THE SCOTTISH AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE (SAC) CONSULTATION PAPER ANALYSIS REPORT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. On 31 October 2007, the Scottish Government launched a consultation paper on the Scottish Agricultural College being added to the list of bodies which may be funded by the Scottish Funding Council, and being designated as a higher education institution. The consultation invited comments on the proposal.
2. Respondents were asked to comment on what impact this would have on the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC); other further and higher education institutions; and current students.
3. Responses were generally supportive of the proposal although some specific concerns were raised.
INTRODUCTION
Background
4. The power to add an institution to schedule 2 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 2005, which lists those bodies which may be funded by the Scottish Funding Council, rests with Scottish Ministers. This is effected by means of an Order under section 7(1) of the 2005 Act which requires that the Scottish Funding Council has to propose or approve the addition of a new fundable body before any Order is made. The Scottish Funding Council approved the addition of the SAC on 23 October 2007.
5. The power to designate a higher education institution lies with Scottish Ministers under section 44 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992. In making such a designation, Scottish Ministers draw on the advice from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). QAA has undertaken a designation audit of SAC and indicated that they meet the criteria.
6. The consultation paper inviting views on the proposal was distributed to 8 main categories of interest groups identified as key stakeholders:
· Universities and Colleges;
· Agricultural sector;
· Local Government;
· Scottish Parliament;
· Government departments and organisations;
· Trade Unions and staff associations;
· Business sector; and
· Equality and diversity groups.
7. The consultation period ended on 23 January 2008. The paper can be viewed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/10/SAC. 32 responses were received from organisations offering comments on the proposal. These can be accessed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/02/11131509/0
Consultation Method
8. As well as being made available on the Scottish Government's website, hard copies of the paper were distributed to key stakeholders. A full list of those consulted is available at Annex A.
9. General views were sought on the proposal, and four specific questions were raised in the consultation paper for considering the potential impact of the proposals (see para 13).
RESPONSES
10. By the end of the consultation period, 32 organisations had replied.
11. Comments on the proposals were received from:
· 6 Higher Education;
· 9 Further Education;
· 3 Trade unions/staff organisations;
· 3 Local Government;
· 3 Business sector;
· 6 Government organisations;
· Association of Scotland's Colleges; and
· Universities Scotland.
Publication of Responses
12. Of the 32 responses, 3 requested that their response remained confidential. A list of the respondents is attached at Annex B. A hard copy of the responses is available from the Scottish Government Information and Library Service, Saughton House, Broomhouse Drive, Edinburgh, EH11 3XD.
FINDINGS
13. Respondents were asked to respond to the consultation in any way, although the following four questions were posed:
- What is your view on SAC being added to the list of fundable bodies/being designated as an HEI?
- What is your view on the addition of another fundable body/designation of an additional HEI in Scotland?
- What impact would SAC being added to the list of fundable bodies/being designated as an HEI have on other further and higher education institutions?
- What impact would the SAC being added to the list of fundable bodies/being designated as an HEI have on students of SAC?
14. Some of the respondents dealt with the four questions in turn, and others gave a more general response, or dealt with a particular issue that was relevant to their organisation.
15. Some of the additional areas that were discussed were:
· The allocation of funded places and level of student growth numbers;
· Parity in funding with other institutions;
· Course provision.
16. 32 organisations responded to the consultation. All responses were content for SAC to become a fundable body and designated as an HEI. Although a number of respondents had concerns or queries that they would like to be addressed.
What is your view on SAC being added to the list of fundable bodies/being designated as an HEI?
17. A number of respondents supported the proposal as they believed that it would achieve a level of consistency across the higher education sector.
- A few respondents highlighted that SAC will now be subject to the same monitoring and accountability arrangements which all other institutions are subject to.
- A number of respondents felt that this was a positive step for SAC as they would gain credibility and raise their profile.
- One respondent felt that there would be benefits from having a designated HEI for the agricultural sector.
- A few respondents emphasised the need to maintain links between the main functions of SAC: education, research and advisory services.
- One respondent felt that the change may lead to more realistic unit costs and better value for tax payers.
- One respondent commented that SAC delivered an excellent service to the agricultural and crofting sector in the Highlands and Islands and being designated as an HEI will allow for further growth and development, supported by a robust learning and research infrastructure provided by SAC.
What is your view on the addition of another fundable body/designation of an additional HEI in Scotland?
18. Respondents, in general, did not feel that the proposal would impact negatively on the sector and that it was a sensible way forward for SAC. A number of respondents felt that the SAC made a positive contribution to higher education and was already an integrated part of the sector.
- A few respondents felt that as there was already a relatively large number of HEI's in Scotland, SAC being designated as an HEI would make little difference. It was also highlighted that an existing institution was being added, not a new one being created.
