Quality & Standards Committee Meeting: Monday 5 June 2017 4.00pm Frontier House Present: Jackie Flynn Lindsay Harford (Chair) Sally Hanson Pat Walkington In Attendance: Kimberley Cash, Assistant Principal, Student Performance (part meeting) Michael J Walsh (Deputy Principal) Nigel Tyrer (Clerk) Rebekah Wilkins, Director Marketing and Learner Services 16/35/QS Apologies: Josh Bates, John Spindler Absent: None 16/36/QS Declarations of Interest: Pat Walkington declared a family member, employed by the Salford University, worked with the College in relation to some HE courses. This was simply noted in view of the items for discussion at the meeting. 16/37/QS Election of Chair and Vice Chair The Clerk invited nominations for the role of Chair of the Committee. Lindsay Harford was proposed, seconded and duly elected to the role. She then invited nominations for the role of Vice Chair and Pat Walkington was nominated, seconded and duly elected to the role. 16/38/QS Minutes of the Standards Committee Meeting of 20 March 2017 Resolution 16/38/QS The minutes of the Standards Committee Meeting are approved as a correct record 16/39/QS Matters Arising: 16/20/QS (L.A. Task Force) confirmed as in the papers for the meeting 16/25/QS FE Choices Survey/student recommendation of the College. The Deputy Principal (DP) advised that no further data analysis was possible as raw data was limited in relation to this survey. The results from the latest FE Choices Survey will be available for the next meeting. The Director for Marketing and Learner Services (DoMLS) also referred to her paper and the Ofsted Survey which showed a 92% recommendation level. 16/25/QS Enrolment Survey The DP confirmed there had been an increase in the direct level of involvement from both himself and the CEO/Principal with local Headteachers. The DP referred to collaborative working with one school as an example of this. 16/28/QS Student Council Meetings The Chair of Corporation confirmed she had attended the March meeting of the Student Executive Council and had observed good diversity in the group. There was a discussion about the role of the President of the Student Council as he had not chaired the meeting, and in relation to his role as the Student Governor. Governors were concerned that the Student Governor had not attended any meetings of the Corporation or its Committees during the year as this had impacted on their ability to engage directly with the Student Voice. Reference was made to the AoC Code of Good Governance in relation to the role of the Student Governor. The Clerk was asked to provide a copy to the DoMLS and to send one to all Corporation members. The DoMLS advised members that the President of the Student Council had been very active in his role and regretted that due to personal circumstances he had not been able to fulfil his role as Student Governor. It was agreed that this was the first year that this had been the case and members looked forward to a more active involvement in future years. The Chair invited the DoMLS to comment on the table of additional information in relation to an item at the previous meeting (16/28/OS), showing the various meetings of the Student Council and the Executive Student Council. The data was explained and it was noted that attendance varies across centres and at different times. The DoMLS offered to send the Clerk additional attendance data where this was not evident. It was confirmed that the approach is kept under review and that the meetings are supported by the DoMLS and her team, along with the team of Personal Tutors. She also confirmed the CEO/Principal and DP attend the first meeting of the Executive Student Council. The Chair explained that, as a key part of their role, Governors need to be aware of the Student Voice. The DoMLS confirmed she was happy to make arrangements for them to attend other student forums and it was agreed that options should be explored. Reference was also made to the introduction of the Link Governor scheme in the Autumn. 1 W:\CORPORATION\16-17\Committee QUALITY and STANDARDS\3 5 June 2017\17 06 05 Quality and Standards Committee Minutes Chair approved.docx
16/40/QS Safeguarding Update Report / Policy Renewal Kimberley Cash, Assistant Principal, Student Performance (APSP) joined the meeting at 4.30pm. The APSP explained that the basis of comparison for the report was an approximation as individual termly data had not been used last year. Overall, the number of incidents recorded was broadly in line with past experience. The most frequent issues reported related to mental health. She confirmed that the Progress Team were working with students to develop the SCC Mental Health campaign AWARE (tag line It s OK not to be OK ) and that this will involve students in presentations, with the aim of engaging as many students as possible. A launch is planned as part of the induction programme in September 2017. The APSP explained the breakdown of incidents across the centres and confirmed that all issues are reported in the same way to ensure consistency. Members were reassured by her confirmation that retention for Looked After Children (LAC) was 100%, which indicated that that the support available to these students is effective. In answer to a question it was confirmed that LAC included those who had been adopted. The APSP also reported that links with the Local Authority relating to students from the Gypsy Roma community are being maintained and that these students are fully engaged in College life. The reference to the Self Assessment Report (SAR) action plan to students feeling safe in College was noted; the APSP advised that improvements were apparent and that these continue to be monitored. A governor commented on the amount of work dedicated to supporting students and referred to proposals made in the Annual Business Review (ABR) which would alter the management structure of the teams providing support. The DP commented on later amendments to the original proposals and considered that these would mean an actual increase in resourcing for Safeguarding. He also confirmed that, under the revised proposals the team would continue to be managed via the curriculum