Mae cychwyn fy nhymor olaf yn teimlo fel tir cwbl newydd i mi fel Pennaeth. Ar un llaw rwyf wrthi’n paratoi’r Coleg ar gyfer y dyfodol, gan baratoi’r ffordd ar gyfer yr uno gyda Choleg Menai, ac ar y llaw arall, rwy’n cychwyn cwblhau gwaith a chynllunio ar gyfer dyfodol gwahanol.
Cynhaliwyd y cyfarfodydd blynyddol i’r holl staff ym Mhwllheli, Dolgellau, Llandrillo-yn-Rhos a’r Rhyl. Eleni, y thema ganolog oedd cyrhaeddiad sefydliadol, cyrhaeddiad y myfyrwyr a llwyddiant y Coleg yn yr arholiadau diweddar gan ragori ar y perfformiad cenedlaethol ar bob lefel. Mae hyn yn gyrhaeddiad aruthrol i Goleg sydd â chymaint o fyfyrwyr wedi cofrestru i sefyll arholiad, ac mae’r canlyniadau’n glod i bawb a fu’n ymglymedig.
Roedd y cyfarfodydd hefyd yn gyfle i drafod goblygiadau’r uno sydd ar ddod. Bydd yn gyfle unigryw i adeiladu ar gryfderau’r ddau Goleg, gan greu strwythur grŵp, a chadw hunaniaeth dysgu’r tri Coleg a fydd yn rhan o Grŵp Llandrillo-Menai. Wrth i mi ysgrifennu rwy’n ymwybodol iawn o’r her enfawr sydd o’n blaenau dros y misoedd nesaf os ydym ni’n bwriadu cyrraedd y targed o uno erbyn Ebrill 1af 2012. Gobeithio y bydd secondiad diweddar Robin Beckmann o Adran Addysg a Sgiliau yn ein cynorthwyo i ddod â’r meysydd corfforaethol ynghyd i wneud hyn yn bosibl.
Mae’r broses o recriwtio Prif Weithredwr i’r Grŵp wedi cychwyn a bydd hysbysebion am y swydd i’w gweld yn fuan yn y wasg a’r cyfryngau cysylltiedig (rydym wedi penderfynu cadw’r sillafiad Cymraeg o Grŵp). Bydd y Coleg estynedig yn un o’r rhai mwyaf yn y DU a bydd yn creu her broffesiynol gyffrous iawn i’r sawl a gaiff ei b/phenodi. Bydd y swydd hefyd yn golygu y bydd yn creu cyfle i benodi swyddi Haen 2 a fydd wedyn yn ddeiliaid swyddi uwch y sefydliad estynedig.
Mae unrhyw newid yn golygu cyfnod o ansicrwydd i unrhyw un. Mae’r Coleg wedi ymrwymo i gwblhau’r uno a chreu’r grŵp estynedig mewn modd mor esmwyth â phosibl. Gwnaed addewid yn y deg ymrwymiad i gadw ac amddiffyn staff, ac mae copi ohono i’w weld isod. Mae’n debygol y bydd disgwyl i rai o’r staff uwch ymgymryd â swyddi newydd ac estynedig ond bydd gan bawb swydd yn y sefydliad diwygiedig.
Mae llawer o waith i’w wneud er mwyn paratoi’r ffordd ar gyfer yr uno sydd ar ddod. Y flaenoriaeth gychwynnol yw lleihau risg ac adnabod y swyddogaethau busnes critigol sydd angen bod yn eu lle erbyn Ebrill 1af 2012, i sicrhau y cawn drawsnewid effeithiol. Mae angen cynnal y broses ymgynghori â rhanddeiliaid a pharatoi ‘Achos Busnes’ cyn cyfarfodydd mis Rhagfyr a fydd naill ai’n cymeradwyo’r uno neu ddim.
Os oes gan staff gwestiynau mwy penodol yr hoffent eu gofyn, gallwch gysylltu â mi drwy’r Blog. Os oes gen i atebion, fe wnaf bob ymdrech i’w hateb, a buaswn yn fodlon cael trafodaeth gyda chi.
Grŵp Llandrillo-Menai
Uno’r Colegau: Deg Ymrwymiad
Mae Coleg Llandrillo Cymru a Choleg Menai’n cydweithio er mwyn edrych ar y posibilrwydd o uno’r ddau Goleg yn 2012. Byddai hyn yn ddatblygiad sylweddol o ran addysg a hyfforddiant yng Ngogledd Cymru, a byddai’n esgor ar gyfleoedd newydd i’r ddau Goleg.