- Some responses felt that merging with another institution as a means to avoiding adding another institution to the list of HEI's was not feasible due to the dispersed nature of SAC's provision.
What impact would SAC being added to the list of fundable bodies/designated as an HEI have on other further and higher education institutions?
19. It was generally felt that these proposals would have little, or no detrimental effect on other further and higher education institutions due to the provision of courses that SAC provides. However, it was felt that SAC needs to work closely with the other land-based colleges in Scotland to ensure there is no overlap in provision and fair competition for students.
- A few respondents felt that this proposal would create opportunities for SAC to collaborate with other institutions, particularly the land based colleges and UHI Millennium Institute in the Highlands and Islands, businesses and other sectors.
- One respondent expected there to be clear boundaries between the work being undertaken by SAC and other FE providers, especially the land-based colleges.
- Concerns were raised about SAC providing both FE-level and HE-level courses as this would compete with some courses provided by the land-based colleges.
- There were some concerns about duplication in course provision, which could undermine or compromise existing provision.
- One respondent suggested that SAC should consider transferring its SCQF work at levels 5 and 6 to other FE institutions as a more appropriate base.
What impact would SAC being added to the list of fundable bodies/being designated as an HEI have on students of SAC?
20. There was a general consensus that the impact of these proposals on students at SAC would be a positive one. Students should benefit from SAC being on a par with other HEI's in Scotland with future employers better understanding its status.
- One respondent said that this proposal will enable SAC to develop a strong brand image which will deliver additional benefits for students.
- SAC are encouraged to build on the relationship it already has with the other land-based colleges to work together on joint curriculum development for the benefit of the learners they serve.
- A few respondents said that this is a great opportunity for SAC to raise its profile and to market itself to a wider audience.
- A few respondents thought that this is an opportunity to make it easier for students to progress from introductory courses, through FE and into HE and improve links with schools.
- One respondent hoped that the SAC would, as a result of being funded by the SFC, be able to offer courses that have low uptake but are crucial to the productivity of the agricultural sector.
- Some respondents emphasised the need to maintain the SAC's good mix of academic and practical teaching.
- The consistency of quality standards, coherent admission and funding processes and a common approach to Governance and accountability was highlighted by one respondent.
Other Comments
Funding
21. The main concern for respondents was the consequences on the current and future funding for SAC. A large number of respondents were looking for assurances that there would not be a negative impact on other HEI's in Scotland or on the SAC itself.
- A number of respondents emphasised the need for parity of funding across all elements of the funding methodology used by the Scottish Funding Council and that SAC becoming a fundable body should not have a detrimental effect on funding for other institutions.
- Some respondents sought reassurance that SAC becoming a fundable body would not reduce the number of funded places available for other institutions.
- It was also highlighted that SAC becoming a fundable body should not have a detrimental effect on the funding for HE provision for the other land-based colleges.
- One respondent expressed concern that as SAC would have two funding streams, the Scottish Funding Council and Scottish Government Rural and Environmental Research and Analysis Directorate, this could cause tensions within SAC.
- One respondent considered it important that not only the immediate funding implications were taken into account, but also any future funding needs that may be required were closely looked at.
- Clarity was also sought on SAC's future eligibility for funding streams associated with particular activities.
Growth
22. Some respondents raised concerns over SAC's aspirations for growth in its student numbers.
- A number of respondents were looking for reassurance that there would be parity across the sector in any increase in funded student places.
- Reassurance was sought that there would be no reduction in the number of funded places available for existing institutions to make room for SAC.
- Concerns were also raised that any significant growth in student numbers should not have a negative impact on other institutions funding.
Research
23. A significant element of SAC's activities is research, and concerns were raised about this provision and the funding available to it.
- One respondent stated it was important that education, consultancy and research continue to be integrated, irrespective of who funds them.
- Another respondent hoped that the proposal will allow SAC research activities to benefit from access to additional research funding streams. This could also lead to better integration in activities and research funding between HEI's.
- Assurances were sought that SFC's current and future funds which are distributed through their various research grants, would not be spread more thinly to allow for the inclusion of SAC.
- One respondent felt this proposal will create opportunities for research collaboration and that SAC have a significant role to play in local input.
- Concerns over SAC's applied research functions were also raised by one respondent who felt that SAC would be under pressure to take a more basic approach.
CONSULTATION EXERCISE : FINAL REPORT
24. All responses received were carefully considered, along with the advice from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), by Scottish Ministers in reaching their decision that the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) should be added to the list of bodies which may be funded by the Scottish Funding Council and a designated higher education institution. Ministers consider that this will better reflect the SAC's status as a provider of Higher Education and removes a long standing anomaly whereby SAC is the only remaining Central Institution and receives funding directly from the Scottish Government. Ministers will now lay the necessary Orders in Parliament following the Easter 2008 Parliamentary recess with a view to having these in force by 1 August 2008.
