Professor Russel Griggs OBEProfessor Russel Griggs, OBE, discusses his recent review of college governance that was commissioned by the Scottish Government.

When Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, commissioned me to conduct an independent review of college governance, I was immediately struck by the scale and importance of the task.

Thousands of Scots of all ages and backgrounds rely upon the college sector for the skills and knowledge to enable them to improve their lives. Our colleges are critical to Scotland’s social and economic wellbeing and those within the sector are rightly proud of their superb contribution.

Yet I was also conscious that this review would be the first time that college governance had been examined, with a view to serious change, in nearly 20 years. Whilst there is no doubt that colleges have achieved a great deal in the years since incorporation in 1993, there is equally no doubt that the context within which colleges operate has changed immeasurably.

We increasingly live in a world of rapid change, and of significant economic and social challenges. Yet the way colleges are governed has remained virtually unchanged. I reached the clear view, reinforced by the many conversations I had with different experts and interest groups, that this was unsustainable.

In approaching the review I realised that it would be necessary to take a holistic view, and to examine a wide range of issues, all of which have a bearing on governance in some way or other. It seemed to me that in order to determine how best to govern, one must first define not only the nature but also the likely future direction of what is to be governed. To that end I have made several recommendations on what I believe is an optimal structure for the college sector. I am pleased to note that Ministers share my view that the sector should progress to a regional model of delivery and funding. My view is that the college sector contains some of the most talented leaders in public life.

My challenge was therefore to modernise governance in a manner which addressed the urgent need to strengthen the democratic accountability of the governing bodies of colleges, whilst also protecting and indeed strengthening their freedom and flexibility to innovate.

I have taken a great deal of care over this and I am hopeful that the correct balance has been struck. It is important to note that I do not regard my recommendations as dogmatic absolutes to be cast in stone forever. In the future, the only thing of which we can be certain is that what we learn – and how we learn it – will evolve. It is entirely appropriate, and indeed necessary, that governance arrangements should similarly evolve to reflect that certainty. I therefore regard this review as a foundation – a sound basis from which college governance can, and must, develop to meet the future demands and opportunities which the college sector will face.

It would remiss of me not to point out the immense contribution to my mission made by the small team of expert advisers who have assisted me. I am fortunate to have had access to the advice of Graeme Kirkpatrick (NUS Scotland), Ken Wimbor (STUC), Brian Lister (Principal of Stevenson College) and Mike Cantlay (a former college Chair). I view it as highly significant that all 34 recommendations were unanimously agreed, giving a clear signal that our recommendations will be considered, across the entire spectrum of the college sector, to have merit. I would also like to thank the dozens of people who gave up their time to meet and share their expertise with me.

The Review of FE Governance has been the most challenging and rewarding that I have undertaken. My sincere hope is that my recommendations will provide a basis for a truly innovative and accountable college sector which delivers for the benefit of those who matter most, Scotland’s learners.

Professor Russel Griggs OBE


Related:
Higher Education and Further Education – Governance reviews published.
New college regions announced - by the Education Secretary.
Scotland’s college regions - the newly announced college regions.

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