Os bydd y Colegau’n uno i ffurfio Grŵp Llandrillo-Menai, yn ystod y broses uno, bydd y ddau Goleg yn ymrwymo i: -
1. Gadw hunaniaeth Coleg Menai, Coleg Llandrillo Cymru a Choleg Meirion-Dwyfor
2. Cadw’r holl gampysau, gan ymateb i’w anghenion a’u dyheadau
3. Buddsoddi’n deg yn isadeiledd y campysau, gan ymateb i anghenion lleol
4. Ehangu’r dewis a’r cyfleoedd sydd ar gael i ddysgwyr, gan sicrhau eu bod yn cael arweiniad diduedd
5. Sicrhau bod ethos dwyieithog pob safle’n cael ei ddatblygu ymhellach
6. Ehangu’r cwricwlwm dwyieithog a gynigir ar bob safle
7. Sicrhau bod y staff i gyd yn cael eu trin yn deg, a bod unrhyw newid a wneir i delerau ac amodau yn cael eu cytuno ar y cyd, yn unol â’r Rheoliadau Trosglwyddo Ymgymeriadau (Diogelu Cyflogaeth)
8. Cynnal perfformiad ariannol cadarn hanesyddol y Colegau, gan anelu at reoli newid heb orfod diswyddo’n orfodol
9. Datblygu cysylltiadau â chyflogwyr er mwyn sicrhau bod anghenion yr economi leol o ran sgiliau’n cael eu bodloni’n llwyr
10. Cynnal ac ehangu’r partneriaethau ag ysgolion, gan adlewyrchu’r ardal a sicrhau dewis da o gyrsiau galwedigaethol i ddysgwyr 14-19 oed.
The beginning of my final term as Principal feels like unchartered territory. On the one hand I’m beginning to prepare the College for the future, paving the way for the forthcoming merger with Coleg Menai, on the other beginning to tie up loose ends and plan for a different future.
The annual rounds of staff meetings have now been completed with meetings held in Pwllhelli, Dolgellau, Rhos-on-Sea and Rhyl. This year the themes concentrated on institutional achievement, student achievement and the recent examination successes of the College outstripping national performance for every level of examination. This represents a considerable achievement for a College with so many examination entries and a credit to all involved.
The meetings also allowed an opportunity to discuss the implications for the forthcoming merger. A unique opportunity to build on the strength of the two Colleges, whilst creating a grŵp structure, maintaining the delivery identities of the three Colleges which will become a part of the Llandrilllo-Menai Grŵp. As I write I’m also very conscious of the enormous task over the next few months if we are to meet the April 1st 2012 deadline to bring about the merger. The recent secondment of Robin Beckmann from the Department for Education & Skills will hopefully assist in drawing together the corporate strands to make it possible.
The process of recruiting a new Chief Executive for the Grŵp (we have decided to use the Welsh spelling of Group), has now effectively commenced and advertisements will soon be in the press and related media. The extended College will be one of the largest in the UK and will represent an exciting professional challenge for whomever is eventually successful. The decision will also open the way for the appointment of the Tier 2 positions who will form the senior post holders of the extended organisation.
Any period of change is seen by most as being unsettling. The College is committed to achieving the merger and the creation of the extended Grŵp in as seamless a way as possible. From the outset it has been stated that this is the merger of two strong colleges and there is no intention to initiate significant restructuring. A promise has been made in the ten commitments, a copy is included below, to preserve and protect staff. It is likely that some of the more senior staff will be expected to undertake new and extended roles but all will have a position in the revised organisation.
Much work now needs to be undertaken to prepare the way for the forthcoming merger. The initial priority is to minimise risk and identify the business critical functions which need to be in place by April 1st 2012, to ensure effective transition. The Stakeholder consultation process needs to be undertaken and the ‘Business Case’ prepared prior to the December meetings of the two Boards which will approve or otherwise the decision to merge.
If there are more specific questions which staff need to ask please contact me via the Blog. Every effort will be made to answer questions if answers are available, and I would be pleased to engage in dialogue.
Grŵp Llandrillo-Menai
College Merger: Ten Commitments
Coleg Llandrillo Cymru and Coleg Menai are working together to look at the possibility of merging the two Colleges in 2012. This would be a significant development for education and training in North Wales, bringing with it new opportunities for both Colleges.
If the Colleges merge to form Grŵp Llandrillo-Menai, during the merger process, both Colleges are committed to: -
1. Retaining the identities of Coleg Menai, Coleg Llandrillo Cymru and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor
2. Retaining all campuses, responding to their needs and aspirations
3. Investing in campus infrastructure in an equitable manner in response to local need
4. Enhancing the choices and opportunities for learners ensuring impartial learner guidance
5. Ensuring that the bilingual ethos of each site is further developed
6. Expanding the range of bilingual curriculum on all sites
7. Ensuring that all staff are treated fairly and that in accordance with TUPE any change in terms and conditions will be by mutual agreement
8. Maintaining the historically strong financial performance of the Colleges, thus aiming to manage change without the need for compulsory redundancies
9. Developing employers’ links to ensure that the skills needs of the local economy are fully met
10. Maintaining and expanding the partnerships with schools to reflect the area and ensure a rich vocational offer for 14-19 learners.
Thursday 8 September 2011
Monday 6 June 2011
June 2011
I was delighted to be present at the Colegau Cymru Awards presentation when the College was successful in gaining the ‘Maintaining and improving quality award for Wales’. This was a very competitiv
e category including some of the high achieving colleges in Wales. This provides the College with an excellent platform to continue the many initiatives which have been initiated to maintain this important agenda for the College. This allied to the release by Welsh Assembly Government of the Learner Outcomes data reflects well on student achievement at the College, placing us at the forefront of achievement in Wales.
