Workshops
The format of this years workshops is different to previous years. You will not be able to pre-book a workshop, workshops will be on a first come first served basis on the day. The workshops will also be in an open format, allowing you to move freely between the workshops.Workshop Set 1
Friday 7th March 11.30 - 12.45
Funding and finance update.
Julian Gravatt, Director for Funding and Development, Association of Colleges
The conference takes in the middle of the 2008/9 budget negotiations between colleges and the Learning and Skills Council. In the short-term, the LSC is working to a new set of priorities outlined in its grant letter and the 2007 spending review. In the long-term, colleges face an uncertain future in which the key players are their home local authority, a new national funding agency, the National Apprenticeship Service and an individual learner enrolling with a skills account. This workshop will update participants on the latest developments with the 2008-9 funding system, on the financial state of the sector and things to think about for the future.
The new I&A and related governance issues: discussion forum
Richard Sykes, Associate (Barrister) and Anna Youngs, Solicitor Mills and Reeve LLP
In the final weeks of 2007, the long heralded revised Instrument and Articles of Government for FE Colleges were introduced. In an interesting and informative session combining education law and employment law, barrister Richard Sykes and solicitor Anna Youngs will discuss the 2007 Instrument & Articles of Government and the implications of the changes they, and other recent changes in law, have for the governing bodies of FE colleges. Discussion will be encouraged - and if the prospect of a talk by lawyers is putting you off, feedback from last year's AoC clerks conference included "How refreshing to hear a barrister talk, and not fall asleep within 2 minutes. Well done Richard!"
Introduction to Effective Further Education Governance
Jane Stroud, Leadership Skills for Governance Consultant and Melvyn Cass, Helpline Advisor, Association of Colleges
The workshop will explore the FE Governance Framework and the responsibilities and roles of governors and clerks. Following a brief introductory presentation the workshop will take the form of group discussion led by the facilitators. The workshop will lead to governors and clerks becoming more confident and effectives in their respective roles.
Diversity in the Mainstream
Yvette Adams, Executive Director of Diversity, Culture & Communications, and Margaret Adjaye Project Manager: Equality and Diversity, Centre for Excellence in Leadership
Excellence, governance and diversity will cover government priorities, governance and self regulation within an equalities framework, impact of equalities on governor roles and responsibilities, gaps and issues around implementation, tools and strategies for achieving excellence. Workshop will include case studies, examples of good practice. Will include outcomes from CEL E&D research and create space for discussion.
Framework for excellence, self assessment and self regulation
Roger Marriott, Director of Quality and Evaluation, Learning and Skills Council and Judith Wilson, Provider Financial Assessment, Learning and Skills Council
The development of strategies for using the framework for excellence as a tool to enable Governors to identify underperformance and take action to assure performance improves.
- inform members of the findings of the pilot for FfE
- identify and debate issues to be resolved from the pilot
- debate how FfE should be used by governors and senior managers and its relationship to self assessment
- consult on the identification of underperformance
- consider the relationship of FfE to the self regulating authority
Where is the talent? Finding senior leaders for the Learning and Skills sector for the 21st century
Ann Ruthven, Programme Manager - Career Development Service and Jo Dale, Strategic Associate, Centre for Excellence in Leadership
This workshop will report back on the findings of our research into recruitment in the sector of people perceived as a 'high risk' and will consider what participants can do to improve recruitment and selection in their college.
· Understand the need to enlarge the pool of applicants to senior leadership posts
· Have explored which groups are perceived as 'high risk'
· Know what encouraged organisations to appoint people who are perceived as a 'high risk'
· Have identified the support needed by those involved in recruitment to encourage them to appoint people perceived as a 'high risk'
· Have explored the support provided by organisations to ensure newly appointed people from these groups can be successful
· Have considered what governors can do to improve recruitment, selection and retention in their college
Student Governors - Making the most of the conference programme
Kat Fletcher, Leadership of Learners Strategic Coordinator, Centre for Excellence in Leadership
The workshop is an opportunity for Student Governors to look at the full conference programme, explore areas that may be of particular interest to them and their corporation and a plan a route through the conference programme. In addition it will allow them to meet with the CEL Learner Voice team and each other.
Transformational Governance 2010: Models of governance in self-regulatory future
Vickie Wood, Team Leader: FE Governance and Organisation Team DIUS, Martin Wilson, FE Governance and Organisation Team, DIUS, Kath Jakubiak, FE Governance and Organisation Team, DIUS
A brainstorming session to explore with governors how the governance model might be developed, including areas where flexibilities in current FE governance arrangements might be helpful as the sector moves towards self regulation. This might include :
- considering the current governance model- what further changes/flexibilities might be introduced?; what lessons might be learnt from business?
