Minutes
Meeting of the Board of Directors
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held on Wednesday 23 February at 10.30am in the Board
Room, Learning and Teaching Scotland, The Optima, 58 Robertson Street, Glasgow G2 8DU.
Present:
Jim Conroy, Board Member (Items 12-14 only)
Louise Hayward, Board Member
Jacqui Hepburn, Board Member
Bernard McLeary, Chief Executive and Board Member
Graeme Ogilvy, Deputy Chair
Christine Pollock, Cosla Observer
Ken Thomson, Board Member
In attendance:
Alan Armstrong, Director – Curriculum and Assessment
Alistair Gordon, Director - Corporate Services
Anne Jardine, Director – Learning and Community
Kay Livingston, Director – International, Research and Innovation
Catherine MacIntyre, Professional Adviser, Policy & Governance
Murray McVicar, Scottish Government
Apologies:
Eileen Gill, Chief Professional Adviser, Strategic Organisational Development
Paul Harris, Board Member
Iain Nisbet, Board Member
Maureen Verrall, Scottish Government
Gavin Whitefield, Special Adviser
Action
1.
Due Date
Welcome / Apologies
1.1
Welcome
Graeme welcomed Murray from Scottish Government.
1.2
Apologies
1.2.1
As noted above.
1.2.2
Graeme advised Board colleagues that Eileen’s secondment
is due to cease at the end of March. As Eileen has taken
the decision to leave Scottish Government, unfortunately,
her work with LTS will not continue beyond that date.
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1.2.3
2.
3.
Action
Due Date
Alistair
Mar 11
Graeme also advised that Maureen Verrall, Deputy Director,
Qualifications, Assessment and Skills, would be leaving
Scottish Government in March.
Minute of the Previous Meeting + Action Grid + Note of Closed
Session Discussion
2.1
The Minute (and Action Grid) of the previous meeting held on
16 December 2010 were accepted as a true record. The Record
Note of the Closed Session Discussion will be dealt with later on the
agenda.
2.2
The Minute and Action Grid will now be published on the website,
subject to any FOI exemptions.
Matters Arising from the Previous Minutes – 16 December 2010
3.1
Education and the Arts – Culture & Creativity: An Action Plan
(Item 3.2 refers)
3.1.1 Alan advised that the Project Board, Chaired by Ruth Wishart,
is very happy with the progress LTS is making on its part of
the plan. A progress meeting with Ministers (Mike Russell
and Fiona Hyslop) is scheduled to take place on 22 March.
3.1.2 Ruth Wishart has asked organisations to include within their
own Strategic Plans how they will contribute to the Action
Plan. LTS is already in discussion with Scottish Government
about this being one of our priorities and will draft a note to go
back to Ruth Wishart today that confirms this.
3.1.3 Christine commented that funding for Culture Co-ordinators
has been withdrawn. It will, therefore, be necessary to
discuss with local authorities how this work will be delivered in
future.
3.2
Review of Post-16 Education (Item 9.4 refers)
3.2.1 Anne advised that LTS provided a submission on the Review
of Post 16 Education by the due date in December and
attended one of the regional workshops. LTS had not,
however, been involved in any of the more focused
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Due Date
workshops. Board Members noted that the interim findings
are currently being discussed and recommendations will be
put to Ministers.
4.
Declarations of Interest
4.1
5.
None.
Deputy Chair’s Report
5.1
SEQIA
5.1.1 Graeme advised that he had received an invitation for the first
meeting of the Assurance Forum, however, identifying a
suitable date was proving difficult. Forum members are
Graeme, Andrew Cubie, possible Union representation and
Colin MacLean (Chair).
5.2
Commercialisation Sub-Group Meeting
5.2.1 The Board noted that a very good meeting had taken place on
17 February. LTS had now written out to the 9 organisations
involved to request final contributions to the paper for
Ministers. The main issues raised were about ability to be
more commercial and cross-selling.
5.2.2 LTS is producing the paper which will go to a meeting of
Ministers, portfolio Chief Executives and Scottish
Government. It is expected that this work will continue after
the election regardless of the administration. Some products
and services have been identified with the potential to sell
beyond the UK and Graeme has, therefore, made contact with
Scottish Development International to alert them to this
initiative. Once feedback is received from the Minister, further
discussion with SDI will take place.
5.2.3 LTS has recently had a response from NHS Scotland and the
Board noted that there are a number of opportunities to work
across sectors, as well as, within. Graeme added that in
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some cases, technology has been developed to reduce costs
and in other instances it may be possible to sell the
technology itself.