line. The link governors for Safeguarding said they felt reassured by the revised proposals, which had been well received by other governors. The DP referred to recent terror incidents and the continued importance of the PREVENT agenda as an element of Safeguarding work. Members noted that it was likely that revised guidance would be issued by the Government, and that managers were currently reviewing national guidelines. The Clerk commented on governors currently undertaking refresher training on their responsibilities in this area. The APSP confirmed she will be attend a PREVENT training course, which the Director of HR had already attended. Governors asked about students affected by the Manchester attack and Officers confirmed that some students had attended the concert but that none had been physically affected. The additional support provided to students following the incident was outlined, including the involvement of the College Counsellor. Governors welcome the various events that had taken place, including observing a minutes silence at the college. Governors asked about referrals made to the authorities (Channel) as part of the PREVENT agenda and it was confirmed one referral had been made and this had been fully followed up. Members considered the Safeguarding Policy document that had been submitted for review. They were advised only minor changes (e.g. job titles) had been made since the last approval and that it included the latest guidance from the DfE. Governors confirmed that they were content to recommend approval of the policy to the Corporation but commented that the next version should incorporate the PREVENT action plan in addition to the current cross reference to the PREVENT strategy APSP to action. Resolution 16/40/QS The committee recommends to the Corporation the approval of the Safeguarding Policy, for further review in 12 months. The DP tabled a document sent from Salford City Council, issued to all governing bodies, via Headteachers outlining the Salford Safeguarding Board (SCCB) Section 11 Audit and Emerging Issues. He explained the College complete a section 11 Audit each year as required by the SCCB. However, the SCCB now also require all governing bodies to complete a return to confirm that the 5 emerging issues identified from all the Section 11 Audits they receive are being addressed at individual institutions. It was noted that this was primarily aimed at schools in the Salford area and that some of the requirements were school specific, with 2
related Government legislation differing for Colleges. The Clerk confirmed he had spoken to the Council and that college equivalents are acceptable if they provide a clear audit trail and entries cannot not be deleted without a record being kept. He also confirmed that the College undertakes DBS checks (previously CRB checks) for Governors when they join the Corporation, although this was not a legal requirement. Following discussions, it was agreed that the College was compliant with the requirements of each of the 5 emerging issues in the report and members agreed the return should be submitted accordingly. The DP was asked to update the report and submit it to the Council. The Chair thanked the Officers present for the report and their input in to the discussions. The APSP left the meeting at 5.10pm to attend a College event 16/41/QS Safeguarding Members Update The Chair referred to changes to the ABR proposals relating to Safeguarding and commented that she and the other link governor now felt reassured that the proposed changes would maintain the level of support for students. She commented on the flexibility shown by the Executive in response to concerns raised by governors. 16/42/QS Student Services Report The DoMLS introduced her report and each section was taken in turn, as follows: Counselling records indicated an increase in the number of cases that have been dealt with, in line with general external trends relating to mental health and members noted the link to the earlier Safeguarding report and discussions. The distribution of cases across centres and subjects was noted. Members were advised that College was working with the NHS, to provide a part funded health worker, with a September 2017 start, for 1 year initially. The DoMLS confirmed the College was being guided by work being undertaken by the AoC to identify support available. Members noted that student feedback had been very positive and that 94% of those students seen had been retained. The DoMLS confirmed new students are made aware of the service at enrolment. Student Council The DoMLS confirmed the members are active in various projects that help shape the student experience at the College. The Chair referred to case studies being a useful way to enhance governor understanding. Various examples of the work undertaken were given by Officers, including by the Pendleton Student Collective and student taskforce. Reference was also made to student involvement in the Principal s Question Time held each term at each centre. In answer to a question, the DoMLS confirmed students could contribute items to the Student Newsletter but that the overall content was coordinated by her department. She offered to send a link to the latest edition, for the Clerk to send out to governors. Governors thought it would be useful to have a presentation by a student in the next academic year on the work of the Student Council and the Clerk was asked to add this to the schedule of business Comment was made about the role of the Student Governor providing input to the Corporation, with regret expressed that this had not been possible this academic year, as noted above. Ways of mitigating the impact of any future difficulties were explored, with a suggestion that a year 1 student on the Student Council should shadow the Student Governor, to provide some continuity and possibly take over as the Student Governor the following year. It was agreed this would be adopted in the next academic year. Principals Question Time the frequency of meetings and their format were reported Volunteer Task Force an example of the work undertaken in the community by this group of students was given and governors noted they were also recognised at the annual awards ceremony. Surveys the key surveys undertaken are reported on were noted, together with other channels used by management to gain as holistic a picture as possible of students views. Some key results from the Ofsted Learner Survey contained in the report were noted, together with the Internal Teaching and Learning Survey, both of which displayed positive results 3