- the use of committees and committee structures;
- how might the governance model support diversity;
- how might the contribution of students be developed;
- considering the terms of office for FE governors;
- the possible testing/piloting new and different governance models in FE
Governors and Clerks will have an opportunity to contribute and influence plans to develop FE governance arrangements as the sector moves towards self governance
What's driving change in FE and skills? - a policy overview
Caroline Mager, Director of Strategic Policy, Centre for Excellence in
A critical overview of current and emerging policy drivers across government and in the FE and Skills sector in particular.
An opportunity to share perspectives on the implications, ambiguities and challenges for governors and corporations.
Workshop Set 2
Friday 7th March 15.30 -16.45
Funding and finance update.
Julian Gravatt, Director for Funding and Development, Association of Colleges
The conference takes in the middle of the 2008/9 budget negotiationsbetween colleges and the Learning and Skills Council. In theshort-term, the LSC is working to a new set of priorities outlined inits grant letter and the 2007 spending review. In the long-term,colleges face an uncertain future in which the key players are theirhome local authority, a new national funding agency, the NationalApprenticeship Service and an individual learner enrolling with askills account. This workshop will update participants on the latestdevelopments with the 2008-9 funding system, on the financial state ofthe sector and things to think about for the future.
The new I&A and related governance issues: discussion forum
Richard Sykes, Associate (Barrister) and Anna Youngs, Solicitor Mills and Reeve LLP
In the final weeks of 2007, the long heralded revised Instrument and Articles of Government for FE Colleges were introduced. In an interesting and informative session combining education law and employment law, barrister Richard Sykes and solicitor Anna Youngs will discuss the 2007 Instrument & Articles of Government and the implications of the changes they, and other recent changes in law, have for the governing bodies of FE colleges. Discussion will be encouraged - and if the prospect of a talk by lawyers is putting you off, feedback from last year's AoC clerks conference included "How refreshing to hear a barrister talk, and not fall asleep within 2 minutes. Well done Richard!"
Introduction to Effective Further Education Governance
Jane Stroud, Leadership Skills for Governance Consultant and Melvyn Cass, Helpline Advisor, Association of Colleges
The workshop will explore the FE Governance Framework and the responsibilities and roles of governors and clerks. Following a brief introductory presentation the workshop will take the form of group discussion led by the facilitators. The workshop will lead to governors and clerks becoming more confident and effectives in their respective roles.
Good Governance in Health and Safety
Neil Molyneux, Director, Effective Health & Safety Management Limited
An interactive briefing on key aspects of good governance in health and safety. This includes an overview of both the new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, and the recent Institute of Directors / HSE guide on Leading Health and Safety at Work - which is likely to become a de facto standard for all boards in the public and private sectors.
A chance for group discussion of the issues, and sharing of experience. Also a short group exercise.
· An opportunity for governors and senior managers to learn more about these key issues and to think about them in a strategic way
· Some practical suggestions on carrying out a strategic health check of health and safety
· Increased confidence in how to oversee, and ask key questions about their own approaches
· Useful information that delegates can take back to their colleges for further consideration
· Some food for thought!
Funding Capital Projects - top ten tips for Governors
Richard Watt, Director and Head of Education, Community and Government, Keith Norman, Relationship Director, Education, Mike Stevenson, Relationship Director, Education, Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets
An interactive workshop to highlight our "Top 10 Tips" based on our experience of funding many Capital Projects in the Sector. The workshop will look at the management of projects from a Governors perspective and our aim will be to help and inform Governors to focus on the key issues and ask the right questions.
The workshop will take the form of an open and interactive presentation with plenty of time devoted to a lively question and answer debate
Our aim is to ensure that we share "Best Practice" and that delegates come away with a better understanding of the critical success factors in managing a capital project and a greater appreciation of the key role that they can play in delivering their Colleges' vision.