Other achievements have recently included a clean sweep at the Niace Awards with the following staff being recognised for their achievements:
Rhian Evans - Basic Skills Tutor of the Year
Ms Helen Hodgkinson - Vocational Tutor of the Year
Mrs Melinda Gardner Digital Inclusion Award
Ms Eirlys Bowler - Further Education Learner of the Year
Congratulations are also extended to Michael Norton and Joyce Sneddon for their performance in their MA in Management Studies, recognised as being the highest marks awarded by the University of Wales, Newport in this category.
On a completely different note the meetings with managers to review efficiency are ongoing and strategies are now in place to achieve a £1million reduction in expenditure for the coming year, reflecting the uncertainty of future funding regimes. The College is working hard to future proof its activities to allow for long term sustainable developments. The recent disappointment of the reductions in work based activity have been compensated to a degree by successes in strategic European projects, which has facilitated a realignment of activity without unnecessary staff disruption. Nevertheless the College has had to face up to uncomfortable decisions to balance work based expenditure with income.
It was also a pleasure to visit the Glynllifon site last week and to undertake an informal tour of the ‘Pentre Addysg’. What an exciting project which will bring long term benefits to the area and provide the resource base for the land based industry which for some time has been lacking. We continue to have some concerns relating to the completion date for the project but I have recently been reassured that significant parts of the new build will be open to the new intake in September.
Our discussions with Coleg Menai have also reached a decisive phase and a joint Board conference in late June will pave the way for separate Board decisions in July as to whether the proposed merger scenario will become a reality. As no formal decisions have as yet been taken it is difficult to discuss in an open manner. Suffice to say that key staff at both Colleges are working hard on the project, which is expected to become the cornerstone of the ongoing response to transformation in Wales.
On a final note, blog readers may be aware that the book on the history of Coleg Llandrillo, will be entitled ‘O Grefft i Gryfder’ (From Skill to Strength) and will be formally released in the early Autumn. The book, written by Gill Evans, traces the growth and development of the College from its early beginnings to the point of the recent merger with Coleg Merion Dwyfor.
On a lighter note a
t the recent Colegau Cymru conference I was invited to present Richard Hart with a gift as recognition of his work with the FE sector over many years. Richard was most recently the Regional Director for North Wales - Welsh Assembly Government. His response is recorded below for posterity. Richard Hart pictured from right to left above pictured with myself and Dr John Graystone, Chief Executive, Colegau Cymru, 26 May 2011, Colegau Cymru Awards Presentation Cardiff Hilton
Ten Principals in a line
One named Fred and then there were nine
Nine civil servants deciding who to relocate
One sent to Llandudno Junction and then there were eight
Eight quango types thought ELWa was just heaven
But along came the Pop Factory and then there were seven
Seven Principals thought their budgets were in a fix
But I’m alright, said David Jones and then there were six
Those six College Principals saw their funding take a dive
Glyn Jones said Andrew Clark’ll look after me and then there were five
Five College Principals were now feeling rather poor
I’ll be safe if I merge with Llandrillo thought one and then there was four
Four College Principals just could not agree
So Paul Croke said I’m off and then there were three
Three Civil Servants wondering what to do
One took early retirement to become a NEET and then there was two
Two College Principals deciding how to have fun
Let’s have another merger said Huw and then there was one
One College Principal had no-one with whom to debate,
so he brought in Gavin Thomas at twice the hourly rate……
Roedd hi’n bleser gen i fod yn bresennol yng nghyflwyniad Gwobrau Colegau Cymru pan enillodd y Coleg ‘Wobr Cynnal a Gwella Ansawdd dros Gymru’. Roedd hwn yn gategori cystadleuol iawn gan gynnwys rhai o’r colegau mwyaf llwyddiannus yng Nghymru. Mae’r wobr yn rhoi platfform ardderchog i’r Coleg i barhau gyda sawl menter a gychwynnwyd i gadw’r agenda hwn sy’n bwysig iawn i’r Coleg. Mae hyn, ynghyd â data Canlyniadau Dysgwyr a gyhoeddwyd gan Lywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru, yn adlewyrchu’n dda ar gyrhaeddiad myfyrwyr yn y Coleg, gan ein rhoi ar flaen cyrhaeddiad yng Nghymru.
Mae cyraeddiadau eraill diweddar yn cynnwys llwyddiant yng Ngwobrau Niace ble cafodd cyraeddiadau’r staff canlynol eu cydnabod:
Rhian Evans – Tiwtor Sgiliau Sylfaenol y Flwyddyn
Ms Helen Hodgkinson – Tiwtor Galwedigaethol y Flwyddyn
Mrs Melinda Gardner – Gwobr Cynhwysiant Digidol
Ms Eirlys Bowler – Dysgwr Addysg Bellach y Flwyddyn
Fe hoffwn hefyd ddweud llongyfarchiadau wrth Michael Norton a Joyce Sneddon am ennill eu MA mewn Astudiaethau Rheolaeth, gan ennill y marciau uchaf a wobrwywyd gan Brifysgol Cymru, Casnewydd yn y categori hwn.