Formal Complaints Overall, numbers were slightly lower than in the previous year, which was a continuing trend. Officers confirmed ethnicity and equality and diversity data were now captured routinely. A further query was raised about the number of recorded at one centre and Officers confirmed there was no common reason underlying them. The use of social media was also discussed as a useful and immediate way of receiving feedback. Routes for people external to the College were also discussed and the ability for governors to pass on to managers any community based issues that they hear. Officers confirmed all sources were useful in aiding improvement activities. Destination Data The DoMLS advised governors that additional, funded, part time resource had been secured via the Local Authority / Connexions Service, to aid the collection of student destination data. She also made reference to the College hosting the hub for Salford and Trafford College in relation to the National Collaborative Outreach Programme (NCOP), related to Access to HE funded by HEFCE and aiming to encourage the most disadvantaged in to higher education. Governors were advised this gave access to excellent additional resources at no cost to the College. It was noted that it is expected to be available for 4 years (review after 2 years). Officers commented on the use of destinations data now being built in to curriculum planning. The various events and support made available to students to make their choices clear were reviewed. The main findings from the destinations data were discussed and compared to the previous year. The level of internal progression was reviewed across the levels of provision and compared to the previous year. Governors questioned how progression levels compared to other Colleges and Officers commented on work already underway to increase internal progression and the positive impact the steps taken were having. The continuing trend for students to pick local universities, both due to tradition and the lower costs involved were noted. The number of Not Knowns was discussed and governors were advised this number will reduce. The DoMLS offered to report on this at the first meeting of the next academic year. It was noted collection of this data is now mandatory and so a regular update to the Committee will be required. The Chair thanked the DoMLS for her comprehensive report and the work she undertook with her team in support of the College s students. The DOMLS left following her report to attend a College event. 16/43/QS College Quality Report The DP introduced the report and firstly turned to the significant improvements in overall levels of retention seen in year. The tabulated data was reviewed and governors welcomed the improvements on the previous year. Governors queried some of the terminology used e.g. Leaver and Officers explained this in the context of the ESFA data (current student) and the terms used as students complete their course. The DP explained the additional work undertaken during the year and range of factors leading to the higher retention rates. If a withdrawal is in the students best interests, Officers explained the range of support provided to signpost students to alternative courses or routes, including apprenticeships. Retention at different age cohorts were reviewed and governors noted the improved performance in the 16 18 group. Retention at individual course level was also discussed. The numbers on Animal and Equine were queried and Officers confirmed applications had increased significantly for next year following the major investment in facilities for this course. The DP commented that the overall in year retention levels for both Access to HE (Higher Education), Direct HE and Franchised in HE were very good and also were improved from the previous year. Members noted the in year improvement in retention had been achieved whilst increasing the number of students. The DP said he saw further scope to develop the College s HE provision. Members discussed the associated staffing elements and referred to scholarly activity and research opportunities. The DP noted that the HEFEC (Higher education Funding Council for England) Annual Provider Review for 2016 2017 Outcomes letter confirmed that the College met their requirements. He referred to specific 4
comments from HEFCE which confirmed a high quality of student academic experience, student outcomes being generally good or excellent with evidence of continuous improvement. Members were also reassured by the partnership arrangement with Salford University being extended from the usual 3 to 5 years, indicating a vote of confidence in the College s HE provision. Further development of the relationship with the university was also discussed. Members also welcomed several other in year improvements that have been put in place. The NCOP development referred to earlier was acknowledged and members were reassured that this and the other improvements discussed would contribute to the College s strategic aim of further developing this element of the College s provision. The DP drew members attention to the Process Improvement Plans (PIP s) and Curriculum Area Reviews (CAR s) that had been undertaken in areas of the curriculum that had been identified for improvement. The actions taken were reviewed and members were reassured that a thorough approach was being taken to drive the necessary improvements. The DP referred to a key focus for next year being attendance. Members commented on the positive contribution a focus on this element could have for both retention and pass rates and supported the Officers in their aim to further improve attendance levels. The DP referred to new MI reports which would allow better tracking of results