SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2020
Welcome to the Strategic Plan for Suffolk New College, which has been developed in consultation with stakeholders, staff and customers. The Plan builds on the articulated labour market information of the area that it serves, and responds to the economic and social needs of its communities. 2015 2020 Suffolk New College has a major and iconic physical presence in the town of Ipswich. Our location has recently been designated as being within the Innovation Quarter, as part of the Vision for Ipswich. Ipswich is the largest and the county town of Suffolk. The town has a lower wage economy than average and contains areas of high deprivation and poor educational achievement. Suffolk New College is committed to playing an active and vital role in the area s skills transformation that is required to fuel a more productive and high-value economy. Greater Ipswich is an area of growth and is predicted to continue to increase its population and economy. The College has many opportunities to support this and the key areas for development are articulated in this Strategic Plan. We have a clear sense of direction, and our plan, under its five strategic focus areas, sets out how we will fulfil the Strategic Aims of the College. Suffolk New College commits to treating everyone with dignity and respect. We wish the ethos of the College to reflect a community that is free from discrimination, valuing all members of our College community equally and fairly. The Plan sets the direction of travel for five years and covers a period of exciting developments for 2015-2020.
Strategic Aims The staff, students and Corporation members of Suffolk New College are committed to our renewed Strategic Aims. The Strategic Aims are implemented throughout our ethos, culture, activities and partnerships, and through the implementation of the College s Strategic Plan. 1 2 3 4 5 6 To provide high quality learning and teaching and gain recognition as an excellent and innovative provider. To promote, and respond to the student voice, whilst raising aspirations to gain high level qualifications. To promote health and wellbeing to provide a safe and supportive environment for students and staff. To promote and embed inclusion, equality and diversity and to combat disadvantage. To work closely and actively with employers so that the student experience is enhanced. To secure and celebrate positive destinations or further academic progression for all students. 7 8 9 10 1 1 To respond positively to stakeholder priorities, targets and initiatives. To play an active major role in the community, economically, socially and culturally. To be a great place to work and learn. To achieve our aims within budget and to seek to gain greater diversification of income. To demonstrate excellent leadership and business acumen at all levels. Turn the page to see our Strategic Focus Areas
Strategic Focus Areas Responding to Local & Regional Priorities Linking with Employers & Promoting Employment Respond proactively to Labour Market Information and to the New Anglia LEP priorities Foster STEM training and skills, and support careers in STEM Develop and broaden the range of Study Programmes, enhancing the learners experience Increase the range and levels of Apprenticeships & Traineeships and prepare for the new Standards and Funding Methodology for 2017 Work proactively with employers to bring benefit to the current and future workforce Broaden employer links, through our employer engagement strategy to bring benefit to students Enhance our business customer experience by developing a responsive service for industry and commerce Position SNC in the heart of its business community, increasing training and accessing funding to support SMEs Continue to enhance the employability skills of students By 2020, Suffolk New College will have responded positively to the aspirations and priorities of stakeholders, including the New Anglia LEP, and regional and local industry. It will increase its STEM-related offer for local companies, developing a STEM Strategy for the College. Study Programmes for 16-19 year olds will be broadened, to ensure that programmes relevant to the local employment are developed. Apprenticeships will be a key area of growth and Suffolk New College will widen the range and levels available. Suffolk New College will design and deliver training to support the needs of planned infrastructure projects, such as the Sizewell C Nuclear Project. By 2020, Suffolk New College will have developed strong links and partnerships with businesses and organisations in the Greater Ipswich area and beyond, for certain specialisms. Our Employer Engagement Strategy will offer many different routes that employers can take to promote opportunities and careers for young people and apprenticeships, and enhance work-related learning and the real working environment as part of the Suffolk New College student experience. Employers will become partners in developing new areas of training and study. Our Business Department @Business will provide a high quality and tailored service resulting in a one-stop shop for training and development and access to funding where possible. We will be looking to enhance work-related learning and the real working environment as part of the Suffolk New College student experience.
Strategic Focus Areas Seeking Involvement with Staff, Learners & The College s Community Raising Standards & Aspirations Support all staff to engage with SNC s values through good communication, continuing professional development Provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment, and promote health and wellbeing Create a range of programmes for Community Learning that utilise our facilities Improve relationships with schools and increase 14-16 provision Work in partnership with stakeholders and providers to create increased opportunities for training and education, contributing to economic and social prosperity Continue to improve the quality of Teaching, Learning & Assessment Become more innovative and entrepreneurial in Teaching, Learning & Assessment Develop Higher Level and HE qualifications creating an HE in FE ethos improving progression Celebrate the success of staff and our past, current and future students We will continue to improve the quality of Teaching, Learning & Assessment and help students prepare for their next step. By 2020, Suffolk New College will have demonstrated further our inclusive and consultative ethos and commitment to our community of students, staff, stakeholders, business and the wider community. We will provide a great and supportive working environment, valuing the contributions that all colleagues and stakeholders make. We will ensure that Suffolk New College plays a major role in improving economic and social prosperity and provides a contribution to the achievement of the Ipswich Vision. By 2020, Suffolk New College courses will be recognised for their innovative approaches to Teaching, Learning and Assessment, creating experiences for students that engage and inspire. We will support our students to become well prepared and responsible for their chosen next step into employment, apprenticeships, further study, higher education or volunteering. We will continue to adopt new approaches to teaching, learning and assessment, embracing best practice and leading in innovation. Suffolk New College will celebrate the success of staff and our past, current and future students.
Strategic Focus Areas Growth & Sustainability 2020 2015 2020 Become more efficient through the more effective provision of business support and teaching services Develop our Sustainability Policy and Action Plan to improve our use of resources Ensure that our estate and facilities are in excellent condition and are adapted to the needs of new developments Develop our strong financial base through further diversification of income streams By 2020, Suffolk New College will have diversified its streams of income to ensure that we build on our strong financial base. We will seek innovative ways to become increasingly efficient through the review of services and the smarter use of technology. We may explore partnerships as a potential route to achieving this objective. As part of our corporate responsibility, Suffolk New College will seek further ways of enhancing sustainability and reducing our footprint on the world. We will seek innovative ways to become increasingly efficient through the review of services and the smarter use of technology. Next Steps This Strategic Plan outlines ambitious goals for the next five years and Suffolk New College is in an excellent position to achieve these business objectives. We are now embarking on the next stage of this process; drawing up action plans which include a focus on the business case, business structure and develop detailed project plans with financial forecasts to support implementation under the Strategic Areas. We have shared our Plan with you as a key stakeholder and if you have any comments, queries or contributions on this Plan, please contact the Principal s office on 01473 382457.
Suffolk New College, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1LT College Switchboard: 01473 382200 Email: info@suffolk.ac.uk www.suffolk.ac.uk