Ar nodyn cwbl wahanol, mae’r cyfarfodydd gyda’r rheolwyr er mwyn adolygu effeithiolrwydd yn parhau ac mae strategaethau nawr yn eu lle i wario £1 miliwn o bunnoedd yn llai dros y flwyddyn nesaf, gan adlewyrchu’r ansicrwydd yn y drefn gyllido ar gyfer y dyfodol. Mae’r Coleg yn gweithio’n galed i ddiogelu ei weithgareddau ar gyfer y dyfodol er mwyn galluogi i ddatblygiadau cynaliadwy hir dymor fynd yn eu blaen. Mae’r llwyddiant o ennill prosiectau Ewropeaidd strategol wedi gwneud yn iawn am y siom diweddar yng ngostyngiad mewn cytundeb seiliedig ar waith, sydd wedi golygu hwyluso aildrefnu’r gweithgaredd heb amharu gormod ar staff. Er hynny, mae’r Coleg wedi gorfod wynebu penderfyniadau anodd i gydbwyso gwariant seiliedig ar waith gydag incwm.
Roedd hi’n bleser ymweld â safle Glynllifon yr wythnos diwethaf i gael taith anffurfiol o amgylch y ‘Pentre Addysg’. Mae hwn yn brosiect a fydd yn creu manteision hir dymor i’r ardal ac yn darparu’r sylfaen o adnoddau ar gyfer diwydiant diwydiannau’r tir a fu’n brin ers tro. Mae pryderon ynghylch y dyddiad cwblhau yn parhau, ond cefais sicrwydd yn ddiweddar y bydd rhannau arwyddocaol o’r adeilad newydd ar agor i dderbyn myfyrwyr newydd ym mis Medi.
Mae’n trafodaethau gyda Choleg Menai wedi cyrraedd pwynt tyngedfennol, a bydd cynhadledd Bwrdd ar y cyd yn niwedd mis Mehefin yn paratoi’r ffordd i’r Byrddau wneud penderfyniadau ar wahân ym mis Gorffennaf, i weld a fydd yr uno’n troi’n realiti. Gan bod penderfyniad ffurfiol heb ei wneud eto, mae hi’n anodd trafod a sgwrsio mewn modd agored. Digon yw dweud bod staff allweddol y ddau Goleg yn gweithio’n galed ar y prosiect, a disgwylir iddo fod yn gonglfaen yn yr ymateb parhaus i drawsffurfio yng Nghymru.
Ar nodyn terfynol, efallai bod darllenwyr y blog yn ymwybodol mai teitl y llyfr am hanes Coleg Llandrillo fydd ‘O Grefft i Gryfder’, a chaiff ei gyhoeddi’n fuan yn yr hydref. Mae’r llyfr, a ysgrifennir gan Gill Evans, yn olrhain tyfiant a datblygiad y Coleg o’r dyddiau cynnar hyd at yr uno diweddar gyda Choleg Meirion-Dwyfor.
Ar nodyn ysgafnach, cefais wahoddiad i gyflwyno gwobr i Richard Hart yng nghynhadledd diweddar Colegau Cymru fel cydnabyddiaeth o’i waith yn y sector AB ers sawl blwyddyn. Yn fwyaf diweddar, roedd Richard yn Gyfarwyddwr Rhanbarthol Gogledd Cymru – Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru. Nodir ei ymateb isod:
Richard Hart 26 Mai 2011
Seremoni Cyflwyno Gwobrau Colegau Cymru, Gwestyr Hilton Caerdydd
Ten Principals in a line
One named Fred and then there were nine
Nine civil servants deciding who to relocate
One sent to Llandudno Junction and then there were eight
Eight quango types thought ELWa was just heaven
But along came the Pop Factory and then there were seven
Seven Principals thought their budgets were in a fix
But I’m alright, said David Jones and then there were six
Those six College Principals saw their funding take a dive
Glyn Jones said Andrew Clark’ll look after me and then there were five
Five College Principals were now feeling rather poor
I’ll be safe if I merge with Llandrillo thought one and then there was four
Four College Principals just could not agree
So Paul Croke said I’m off and then there were three
Three Civil Servants wondering what to do
One took early retirement to become a NEET and then there was two
Two College Principals deciding how to have fun
Let’s have another merger said Huw and then there was one
One College Principal had no-one with whom to debate,
so he brought in Gavin Thomas at twice the hourly rate……
e category including some of the high achieving colleges in Wales. This provides the College with an excellent platform to continue the many initiatives which have been initiated to maintain this important agenda for the College. This allied to the release by Welsh Assembly Government of the Learner Outcomes data reflects well on student achievement at the College, placing us at the forefront of achievement in Wales.Other achievements have recently included a clean sweep at the Niace Awards with the following staff being recognised for their achievements:
Rhian Evans - Basic Skills Tutor of the Year
Ms Helen Hodgkinson - Vocational Tutor of the Year
Mrs Melinda Gardner Digital Inclusion Award
Ms Eirlys Bowler - Further Education Learner of the Year
Congratulations are also extended to Michael Norton and Joyce Sneddon for their performance in their MA in Management Studies, recognised as being the highest marks awarded by the University of Wales, Newport in this category.
