leadership. He said that the secret of change management is top rate communications, as well as consistency, transparency and accessibility. He stressed that change management is good leadership and management. Sue Dutton, Deputy Chief Executive, AoC stated that this would be an important year for Further Education with the opportunity to establish the drivers of change in the future. With an emphasis on self-regulation each institution can manage their mission and serve their local community, whilst challenging bureaucracy. The sector will have to work, alongside learners and the AoC, to produce a system that government can trust in to bring together good practice, promote excellence and eliminate weaknesses. David Coates, Chair of the Clerks' Advisory Group focused on the clerks' role in leading change, and in moving from self assessment to self regulation. He said that the challenge was to not only understand policy direction, but also having the skills and confidence to implement these with governing bodies. Clerks should be the gatekeepers of procedures and leaders of good governance by being at the heart decision making. Bob Harrison, Consultant, DfES used electronic voting to survey clerks' views on professionalising the workforce. He explored views on initial teacher training, continuous professional development and a new qualification for college principals. The consultations document is available at www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations. Phil Eames, Director, Assurance Regions, LSC outlined the changing face of audit in recent years and the funding implications brought about as a result. He said that audit should be about assurance and adding value, as well as contributing to self assessment and self improvement. He mentioned the proposed framework for excellence in the white paper, and it's use in assisting colleges in quality improvement. Ellie Russell, Vice President of FE, NUS urged clerks to help create a culture that engages with learners, and delivers an adult community. She compared funding for student representation across the education sector, and emphasised the importance of placing the learner at the centre of the decision-making process. She concluded by setting out various ways to make a strong learner-voice a reality. Adrienne Fresko CBE and Sue Rubenstein, Foresight Partnership Ltd used a roleplay conversation of two governors in 2012 to highlight actions to take forward from the Foster Review as well as using audience voting to gauge opinion. Points included utilising learner panels, developing employer engagement, building a diverse community of governors and raising the profile of FE. A DVD of the speeches will be available shortly. If you would be interested in purchasing one of these for £9.99 then please email info@fegovernance.org with your details. For further information on the content of the conference programme please contact: Anthony Smythe Governance Manager Association of Colleges Tel: 020 7827 4600 e-mail: anthony_smythe@aoc.co.uk |  |