5.2.4 LTS will summarise the responses from other Agencies and
NDPBs within the Cabinet Secretary’s portfolio, including
details of LTS’s own current and future commercial and
income generating proposals. LTS will also develop a
strategy to take this forward. However, a number of difficult
issues were also highlighted by the organisations present.
The paper for the Minister will be structured in sections
covering:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
How thinking has developed since August.
Strategy and market intelligence.
Issues.
Ministerial steer.
Resources.
5.2.5 Louise asked if consideration had been given to looking
beyond the 9 organisations involved so far, for example,
working with universities and exploring what they are doing to
build relationships internationally. If there was a way of
bringing these two things together for Scotland, Louise
thought there could be advantages.
5.2.6 Graeme noted Louise’s helpful suggestion and said he could
envisage this being on the agenda for the future. However,
there was a need to get the project underway first.
6.
LTS Budget 2011 / 12
6.1
Graeme reminded the Board of the discussion that had taken place
at the meeting in December. The paper requested by the Board had
been written and formed the basis for discussion at a meeting
between Graeme, Bernard, Alistair, Colin MacLean, Maureen Verrall
and Murray on 10 February.
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6.2
Bernard explained that in real terms the reduction was closer to 60%
than 35% because of LTS’s fixed costs. However, the task now is to
agree how best to deploy the funding that remains, but on the basis
of no ring fencing of funds and outcomes focused. The meeting on
10 February had been useful to begin this discussion with Scottish
Government colleagues.
6.3
Scottish Government is now further refining priorities and associated
outputs using the list of priorities from Murray which the Board had
discussed at its meeting in December. Murray confirmed that he
had been liaising with colleagues in Scottish Government and
expected to respond to LTS very soon.
6.4
Christine asked what the Board’s duty was in terms of advising
further than Scottish Government. Is it the Scottish Government’s
responsibility, for example, to inform the CfE Management Board.
The Management Board is not aware of the reduction in LTS’s
budget and there are implications in terms of, for example, NAR.
Local authorities are very dependent on LTS and the understanding
is that the new organisation will have a major responsibility for
Moderation. Christine considered that such a high risk needs to be
communicated further.
6.5
Murray said that SEQIA will have the combined resources of LTS
and HMIe, but undertook to convey the concerns to colleagues in
Scottish Government.
6.6
Action
Due Date
Murray
Feb 11
Bernard advised the Board that he had a frank discussion with
Colin MacLean and Maureen Verrall and pointed out the fact that
there had been no prior discussion about the cuts and no recognition
of the large proportion of fixed costs, including contractual elements
managed by LTS on behalf of the Scottish Government. There was
still no confirmation of the final budget figure, but work continues on
the basis of £17.3m. LTS is also running a Voluntary Severance
scheme with the aim of releasing additional resources to frontline
activities, but there remains a serious shortfall that cannot be
avoided.
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6.7
Jacqui commented on some of the specific work that would not be
continued and said it was very alarming. Bernard reassured Jacqui
that there was still further refining to be done before priorities were
agreed and, as mentioned earlier, funds released from Voluntary
Severance would go some way towards bridging the funding gap.
6.8
Christine said that there are some areas of work that local
authorities believe LTS is leading on, eg NAR. Louise also
commented that there are other things on the critical path for CfE
and despite best intentions to make best use of resources, it will be
difficult to achieve. For example, SSLN still has a long way to go
and there are practical implications for schools.
6.9
Jacqui said that she assumed that in terms of design of the new
agency consideration had been given to the period from April to
June and queried what guidance the Scottish Government had given
regarding the key priorities to continue for the new organisation.
Murray said that there is a need to ensure that Scottish Government
priorities continue. He did not foresee anything stopping on
31 March and then starting again on 1 July.
6.10
Jacqui added that if the LTS budget could not deliver Scottish
Government priorities would additional funding be provided. Murray
reminded the Board of his previous advice that difficult decisions had
been taken and there was no more funding available. The
discussions Bernard mentioned earlier do need to take place and
that is the next stage in the process.
6.11
Bernard did, however, raise the question of how to allocate scarce
resources and still prioritise within a list of priorities. Voluntary
Severance savings will not meet all the requirements. Bernard had
also alerted Colin MacLean to one of the major issues which is to
manage expectations in local authorities, but also his own
colleagues within Scottish Government.
6.12
Christine said that she had no difficulties with LTS priorities, but the
level to which LTS is able to deliver will not be the same and there is
a need to be honest with stakeholders. Christine repeated the point
that local authorities depend on LTS to help with national standards
in moderation.