On a completely different note the meetings with managers to review efficiency are ongoing and strategies are now in place to achieve a £1million reduction in expenditure for the coming year, reflecting the uncertainty of future funding regimes. The College is working hard to future proof its activities to allow for long term sustainable developments. The recent disappointment of the reductions in work based activity have been compensated to a degree by successes in strategic European projects, which has facilitated a realignment of activity without unnecessary staff disruption. Nevertheless the College has had to face up to uncomfortable decisions to balance work based expenditure with income.
It was also a pleasure to visit the Glynllifon site last week and to undertake an informal tour of the ‘Pentre Addysg’. What an exciting project which will bring long term benefits to the area and provide the resource base for the land based industry which for some time has been lacking. We continue to have some concerns relating to the completion date for the project but I have recently been reassured that significant parts of the new build will be open to the new intake in September.
Our discussions with Coleg Menai have also reached a decisive phase and a joint Board conference in late June will pave the way for separate Board decisions in July as to whether the proposed merger scenario will become a reality. As no formal decisions have as yet been taken it is difficult to discuss in an open manner. Suffice to say that key staff at both Colleges are working hard on the project, which is expected to become the cornerstone of the ongoing response to transformation in Wales.
On a final note, blog readers may be aware that the book on the history of Coleg Llandrillo, will be entitled ‘O Grefft i Gryfder’ (From Skill to Strength) and will be formally released in the early Autumn. The book, written by Gill Evans, traces the growth and development of the College from its early beginnings to the point of the recent merger with Coleg Merion Dwyfor.
On a lighter note a
t the recent Colegau Cymru conference I was invited to present Richard Hart with a gift as recognition of his work with the FE sector over many years. Richard was most recently the Regional Director for North Wales - Welsh Assembly Government. His response is recorded below for posterity. Richard Hart pictured from right to left above pictured with myself and Dr John Graystone, Chief Executive, Colegau Cymru, 26 May 2011, Colegau Cymru Awards Presentation Cardiff HiltonTen Principals in a line
One named Fred and then there were nine
Nine civil servants deciding who to relocate
One sent to Llandudno Junction and then there were eight
Eight quango types thought ELWa was just heaven
But along came the Pop Factory and then there were seven
Seven Principals thought their budgets were in a fix
But I’m alright, said David Jones and then there were six
Those six College Principals saw their funding take a dive
Glyn Jones said Andrew Clark’ll look after me and then there were five
Five College Principals were now feeling rather poor
I’ll be safe if I merge with Llandrillo thought one and then there was four
Four College Principals just could not agree
So Paul Croke said I’m off and then there were three
Three Civil Servants wondering what to do
One took early retirement to become a NEET and then there was two
Two College Principals deciding how to have fun
Let’s have another merger said Huw and then there was one
One College Principal had no-one with whom to debate,
so he brought in Gavin Thomas at twice the hourly rate……
Roedd hi’n bleser gen i fod yn bresennol yng nghyflwyniad Gwobrau Colegau Cymru pan enillodd y Coleg ‘Wobr Cynnal a Gwella Ansawdd dros Gymru’. Roedd hwn yn gategori cystadleuol iawn gan gynnwys rhai o’r colegau mwyaf llwyddiannus yng Nghymru. Mae’r wobr yn rhoi platfform ardderchog i’r Coleg i barhau gyda sawl menter a gychwynnwyd i gadw’r agenda hwn sy’n bwysig iawn i’r Coleg. Mae hyn, ynghyd â data Canlyniadau Dysgwyr a gyhoeddwyd gan Lywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru, yn adlewyrchu’n dda ar gyrhaeddiad myfyrwyr yn y Coleg, gan ein rhoi ar flaen cyrhaeddiad yng Nghymru.
Mae cyraeddiadau eraill diweddar yn cynnwys llwyddiant yng Ngwobrau Niace ble cafodd cyraeddiadau’r staff canlynol eu cydnabod:
Rhian Evans – Tiwtor Sgiliau Sylfaenol y Flwyddyn
Ms Helen Hodgkinson – Tiwtor Galwedigaethol y Flwyddyn
Mrs Melinda Gardner – Gwobr Cynhwysiant Digidol
Ms Eirlys Bowler – Dysgwr Addysg Bellach y Flwyddyn
Fe hoffwn hefyd ddweud llongyfarchiadau wrth Michael Norton a Joyce Sneddon am ennill eu MA mewn Astudiaethau Rheolaeth, gan ennill y marciau uchaf a wobrwywyd gan Brifysgol Cymru, Casnewydd yn y categori hwn.
