Further and Adult Education Division Contacts
Simply click on the headings below to access the contact details you require:
The Further and Adult Education Division (FAED) is part of the Lifelong Learning Directorate, which sits within the Education and Lifelong Learning portfolio. The Lifelong Learning Directorate consists of a number of divisions which provide policy advice and support to Ministers on issues ranging from further and adult education, higher education and learner support, employability and skills, community learning and development (Learning Connections), through to enterprise and employability for young people. The Scottish Government is taking a holistic approach to the encouragement of learning for life, learning throughout life. From early education, to supporting children, families and communities; to improving learning in schools; developing skills for and in work; and promoting excellence, innovation, science and research. We have recently restructured as an organisation to help deliver on this aspiration for a holistic approach to learning, from cradle to grave, whilst also retaining responsibility for the four other Government priorities (healthier; wealthier and fairer; greener and safer and stronger).
Peter's team looks after a range of issues relating primarily to the development needs of college staff and the learning, and qualifications, that colleges deliver. It also leads on the development and implementation of the Government's adult ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) strategy for Scotland. The main aims of the team are to:
- support the development of college staff in Scotland;
- provide policy input and advice in respect of the qualifications delivered by Scotland's Colleges;
- lead the implementation of the Adult ESOL strategy for Scotland;
- leading the college sector's interest and involvement in Curriculum for Excellence; and
- quality assurance matters.
Peter's team also develops policy on enhancing vocational learning opportunities for pupils by supporting school and college partnerships, including overseeing the implementation of Lifelong Partners, the Government's strategy for school and college partnership.
The team recently merged with the Adult Literacy, Numeracy and Community Based Adult Learning Team, bringing the follow issues under the team's jurisdiction:
- Adult literacy and numeracy, currently refreshing the Adult Literacy and Numeracy strategy to ensure that literacies continues to make a strong contribution to Ministers' objectives on skills.
- Community Based Adult Learning (CBAL), administering a grant scheme which assists national CBAL voluntary organisations
Back to the Top
George's team leads on a varied range of strategic and college-specific issues. Ministers receive frequent representations about the college sector, and George's team provides advice on these, and on how Ministers might choose to respond or react. The team has recently been involved in issues such major estates developments and potential mergers; safeguarding the charitable status of colleges; Gaelic college issues; financial health; and industrial relations. The team also supports Ministers' engagement with the college sector, providing advice and briefing for speeches, visits and meetings. More generally the team:
- takes responsibility for college governance arrangements;
- provides a communication link between Ministers and the sector;
- ensures Ministers are made aware promptly of emerging issues in the college sector;
- replies to correspondence on behalf of Ministers and drafts replies for Ministers to use in response to Written and Oral Parliamentary Questions;
- works with the press office to advise Ministers on media issues;
- supports the 'FE-HE Roundtable' (a forum which involves all the key agencies in the college sector); and
- provides a quality administrative support service across the branches, with an emphasis on delivering results.
George's team was also responsible for the Review of Scotland's Colleges (ROSCO) and its four workstreams:
- the Difference Colleges Make (to the learner, the economy and wider society);
- Staffing, Learners and Learning Environments;
- Accountability and Governance; and
- Colleges' Strategic Future.
His team works with SFC and others to ensure implementation of ROSCO recommendations which were agreed by Ministers.
Back to the Top
Gillian's team is responsible for maintaining close links with the Funding Council and SDS, as 'Sponsor' Branch, manages appointments to both, and ensures that they deliver against Ministerial priorities. It also ensures via monthly disbursements to the funding council, that Scotland's colleges and universities have the resources they need to operate. In addition, it prepares strategic guidance to both organisations.
Back to the Top
Strategic Funding and International - Ann McVie
Ann has overall responsibility for the work of the team and for sustainable development elements of Scottish Government further and higher Education Policy.
Alex Young's part of the team has lead responsibility for international aspects of further and higher education policy, focusing on these main areas:
1) Working with colleges and universities on collaborative international education activity
2) Having overall responsibility for scholarships for international students coming to Scotland through both Scottish and UK-wide programmes
3) Promoting Scottish tertiary education interests in overseas markets, including:
- working with British Council Scotland and Education UK Scotland
- working within the UK-wide Prime Minister's Initiative on international education
4) Leading on immigration issues for international students and staff in Scottish colleges and universities
5) Promoting Scottish tertiary education interests within wider policy developments and programmes, including the Bologna Process for higher education reform in Europe
Back to the Top
Residency and Supplementary Student Support Team - Kathleen Robertson
Kathleen leads a team which is responsible for a number of learner and access related issues which cut across both further and higher education.
College related priorities include:
- Leading on the FHE elements of a number of cross cutting Scottish Executive policies including public sector workforce development, sustainable development
- Implementing and making arrangements for monitoring widening access measures for Further and Higher Education.
- Supporting the update of the Partnership Matters including publication.
- Jointly leading work with COSLA and other partners on funding arrangements and support for students with complex additional support needs who study outside Scotland.
Back to the Top