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6.13
Louise said the whole situation was difficult because the Board has
no knowledge of the discussions that are taking place about the new
agency. For example, will inspections be suspended for 3 years so
that all SEQIA resources could be focused on these priorities. Ken
agreed and added that not only is the Board unaware of what is
happening in planning for the new agency, but LTS planning
discussions are taking place in isolation from HMIE. At some point
very soon agreement needed to be reached on the priorities going
forward.
6.14
Alistair commented on the Voluntary Severance scheme and the
helpful support from Murray in terms of resources. Sixty
expressions of interest had been received and just over 30
applications which the CMT would review. The Board noted that the
Voluntary Severance is not linked in any way to the transfer to
SEQIA.
6.15
The Board will be advised of the final result and, although this will
release more funding to frontline activities, it will also be difficult to
absorb the loss of staff.
6.16
7.
Action
Due Date
Alistair
27.4.11
It was agreed that once the outcome of the current VS scheme is
known and Murray reverts with the Scottish Government’s outputs
and associated priorities, a view would then be taken on the need to
alert the CfE Management Board to the implications of the reduction
in LTS’s budget.
SEQIA
7.1
Update from Scottish Government
The Board received the following report:
7.1.1 The Vision paper was shared with staff from all three
organisations in January and their comments sought.
7.1.2 Following an event in January with a cross-section of staff
from all three organisations and other conversations with
stakeholders, the Vision paper (Role and Functions) was
further developed. This has now been signed off by the
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Cabinet Secretary. The paper will be issued to staff w/c
28 February and then made public shortly after. Murray will
confirm if the Cabinet Secretary’s statement about the Role
and Functions of the new agency can be shared with the LTS
Board.
7.1.3 Bernard commented on the unfortunate use of ‘merger’ in a
tweet by the Cabinet Secretary and asked Murray if this
meant that the status had now changed. Murray confirmed
that the Cabinet Secretary had been very clear that he does
not want use of ‘merger’. Bernard indicated that this point
required clarity and confirmation in writing to staff. Murray
agreed to take this issue back to Scottish Government
colleagues. In the meantime, Murray reassured the Board
that the position is still creation of a new agency.
7.2
Action
Due Date
Murray
Feb 11
Murray
Feb 11
LTS Progress Report
Alan spoke to this paper in Eileen’s absence and drew the Board’s
attention to the following points:
7.2.1 Given the range and complexity of tasks to be completed by
30 June, officers have engaged the services of the LTS
internal auditors to provide independent assurance. This will
provide the Board with additional comfort and will be reported
through the Organisational Development Committee in the
first instance.
7.2.2 In terms of transition issues, officers are undertaking detailed
due diligence which, although mainly for the benefit of
Scottish Government (as the transferee) will provide another
means of assurance to the Board.
7.2.3 LTS has written to the Scottish Government to get
confirmation of any measures that might be in place as part of
the transfer. This information will then form part of a formal
letter from the Chief Executive to the LTS unions. LTS has a
duty as an employer to formally inform staff of the transfer
and, in this case, communication will be through the LTS
unions.
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7.2.4 Work on pensions transfer is progressing and officers are
meeting with Strathclyde Pension Fund on 24 February.
7.2.5 Ken was given reassurance that there is a plan in place to
deliver these tasks and that officers are confident that it can
be achieved. Louise added her concern at the amount of time
being spent on all of this with the result that there is even less
resource for delivery of LTS’s core purpose.
7.3
Proposed Transfer to SEQIA and Winding Up of LTS
7.3.1 This item was taken in Closed Session and detailed
discussion will, therefore, be reported separately.
7.3.2 However, in summary, the Board was very positive about the
potential of the new agency, but remained concerned that the
creativity and historic functions of LTS in curriculum
development would be lost.
7.3.3 The Board also noted that in the absence of any prior
discussion or information from Scottish Government on the
final proposals for the role and functions of SEQIA, it was
difficult to envisage what the aspirations of the new agency
might be.
7.3.4 Nevertheless, Board Members unanimously agreed, in all
good faith, that the proposed transfer of all LTS staff and
functions to SEQIA should take place and would be in the
best interests of LTS as a charity.
8.
Annual Planning 2011/12
8.1
Alistair briefed the Board on progress with development of the
Business Plan noting that Scottish Government priorities and
associated outputs have not yet been confirmed.
8.2
Anne has been working with the Directors and Programme Directors
to further develop priorities based on last year’s Business Plan and
now mapping out deliverables within Directorates. The key now is to
clearly illustrate the level and depth of what it is that LTS can deliver.