Ar nodyn cwbl wahanol, mae’r cyfarfodydd gyda’r rheolwyr er mwyn adolygu effeithiolrwydd yn parhau ac mae strategaethau nawr yn eu lle i wario £1 miliwn o bunnoedd yn llai dros y flwyddyn nesaf, gan adlewyrchu’r ansicrwydd yn y drefn gyllido ar gyfer y dyfodol. Mae’r Coleg yn gweithio’n galed i ddiogelu ei weithgareddau ar gyfer y dyfodol er mwyn galluogi i ddatblygiadau cynaliadwy hir dymor fynd yn eu blaen. Mae’r llwyddiant o ennill prosiectau Ewropeaidd strategol wedi gwneud yn iawn am y siom diweddar yng ngostyngiad mewn cytundeb seiliedig ar waith, sydd wedi golygu hwyluso aildrefnu’r gweithgaredd heb amharu gormod ar staff. Er hynny, mae’r Coleg wedi gorfod wynebu penderfyniadau anodd i gydbwyso gwariant seiliedig ar waith gydag incwm.
Roedd hi’n bleser ymweld â safle Glynllifon yr wythnos diwethaf i gael taith anffurfiol o amgylch y ‘Pentre Addysg’. Mae hwn yn brosiect a fydd yn creu manteision hir dymor i’r ardal ac yn darparu’r sylfaen o adnoddau ar gyfer diwydiant diwydiannau’r tir a fu’n brin ers tro. Mae pryderon ynghylch y dyddiad cwblhau yn parhau, ond cefais sicrwydd yn ddiweddar y bydd rhannau arwyddocaol o’r adeilad newydd ar agor i dderbyn myfyrwyr newydd ym mis Medi.
Mae’n trafodaethau gyda Choleg Menai wedi cyrraedd pwynt tyngedfennol, a bydd cynhadledd Bwrdd ar y cyd yn niwedd mis Mehefin yn paratoi’r ffordd i’r Byrddau wneud penderfyniadau ar wahân ym mis Gorffennaf, i weld a fydd yr uno’n troi’n realiti. Gan bod penderfyniad ffurfiol heb ei wneud eto, mae hi’n anodd trafod a sgwrsio mewn modd agored. Digon yw dweud bod staff allweddol y ddau Goleg yn gweithio’n galed ar y prosiect, a disgwylir iddo fod yn gonglfaen yn yr ymateb parhaus i drawsffurfio yng Nghymru.
Ar nodyn terfynol, efallai bod darllenwyr y blog yn ymwybodol mai teitl y llyfr am hanes Coleg Llandrillo fydd ‘O Grefft i Gryfder’, a chaiff ei gyhoeddi’n fuan yn yr hydref. Mae’r llyfr, a ysgrifennir gan Gill Evans, yn olrhain tyfiant a datblygiad y Coleg o’r dyddiau cynnar hyd at yr uno diweddar gyda Choleg Meirion-Dwyfor.
Ar nodyn ysgafnach, cefais wahoddiad i gyflwyno gwobr i Richard Hart yng nghynhadledd diweddar Colegau Cymru fel cydnabyddiaeth o’i waith yn y sector AB ers sawl blwyddyn. Yn fwyaf diweddar, roedd Richard yn Gyfarwyddwr Rhanbarthol Gogledd Cymru – Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru. Nodir ei ymateb isod:
Richard Hart 26 Mai 2011
Seremoni Cyflwyno Gwobrau Colegau Cymru, Gwestyr Hilton Caerdydd
Ten Principals in a line
One named Fred and then there were nine
Nine civil servants deciding who to relocate
One sent to Llandudno Junction and then there were eight
Eight quango types thought ELWa was just heaven
But along came the Pop Factory and then there were seven
Seven Principals thought their budgets were in a fix
But I’m alright, said David Jones and then there were six
Those six College Principals saw their funding take a dive
Glyn Jones said Andrew Clark’ll look after me and then there were five
Five College Principals were now feeling rather poor
I’ll be safe if I merge with Llandrillo thought one and then there was four
Four College Principals just could not agree
So Paul Croke said I’m off and then there were three
Three Civil Servants wondering what to do
One took early retirement to become a NEET and then there was two
Two College Principals deciding how to have fun
Let’s have another merger said Huw and then there was one
One College Principal had no-one with whom to debate,
so he brought in Gavin Thomas at twice the hourly rate……
Tuesday 11 January 2011
As I write early in January, the snow has again returned making this one of the longest cold spells I can remember as Principal of the college. It was certainly the first time I can remember at least eight inches of snow on the Rhos campus a week before Christmas, with resultant severe disruption to many of our sites, particularly in Dolgellau and Pwllheli. All in all college services coped well with minimum disruption to students and staff.
As all staff will now be aware, prior to Christmas I formally announced my intention to retire with effect from 31 August 2011. This was a difficult decision following 22 years as Principal which has coincided with a period of unprecedented growth, change and development, culminating in the recent merger with Coleg Meirion Dwyfor. For me personally this has been one of the most rewarding, challenging and enjoyable periods of my life, working alongside some of the best people in the FE sector in the UK. The letters of support and congratulations I have received have been touching and greatly appreciated.