to facilitate management actions and generally ensure management remained fully informed of progress and the expected outturn position. Governors asked that they also be kept informed in a timely manner. Teaching Learning and Assessment Members noted the lesson observation data and slight overall increase in Outstanding or Good, accepting that there was a degree of subjectivity involved. A query was raised about an apparent discrepancy between the 2015 2016 percentage total for O/G observations in the report (total 85%) and the 2015 2016 Actual shown later in the KPI report (87%), which the DP said he would check. There followed a discussion about the timing for setting of the KPI s for next year and it was agreed that it was appropriate to set targets for achievement and success rates once current year results were known. It was agreed that the DP would consult with his Executive Colleagues and recommend to the Corporation a schedule for agreement of KPI s, aligned to the availability of associated data, where relevant. To be presented to the Corporation meeting on the 26 June 2017. A governor raised a point relating to common aspects of good or better lesson observations and sessions requiring improvement, relating to the embedding of English, maths and IT. She felt this is an area of strength for the College, with a range of very positive comments received from external verifiers. The small numbers of areas for improvement were noted as having action plans in place. 16/46/QS 16/47/QS The DP was thanked for his comprehensive report and input to the discussions. Exception reporting None to report Review of Strategic Plan KPI s Earlier discussion regarding the timing for the setting of different elements of the KPi s were noted, with further consideration at the Corporation meeting on the 26 June 2017. A query was raised about the SAR target grade and a discussion was held informed by the improvement in retention and the potential impact on overall success and achievement rates and the change in the measure of success rates for apprenticeships. Governors support the overall aim of aiming to achieve an Outstanding SAR grade. However, they felt that a target of Good was more appropriate for the current year. The DP was asked to note the amendment recommended by the Committee. 16/48/QS Schedule of Business 2017-2018 No amendments were requested in relation to the proposed schedule of business. 16/49/QS Items For Next Meeting College Quality Report (Success Rates, Teaching and Learning including External Monitoring Reports, including Equality and Diversity data related to learner performance, Progress against targets inc.kpi s (new quality KPI s);report on Areas identified for Process Improvement Safeguarding Annual Report and Annual Plan SAR Validation Process / Plan 5
Focus Group and stakeholder Survey Responses Exception Reporting Committee part of the Annual Governance Report (2016-2017 ) Terms of Reference 16/50/QS AOB A point was raised about the student voice being under the remit of the Committee and its importance in relation to the Code of Good Governance. It was agreed to review the Committee terms of reference in the autumn to ensure this aspect was adequately embedded within them. 16/51/QS Summary of Key Points - The Following key points were noted at the meeting for the attention of the Corporation: The Safeguarding report covering the second full term indicated a similar picture to previous reports and members were assured that effective Safeguarding measures were in place. Reference was made to the amended ABR proposals which were supported, for agreement at Corporation. The Safeguarding Policy was reviewed and recommended to the Corporation for approval. A report required by the Local Authority from Governing Bodies in relation to common themes emerging from Section 11 Audits (re Salford Safeguarding Children Board SSCB) was reviewed and the wording agreed to confirm the College complies with the common themes. The importance of the PREVENT agenda was discussed, particularly in light of recent terror incidents and the current approach was reviewed Members noted the Counselling service was meeting the needs of Students, with improved response rates despite increased numbers. Support provided to student following the recent terror attack in Manchester was welcomed The operation of the Student Council was reviewed and the importance of the student voice reiterated, particularly in terms of governance requirements and ways to enhance the direct contact with governors was discussed. Members noted the ways in which students were able to engage in the life of the College The annual complaints report was reviewed. The number of Formal complaints recorded remained low and the definition of formal was examined. Destinations Data was reviewed and Members noted additional part time funded support was being made available to support the collection of data. Student destinations remained similar to previous years Significantly improved levels of retention were reported, particularly in the 16 18 age cohort following concerted efforts by management during the year. He provision also saw significant in year improvements and had a positive outcome from the HEFCE Annual Provider Review 2016 2017. Partnership arrangements have also been strengthened. The College is hosting the hub for Salford and Trafford College in relation to the National Collaborative Outreach Progamme (NCOP), related to Access to HE funded by HEFCE and aiming to encourage the most disadvantaged in to higher education The Performance Improvement process was reviewed and members were assured by the structured and holistic approach being adopted to drive improvements where required Quality KPI s it was agreed the targets should be considered in the autumn term when current year results were known and a proposal re the timing for the setting of all KPI s is to be presented to the Corporation 16/52/QS Date of Next Meeting: Monday TBC Autumn 2017 The meeting closed at 7.25pm Draft Minutes prepared: Nigel Tyrer Draft Minutes Approved by Chair: 14 June 2017 Draft minutes approved by the Corporation 26 June 2017 Minutes signed by Committee Chair: 6