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9.
8.3
Christine questioned the level of detail within the Business Plan that
is made public, because on the basis of information given in the
report to the Board, it could be taken to mean that there is no
change to delivery. However, the next level of detail would give a
very different picture. Bernard confirmed that the Plan would need
to align with outputs.
8.4
Jacqui suggested prioritising top level indicators which would
illustrate that the balance of outcomes was not the same. Bernard
agreed that could be very helpful and could form part of the
discussions with Scottish Government. Bernard also noted that LTS
undertakes a considerable amount of ad hoc tasks and would no
longer be able to do this to the same extent. Christine added that
knowledge of LTS priorities assists local authorities to prioritise
differently and then identify areas for joint working.
8.5
Alistair said that the intention is to come back to the April Board with
more detail, noting that the Plan will cover the full year and will,
therefore, require careful business continuity going forward into
SEQIA.
Action
Due Date
Alistair
23.2.11
Chief Executive’s Report
9.1
Curriculum for Excellence, Assessment and Glow
Senior Phase
9.1 Alan reported that the Senior Phase support is geared
towards what local authorities are looking for and is working
very well.
New National Qualifications
9.2 Support for the new NQs is a new and significant area of work
for LTS. LTS will be responsible for 75% of the materials
required, involving hundreds of qualifications across different
levels.
NAR
9.3 LTS is currently liaising with ADES, HMIe and others, to
consider options for moderation responsibilities.
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9.2
Due Date
Emerging Technologies and International Research and
Innovation
Glow
9.2.1 Two important milestones were passed in December 2010 –
12 million log-ins to Glow and 50% of all Scottish teachers
made repeated use of Glow during the month.
9.2.2 The recent bad weather also created a number of
opportunities for schools to make use of Glow and this
received very good Press.
Confucius Classrooms
9.2.3 LTS has been asked by the Hanban to pilot a new teacher
visit for teachers from the Confucius Classroom hubs in
Scotland to visit China. LTS will provide evaluation.
Scottish Learning Festival
9.2.4 There was a delay in getting Scottish Government approval
for this year’s festival partly because of the creation of SEQIA
and also the reduction in LTS’s budget. As a result, planning
is running slightly behind and the Call for Seminars was
delayed. The model for this year will be reduced in scale, but
the best use of resources means that the festival will go
ahead.
9.3
Dundee Offices
9.3.1 Alistair reported that the lease at the Overgate has been
extended to end June 2011. It is proposed that those staff
working at the Overgate will relocate to Endeavour House and
to Distribution at Tom Johnstone Road. This is on track for
completion by 30 June 2011.
10.
Corporate Performance Report
10.1 Alistair drew attention to the following points regarding status:
10.1.1 Curriculum and Assessment, Emerging Technologies,
Targeted Support and Technologies for Learning are reporting
Green status.
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Louise
27.4.11
10.1.2 Developing Global Citizens and Community Learning and
Development are reporting Amber status, but there is no
anticipated impact on scope or plan.
10.2 The risk profile is in line with progress, but there is a rising risk –
insufficient resources to deliver the programme – across all
programmes. However, mitigation action has now been taken to
address this through extension of secondments and advertising for
new secondees.
10.3 No financial issues were reported.
11.
Advisory Council Update
11.1 Louise provided Board Members with the following update:
11.1.1 The Creativity Group is meeting regularly and good progress
is being made. Louise hopes to be able to report to the Board
on the work of this group by the next Board Meeting in April.
11.1.2 Two ‘Hot Topic’ events have been planned and will be under
way within the next month or so.
11.1.3 Overall, the work of the Advisory Council is going well.
12.
Items for Noting
12.1 Minute from OD Committee Meeting – 26 January 2011
12.1.1 Noted.
12.2 Finance Reports – December 2010 and January 2011
12.2.1 Noted.
12.3 Media Updates – December 2010 and January 2011
12.3.1 Noted.
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13.
Due Date
AOB
13.1 Election Guidance
Alistair advised the Board that the Scottish Government had issued
Scottish Parliament Election Guidance to all staff in the Scottish
Government, NDPBs and agencies, noting that purdah starts on
23 March 2011.
14.
Date of Next Meeting
14.1 The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 27 April 2011 at
10.30am in the Board Room, Learning and Teaching Scotland,
Glasgow.
Approved by:
______________________________________
Graeme Ogilvy, Deputy Chair
Date: _________________
Approved by:
______________________________________
Alistair Gordon, Company Secretary
Date: _________________
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