As I’ve previously indicated this is a time of great change within Wales. The transformation agenda, public sector expenditure cuts and the pressure to modernise public services, mean that no transitionary period can be straightforward. There is always the pressure to consider strategic options to work on creating different delivery models and to ensure best value. These are forces currently being addressed by local authorities, universities, colleges and hospital trusts. Increasingly regional or sub-regional models are being considered, which may involve institutional reconfiguration. From an institutional perspective I am clearly influenced by the successes of the last 15-20 years which has been made possible as a result of self determination and the incorporation of institutions. This has resulted in colleges increasing participation, improving their response to industry and developing a quality profile which is outstanding. Any alternative model would have to be powerful indeed to enable these successes to be matched over the coming fifteen or so years.
Currently the FE Governance Review and the Public Services Review team may well propose changes which will impact on the current governance and management structure of the college. I clearly see my role during the last few months of tenure as Principal to position Coleg Llandrillo to fully benefit in the interests of staff and students from the changes when they emerge.
There is now more of a need for institutional leadership and learning system leadership than ever. This will involve developing a strategy which is deliverable, focussing on learners and continually developing staff to create high performing teams. I also have a feeling that the successes of the future will be linked to those organisations that are prepared to be ‘brave’ and radical and develop a different mindset.
As all staff will now be aware, prior to Christmas I formally announced my intention to retire with effect from 31 August 2011. This was a difficult decision following 22 years as Principal which has coincided with a period of unprecedented growth, change and development, culminating in the recent merger with Coleg Meirion Dwyfor. For me personally this has been one of the most rewarding, challenging and enjoyable periods of my life, working alongside some of the best people in the FE sector in the UK. The letters of support and congratulations I have received have been touching and greatly appreciated.
As I’ve previously indicated this is a time of great change within Wales. The transformation agenda, public sector expenditure cuts and the pressure to modernise public services, mean that no transitionary period can be straightforward. There is always the pressure to consider strategic options to work on creating different delivery models and to ensure best value. These are forces currently being addressed by local authorities, universities, colleges and hospital trusts. Increasingly regional or sub-regional models are being considered, which may involve institutional reconfiguration. From an institutional perspective I am clearly influenced by the successes of the last 15-20 years which has been made possible as a result of self determination and the incorporation of institutions. This has resulted in colleges increasing participation, improving their response to industry and developing a quality profile which is outstanding. Any alternative model would have to be powerful indeed to enable these successes to be matched over the coming fifteen or so years.
Currently the FE Governance Review and the Public Services Review team may well propose changes which will impact on the current governance and management structure of the college. I clearly see my role during the last few months of tenure as Principal to position Coleg Llandrillo to fully benefit in the interests of staff and students from the changes when they emerge.
There is now more of a need for institutional leadership and learning system leadership than ever. This will involve developing a strategy which is deliverable, focussing on learners and continually developing staff to create high performing teams. I also have a feeling that the successes of the future will be linked to those organisations that are prepared to be ‘brave’ and radical and develop a different mindset.
Wrth ysgrifennu’n fuan ym mis Ionawr, mae’r eira unwaith eto wedi dychwelyd gan ei gwneud yn un o’r cyfnodau oeraf y gallaf ei gofio fel Prifathro’r coleg. Yn bendant, dyma’r tro cyntaf y gallai gofio o leiaf wyth modfedd o eira ar gampws Rhos yr wythnos cyn y Nadolig, ac o ganlyniad roedd ymyrraeth ddifrifol ar nifer o’n safleoedd, yn enwedig yn Nolgellau a Phwllheli. Ar y cyfan, llwyddodd gwasanaethau’r coleg i ymdopi’n dda gydag ychydig o ymyrraeth i fyfyrwyr a staff.
Fel y gŵyr y staff, cyn y Nadolig, cyhoeddais yn ffurfiol fy mod yn bwriadu ymddeol, yn weithredol o 31 Awst 2011. Roedd hwn yn benderfyniad anodd i mi yn dilyn 22 mlynedd fel Prifathro a oedd yn cyd-fynd â chyfnod o dyfiant, newid a datblygiad na welwyd mo’u tebyg o’r blaen, gan ddiweddu gyda’r uno diweddar gyda Choleg Meirion-Dwyfor. I mi’n bersonol, bu’n un o gyfnodau mwyaf buddiol, heriol a phleserus o fy mywyd, gan gydweithio â rhai o’r bobl orau yn y sector AB yn y DU. Mae’r llythyrau o gefnogaeth a llongyfarchiadau a dderbyniais wedi bod yn deimladwy ac rwy’n eu gwerthfawrogi’n fawr.
Fel y dwedais eisoes, mae hi’n gyfnod o newid mawr yng Nghymru. Mae’r agenda trawsnewid, toriadau ar wariant y sector gyhoeddus a’r pwysau i foderneiddio gwasanaethau cyhoeddus, yn golygu na all unrhyw gyfnod o drawsnewidiad fod yn syml. Mae yna bwysau cyson i ystyried opsiynau strategol i weithio i greu modelau dysgu gwahanol ac i sicrhau’r gwerth gorau. Mae awdurdodau lleol, prifysgolion, colegau ac ymddiriedolaethau ysbytai yn cyfeirio at y grymoedd ar hyn o bryd. Mae modelau rhanbarthol neu is-ranbarthol yn cael eu hystyried yn gynyddol, a gallai hyn olygu ailgyflunio sefydliadol. O safbwynt sefydliadol, yn amlwg dylanwadir arnaf gan lwyddiant y 15-20 mlynedd diwethaf a fu’n bosibl o ganlyniad i hunanbenderfyniad ac ymgorffori sefydliadau. Golygodd hyn fod colegau wedi cynyddu cyfranogiad, wedi gwella eu hymateb i ddiwydiant a chreu proffil ansawdd sy’n rhagorol. Byddai’n rhaid i unrhyw fodel arall fod yn un pwerus iawn i alluogi fod y llwyddiannau dros y pymtheg mlynedd neu fwy i ddod cystal â’r rhai blaenorol.