Transformational Governance 2010: Models of governance in self-regulatory future
Vickie Wood, Team Leader: FE Governance and Organisation Team DIUS,Martin Wilson, FE Governance and Organisation Team, DIUS, KathJakubiak, FE Governance and Organisation Team, DIUS
A brainstorming session to explore with governors how the governancemodel might be developed, including areas where flexibilities incurrent FE governance arrangements might be helpful as the sector movestowards self regulation. This might include :
- considering the current governance model - what furtherchanges/flexibilities might be introduced?; what lessons might belearnt from business?;
- the use of committees and committee structures;
- how might the governance model support diversity;
- how might the contribution of students be developed;
- considering the terms of office for FE governors;
- the possible testing/piloting new and different governance models in FE
Governors and Clerks will have an opportunity to contribute andinfluence plans to develop FE governance arrangements as the sectormoves towards self governance
How you can recruit, retain and induct student members of the corporation
Beth Walker, Vice-President Further Education, National Union of Students and Danny Douglas, FE Learner Voice Co-ordinator, National Union of Students
- Key performance indicator of student responsiveness,
- Issues arising from the development of learner involvement strategies
- How LIS contributes to the journey from self assessment + external validation to self-regulation + monitoring
Tim Barrett, LSC Change Manager for MIAP, Learning and Skills Council
The MIAP Learner Registration Service and Unique Learner Number were launched on the 14th of February. The workshops will provide you with details of the service, its impact on learning providers for academic year 08/09 and how to use it to meet your own organizations needs. The workshop will also introduce the different projects that will be using the Unique Learner Number, so that a more strategic and planned response can be developed.
Delegates will gain a greater understanding of the learner registration service, its uses and how to use it positively within your organisation.
Harnessing technology to achieve learner and business needs - the agenda and leadership challenges
Peter Munday, Director Leadership and e-learning portfolio, Centre for Excellence in Leadership and Cathy Ellis, Director of Improvement Personalisation & Leadership, BECTA
The workshop will outline the government policy agenda for Harnessing Technology across the FE and Skills system, Becta's role in leading the implementation of the strategy and CEL's approach and programme offer to assist leaders and their organizations effectively move towards e maturity.
There will be a input from Cathy Ellis, Becta's Director of Improvement, Personalisation & LeadershipFurther Education, Skills and Regeneration, followed by an activity looking at key issues for participant's organisations, group discussion picking up on issues raised during the activity and an input from Peter Munday, CEL's Director of Leadership and elearning portfolio, on the CEL approach and programme offer.
Participants will gain an understanding of:-
· The key aims and benefits of harnessing technology
· How the strategy is being implemented at a national level
· Key issues for leaders and managers at all levels of the organization
· Ideas and strategies that may be used to enable organisations to take full advantage of the potential benefits available from the effective implementation of elearning and technology.
Workshop Set 3
Saturday 8th March 09.30-10.45
Leading and Embedding Sustainability: What does sustainable development mean for Governance?
Debbie Watson, Director of Policy and Innovation, Learning and Skills Council and Conrad Benefield, Programme Director Building Future Talent, Centre for Excellence in Leadership
A whole organisation approach to leading and embedding sustainable development in policy and practice.
Sustainable development is an approach to life and work that supports a good quality of life for both current and future generations. In a day-to-day sense it means changing individual and organisational cultures and behaviour. The momentum has grown steadily over recent years. Latest developments include a Climate Change Bill and a commitment in the Leitch Implementation Plan to place sustainable development at the heart of skills provision.
But what does it mean for FE institutions, and for the governing bodies who lead them?
The workshop aims to:
- Provide opportunities for debate about the contribution of FE to sustainable development
- Examine challenges to leading and embedding sustainable development in organisational culture, policy and practice, and share examples of effective practice
- Debate the role of governing bodies in leading and supporting such change
- Consider indicators that might help governing bodies to determine their organisation's contribution to SD
A Governance Structure for College Procurement
Ray Poxon, Procurements Manager, Learning and Skills Council, David Grocock, Vice Principal, Leicester College
Good procurement governance enables you to achieve value for money, minimise your risk, and comply with your legal obligations. It should be a vital component in your long term self-regulatory strategy and embedded in your governance structure.
The National Audit Office report 'Improving procurement in further education colleges in England', October 2006, makes clear recommendations for college governors. Furthermore, the Public Accounts Committee has stated that colleges should use the commercial experience of Governors to support procurement improvement.
Through a combination of presentation and group discussion this seminar will present a practical workable model for how this can be achieved. It will draw on current procurement governance theory and the practical experience of Leicester College.
Good Governance in Health and Safety
Neil Molyneux, Director, Effective Health & Safety Management Limited
An interactive briefing on key aspects of good governance in health and safety. This includes an overview of both the new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, and the recent Institute of Directors / HSE guide on Leading Health and Safety at Work - which is likely to become a de facto standard for all boards in the public and private sectors.
