This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Review of Scotland's FE colleges
30/05/2002
A review of how Scotland's colleges are governed was launched today.
Launching the review, Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning, Iain Gray said that Scotland's further education colleges required the very highest standards of leadership and governance.
He added:
"Scotland's 42 FE colleges have been a top priority and have received a record 50% increase in investment over the life of the Scottish Parliament. With such a substantial investment we have a duty to both the students and the taxpayer to ensure that the maximum return is achieved.
"I invite everyone with an interest in FE in Scotland to contribute to the review by commenting on how FE should be governed and accountable.
"The FE colleges play a crucial dual role in delivering the Executive's lifelong learning agenda. They are achieving success in opening up access to FE to those from disadvantaged groups. And they are giving Scots the skills they need to compete for the jobs of tomorrow.
"It is vital that we have a dynamic and responsive framework for the governance and management of colleges. That means ensuring that those who lead the colleges - their boards of management - comprise people with the right skills and commitment to deliver our challenging agenda.
The review will be wide-ranging and encompasses the following issues:
- Appointment of board members
- Securing the right skills mix
- Guidance, induction, training and development
- Resourcing improvements in governance and management
- Ministers' powers to intervene directly in cases of poor governance
- SFEFC Chief Executive's powers to ensure propriety and value for money in the stewardship of public funds
Ministers gave a commitment to review how colleges are governed following a recommendation made by the Parliament's Audit Committee last December.
The review follows a recommendation by the Parliament's Audit Committee following its report on alleged financial mismanagement and irregularities at Moray College.
The consultation paper will assess the effectiveness of the current governance and accountability arrangements and inform decisions by Ministers on how they might be improved.