25. In making this decision Ministers particularly took account of the issues raised in the consultation relating to the future funding of the SAC by the SFC, and the views expressed on the desirability of collaboration across the land based FE and HE sector.
26. In respect of funding, as highlighted in the Scottish Government's consultation paper, it is only the funding of the SAC's education division which will transfer from the Scottish Government Rural and Environment Research and Analysis Directorate (SGRERAD) to the SFC. The SFC will not be providing support to any of the College's other activities, including research which will continue to funded by SGRERAD. In addition capital funding and the provision under any other SFC teaching funding streams will be contained within the total resources to be transferred from SGRERAD. There will therefore be no impact on the funding available to the other bodies currently funded by the Scottish Funding Council as outlined in the Scottish Government's Spending Review settlement for 2008/09 - 2010/11.
27. Ministers have also noted that, in parallel with the Scottish Government's consultation, that the SFC has consulted with the SAC and the colleges and universities that it currently funds on the SAC's curriculum plans. These discussions have taken account of the SFC's statutory duty to secure coherent provision of fundable further and higher education and of its corporate plan objective to achieve sustainable investment and development in colleges and universities. The feedback from these discussions will inform the SFC in its funding of the SAC which is currently being finalised. In addition the SAC has been taking forward discussions with Scotland's Countryside Colleges* and all parties have now agreed to support a model of co-operation as outlined in Elmwood College's response to the Scottish Government's consultation exercise, http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/02/11131509/3. Discussions are now ongoing in respect of mapping provision at the Colleges, addressing overlaps and developing articulation agreements.
* comprises Barony College, Elmwood College, and Oatridge Colllege
ANNEX A
LIST OF CONSULTEES
All Chambers of Commerce in Scotland
All Local Enterprise Companies in Scotland
All Scottish Further Education Colleges
All Scottish Higher Education Institutions
All Scottish Local Authorities
All Scottish MEPs
Association of Head Teachers in Scotland
Association of Managers of Student Services in Higher Education (AMOSSHE)
Association of Scottish Colleges
Association of Scottish Chambers of The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
British Veterinary Association (BVA)
British Society for Animal Science (BSAS)
Commerce
Careers Development and Work
Careers Scotland
CBI Scotland
Centre for Studies in Enterprise,
Coalition of Higher Education Students in Scotland (CHESS)
Commission for Racial Equality
Communities Scotland
Copyright Libraries
Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)
DEFRA
Disability Rights Commission
Education Institute of Scotland (EIS)
Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee
Equality Network
Equal Opportunities Commission
Federation of Small Businesses
Futureskills Scotland
Head Teachers Association of Scotland
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
HM Inspectorate of Education
Institute of Chartered Accountants for Scotland
Institute of Directors
Lantra (Sector Skills Council)
Lead Scotland
Learndirect Scotland
Learning and Teaching Scotland
Linking Education and Disability Scotland
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute
Moredun Research Institute
National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers in Scotland
(NASUWT)
NFUS
NHS Education for Scotland
NUS Scotland
Professional Association of Teachers
Prospect Scotland
Quality Assurance Agency Scotland
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS)
Roslin Institute
Rowett Research Institute
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET)
Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET)
Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE)
Scottish Agricultural College
Scottish Civic Forum
Scottish Council for Development and Industry
Scottish Council for National Training Organisations
Scottish Council for Research Education
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations
Scottish Crop Research Institute
Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)
Scottish Enterprise
Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council
Scottish Inter Faith Council
Scottish National Heritage (SNH)
Scottish Parliament's Information Centre
Scottish Qualifications Authority
Scottish Refugee Council
Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association
Scottish Youth Parliament
Sector Skills Alliance Scotland
SKILL: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC)
Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA)
Soil Association
STUC
Student Awards Agency for Scotland
Student Loans Company
Student Representative Council at SAC
UNISON
Universities Scotland
University and College Union
Volunteer Development Scotland
Young Enterprise Scotland
ANNEX B
LIST OF RESPONDENTS
Aberdeen College
Association of Scotland's Colleges
Barony College
Careers Scotland
City of Edinburgh Council
Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce
East Ayrshire Council
East Lothian Council
EIS
Elmwood College
Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow Metropolitan College
Heriot-Watt University
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
John Wheatley College
Lantra
Oatridge College
Open University
Professional Association of Teachers
Quality Meat Scotland
Robert Gordon University
SAC Student Representative Council
Scottish Crop Research Institute
Scottish Enterprise
Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
South Lanarkshire College
Stevenson College
UCU Scotland
UHI Millennium Institute
Universities Scotland
University of Aberdeen
West Lothian College