A chance for group discussion of the issues, and sharing of experience. Also a short group exercise.
· An opportunity for governors and senior managers to learn more about these key issues and to think about them in a strategic way
· Some practical suggestions on carrying out a strategic health check of health and safety
· Increased confidence in how to oversee, and ask key questions about their own approaches
· Useful information that delegates can take back to their colleges for further consideration
· Some food for thought!
The Learning and Skills Council's Single Equality Scheme
Sharon Smith, Equality and Diversity Policy Manager, Learning and Skills Council
Our Single Equality Scheme represents our commitment to ensuring that in transforming the learning and skills sector, we transform the chances for all. As we move towards meeting the challenges set out in the Leitch review (2006), our strategy is designed to place equality and diversity at the heart of what we do so that we develop a system in which all can benefit and no one is included.
This workshop aims to give you an understanding of how the LSC is working with the sector to embed our Single Equality Scheme in the Sector.
· To share our experience of delivering our equality and diversity strategy across the learning sector.
· Share how we are working towards our legal and strategic requirements to actual and potential learners, employees, providers and other stakeholders.
· To share experiences of what has worked in the sector and how the LSC supports development of the sector, particularly in the area of learner engagement and involvement.
It will be a presentation followed by a Q&A.
Self Improvement within a Self-Regulating FE Sector
Phil Cox, Senior Project Leader, FE Self Regulation Implementation Group, Sir George Sweeney, The Single Voice for Self Regulation for Further Education and John Taylor, Director, Self Regulation Project
Proposals for enhancing the sector's capacity for self improvement are at the heart of planned arrangements for advancing self regulation within the FE sector. A performance management framework is being developed which will set out the responsibilities of providers, individually and collectively, for achieving minimum standards and improving provision for the benefit of learners, employers and communities. The framework will also specify arrangements for assuring and improving performance standards at a sector-wide level.
Through a short presentation and group discussions, the workshop will give delegates the chance to consider current and planned developments in this critical area of self regulation and to discuss the implications of this work for providers in general and governors in particular.
Leading Strategic Change
Dean Fathers, Chief Executive, IDM Group
A participative Lecture to provide an overview of the course features and benefits and to explore one particular leadership model taken from the course materials as an indicative exercise.
How you can recruit, retain and induct student members of the corporation
Beth Walker, Vice-President Further Education, National Union ofStudents and Danny Douglas, FE Learner Voice Co-ordinator, NationalUnion of Students
- Key performance indicator of student responsiveness,
- Issues arising from the development of learner involvement strategies
- How LIS contributes to the journey from self assessment + external validation to self-regulation + monitoring
New Models of Delivery - Formalising partnerships to respond to changing business needs
Sue Rogers, Policy Adviser, FE Reform Unit, DIUS and John Korzeniewski, Regional Director Learning and Skills Council
This workshop will provide information on possible more formal models, such as joint committees, companies and trusts, for working with partners to respond to changing business needs. It will begin by covering areas for governing bodies to consider when developing plans for establishing or formalising collaborative arrangements which can help groups of providers respond to the needs of learners and potential learners, employers and communities. Attendees are invited to offer their experience of working closely with partners, for example in establishing companies or trusts, and to offer views on tailoring information for governors.
The workshop will provide an introduction and then allow for small group discussion. The presenters will be allowing time for attendees to provide examples from their own experience and to offer practical suggestions to tailor relevant information for other governors.
Delegates will gain a better understanding of the range of formal models possible and an opportunity to raise perceived barriers to pursuing particular models. We would hope attendees will be given enough information to see new opportunities and options to address their business needs.
Funding Capital Projects - top ten tips for Governors
Richard Watt, Director and Head of Education, Community and Government, Keith Norman, Relationship Director, Education, Mike Stevenson, Relationship Director, Education, Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets.
An interactive workshop to highlight our "Top 10 Tips" based on our experience of funding many Capital Projects in the Sector. The workshop will look at the management of projects from a Governors perspective and our aim will be to help and inform Governors to focus on the key issues and ask the right questions.
The workshop will take the form of an open and interactive presentation with plenty of time devoted to a lively question and answer debate.
Our aim is to ensure that we share "Best Practice" and that delegates come away with a better understanding of the critical success factors in managing a capital project and a greater appreciation of the key role that they can play in delivering their Colleges' vision.
