Post Update September 29th 2010

The college has again settled to the rigours of the teaching year. Students who only a few weeks ago appeared uncertain have again found their feet and are participating in all aspects of college life. As I write, a small group of our higher education students are preparing to be questioned by the QAA as part of the review of the University of Wales provision which is currently offered by the college. Increasingly students at college are expected to work in partnership and need to be included at all levels of decision making. This is clearly reflected in the new quality assurance regimes, be it for higher or further education.

A very warm welcome is extended to Bethan Roberts, the new Student Union President, who is currently a student at our Dolgellau Campus. She will be expected to play an important part in ensuring the seamlessness of the recent merger, whilst ensuring that the needs and expectations of all our students are recognised, regardless of campus location. The Students’ Union is an important stakeholder in responding effectively to the need for an enhanced presence for the learner voice.

In the context of stakeholders, an independent Governance review has recently been announced by the Welsh Assembly Government. This review will consider whether the current arrangements for further education institutions, as set out in the Instruments and Articles of Government remain relevant for the challenges and expectations that face the sector.

These challenges and expectations will of course be shaped by the forthcoming ‘Public Spending Review’ and the outcomes of the ‘transformation process’ which will impact on all parts of Wales.
These changes will inevitably demand a response which will involve developing new ways of working and the potential development of new Governance models.

The college has already successfully engaged with the transformation agenda which indirectly has led to the following:

- The Coleg Llandrillo / Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor merger.
- The reorganisation of post 16 education in Rhyl and the creation of the Rhyl 6th.
- New Learning Partnerships across the three counties covered by the college.
- New work based consortia, aimed at modernising the delivery of work based activities.
- The potential for dual sector operations in North West Wales, involving both HE and FE to improve progression and responsiveness.

The above initiatives are all at different stages of maturity but all represent new ways of working which will eventually demand new structures and new skills sets.
The challenge faced by colleges in all parts of the UK is indeed complex. On the one hand we need to become strategic bodes with the critical mass to invest in infrastructure and our staff, whilst on the other hand remaining close to our communities, and most importantly close to the student group.
The college is clearly responding to these new challenges and is already preparing for the forecasted financial downturn. The long term success will however be judged by our students, what they achieve and how they contribute to society. This must be at the core of all our activities and integral to future success.