Gallai tîm Adolygu Llywodraethu AB a thîm Adolygu Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus gynnig newidiadau a fydd yn effeithio ar strwythur llywodraethu a rheolaeth bresennol y coleg. Yn amlwg, fy rôl yn ystod fy misoedd olaf yn y swydd fel Prifathro fydd i osod Coleg Llandrillo mewn safle ble y gall wneud y mwyaf o’r newidiadau pan fyddant yn digwydd er budd y staff a’r myfyrwyr.
Fwy nag erioed, mae nawr angen arweinyddiaeth sefydliadol ac arweinyddiaeth system ddysgu. Bydd hyn yn golygu creu strategaeth y gellir ei gyflwyno, gan ganolbwyntio ar ddysgwyr a datblygu staff yn barhaus i greu timau sy’n perfformio’n uchel. Mae gen i deimlad hefyd y bydd llwyddiannau’r dyfodol yn gysylltiedig i’r sefydliadau hynny sy’n barod i fod yn ‘ddewr’ a radical, gan feithrin ffordd gwahanol o feddwl.
Fel y gŵyr y staff, cyn y Nadolig, cyhoeddais yn ffurfiol fy mod yn bwriadu ymddeol, yn weithredol o 31 Awst 2011. Roedd hwn yn benderfyniad anodd i mi yn dilyn 22 mlynedd fel Prifathro a oedd yn cyd-fynd â chyfnod o dyfiant, newid a datblygiad na welwyd mo’u tebyg o’r blaen, gan ddiweddu gyda’r uno diweddar gyda Choleg Meirion-Dwyfor. I mi’n bersonol, bu’n un o gyfnodau mwyaf buddiol, heriol a phleserus o fy mywyd, gan gydweithio â rhai o’r bobl orau yn y sector AB yn y DU. Mae’r llythyrau o gefnogaeth a llongyfarchiadau a dderbyniais wedi bod yn deimladwy ac rwy’n eu gwerthfawrogi’n fawr.
Fel y dwedais eisoes, mae hi’n gyfnod o newid mawr yng Nghymru. Mae’r agenda trawsnewid, toriadau ar wariant y sector gyhoeddus a’r pwysau i foderneiddio gwasanaethau cyhoeddus, yn golygu na all unrhyw gyfnod o drawsnewidiad fod yn syml. Mae yna bwysau cyson i ystyried opsiynau strategol i weithio i greu modelau dysgu gwahanol ac i sicrhau’r gwerth gorau. Mae awdurdodau lleol, prifysgolion, colegau ac ymddiriedolaethau ysbytai yn cyfeirio at y grymoedd ar hyn o bryd. Mae modelau rhanbarthol neu is-ranbarthol yn cael eu hystyried yn gynyddol, a gallai hyn olygu ailgyflunio sefydliadol. O safbwynt sefydliadol, yn amlwg dylanwadir arnaf gan lwyddiant y 15-20 mlynedd diwethaf a fu’n bosibl o ganlyniad i hunanbenderfyniad ac ymgorffori sefydliadau. Golygodd hyn fod colegau wedi cynyddu cyfranogiad, wedi gwella eu hymateb i ddiwydiant a chreu proffil ansawdd sy’n rhagorol. Byddai’n rhaid i unrhyw fodel arall fod yn un pwerus iawn i alluogi fod y llwyddiannau dros y pymtheg mlynedd neu fwy i ddod cystal â’r rhai blaenorol.
Gallai tîm Adolygu Llywodraethu AB a thîm Adolygu Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus gynnig newidiadau a fydd yn effeithio ar strwythur llywodraethu a rheolaeth bresennol y coleg. Yn amlwg, fy rôl yn ystod fy misoedd olaf yn y swydd fel Prifathro fydd i osod Coleg Llandrillo mewn safle ble y gall wneud y mwyaf o’r newidiadau pan fyddant yn digwydd er budd y staff a’r myfyrwyr.
Fwy nag erioed, mae nawr angen arweinyddiaeth sefydliadol ac arweinyddiaeth system ddysgu. Bydd hyn yn golygu creu strategaeth y gellir ei gyflwyno, gan ganolbwyntio ar ddysgwyr a datblygu staff yn barhaus i greu timau sy’n perfformio’n uchel. Mae gen i deimlad hefyd y bydd llwyddiannau’r dyfodol yn gysylltiedig i’r sefydliadau hynny sy’n barod i fod yn ‘ddewr’ a radical, gan feithrin ffordd gwahanol o feddwl.
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