Minutes
Meeting of the Board of Directors
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held on Wednesday 20 October 2010 at 10.30am in the
Board Room, Learning and Teaching Scotland, The Optima, 58 Robertson Street,
Glasgow G2 8DU.
Present:
Jim Conroy, Board Member
Paul Harris, Board Member
Louise Hayward, Board Member
Jacqui Hepburn, Board Member
Iain Nisbet, Board Member
Graeme Ogilvy, Deputy Chair
Christine Pollock, Cosla Observer
Ken Thomson, Board Member
In attendance:
Eileen Gill, Chief Professional Adviser, Strategic Organisational Development
Alistair Gordon, Director - Corporate Services
Anne Jardine, Director – Learning and Community
Catherine MacIntyre, Professional Adviser, Policy & Governance
Apologies:
Alan Armstrong, Director – Curriculum and Assessment
Kay Livingston, Director – International, Research and Innovation
Bernard McLeary, Chief Executive and Board Member
Murray McVicar, Scottish Government
Maureen Verrall, Scottish Government
Gavin Whitefield, Special Adviser
Action
1.
Welcome / Apologies
1.1
Aplogies
1.1.1
2.
Due Date
As noted above.
Minute of the Previous Meeting + AGM + Action Grid + + Note of
Closed Session Discussion held on 18 August 2010
2.1
The Minute (and Action Grid) of the previous meeting and AGM held
on 18 August 2010 were accepted as a true record. The Record
Note of the Closed Session Discussion will be dealt with later on the
agenda.
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Action
3.
Due Date
Matters Arising from the Previous Minutes – 18 August 2010
3.1
Meeting with SQA Chair and Chief Executive (Item 5.1.1 refers)
3.1.1
3.2
3.3
It was agreed that, in light of last week’s announcement by
the Cabinet Secretary, Graeme would write to the Chair of
SQA regarding the planned meeting in November of the LTS
and SQA Board. The Board considered that, in the
circumstances, it was no longer appropriate for this meeting
to proceed.
Catherine
October 2010
Catherine
November 2010
Preparation of Programme for Residential (Item 5.3 refers)
3.2.1
Board Members noted that the Residential had been
rescheduled to take place on 15/16 December. However,
Graeme advised that he now needs to attend a meeting with
the Scottish Government on 15 December, but could join the
Board later in the evening.
3.2.2
Given the recent announcement by the Cabinet Secretary,
Michael Russell, that LTS and HMIe will be brought together
into a new executive agency, Board Members were
unanimous in their view that the Board has a responsibility
to assist LTS in terms of organisational development and
support for staff in the transition to the new organisation.
The Residential would provide opportunity for the Board to
further discuss how they might best contribute.
3.2.3
It was, therefore, agreed that the Residential should remain
in diaries for 15/16 December and Catherine will be in touch
in due course with further details about the programme.
International Education - Confucius Classroom (Item 8.6 refers)
3.3.1
Board Members noted that Bernard and Kay were currently
in China. Graeme gave a brief update on the purpose of the
visit.
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Minutes
3.4
4.
Due Date
Catherine
October 2010
OD Programme Update – NDPB / SG Shared Services Project
(Item 5.3.3 refers – 16 June Board Meeting)
3.4.1
This action arose at the Board Meeting on 16 June when
Christine had suggested that, on the basis that 28 out of the
32 local authorities use SEEMIS, it may be worth some
further investigation to determine any possible connections
with Glow.
3.4.2
Advice from Marie confirms that LTS has worked with
SEEMIS to ensure that appropriate links are made with
Glow. However, as there are still four authorities who do not
use SEEMIS, there are limited opportunities to extend the
links further. Nevertheless, this may be an area picked up
within Glow Futures.
3.4.3
Christine suggested that if there were other developments in
the pipeline, then all 32 local authorities could be persuaded
to move to SEEMIS. Catherine will ensure that this is
information is given to the appropriate team for further follow
up.
Declarations of Interest
4.1
5.
Action
None.
Deputy Chair’s Report
5.1
General Update
5.1.1
New Executive Agency – Scottish Education Quality and
Improvement Agency
5.1.1.1
Referring to the earlier discussion, Graeme added
that during a conversation with the Cabinet
Secretary, Michael Russell had emphasised that
bringing together two very strong organisations will
create something even more powerful.
5.1.1.2
Christine commented that no one from Cosla or
senior officials had been given any advance notice
prior to the announcement.
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Action
5.1.2
5.2
ELL Ministerial Meeting – 26 August 2010
5.1.2.1
Graeme advised Board Members that he and
Bernard has been involved in a workshop looking
at commercialisation
5.1.2.2
Since then, an initial meeting of ELL NDPBs and
Agencies has taken place to discuss possibilities /
commercial opportunities both within Scotland and
potentially elsewhere. Work is now in progress
and the group will be reporting back to Ministers at
the next meeting which is expected to take place in
November.
5.1.2.3
There will also be an opportunity for the Minister,
Keith Brown, to meet some of the staff directly
involved in delivery of these projects and services.
Graeme added that the Minister was very keen to
come to LTS and will undoubtedly learn a lot about
LTS during this visit.
Letter of Ministerial Guidance and Funding for 2010/11 – LTS
Approach
5.2.1
5.3
Due Date
Alistair took Board Members through the paper, highlighting
some of the issues still facing LTS, for example, three year
funding which is currently being taken forward within the OD
Programme. However, because of the recent
announcement, Board Members noted that many of the
issues will be overtaken by events.
Board Annual Self-Evaluation 2010
5.3.1
This item will be discussed in Closed Session. However, it
was noted that the Board can demonstrate that good
progress has been made with respect to the issues and
actions identified at last year’s Residential. In some
instances, work will continue to take a number of the actions
further forward as part of our ongoing scenario planning and
organisational development.
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Action
6.
Due Date
Organisational Development
6.1
6.2
Interim CMT Structure
6.1.1
Eileen advised the Board of recent changes to the interim
CMT structure. The changes had come about, firstly,
because of a change in direction of the procurement of Glow
Futures and, secondly, as a result of delayering of the CMT
ahead of, but in line with, the need to respond to the current
economic climate.
6.1.2
Marie has now moved back to her substantive Programme
Director post, with responsibility that includes NAR,
Corporate ICT and Online Service and will report to Alan.
Organisational Development Programme Update
6.2.1
The Organisational Development Committee met on
30 September and the Minute of that meeting has now been
circulated to Board Members.
6.2.2
At that meeting, revised priorities and timeline were agreed
and have been reproduced as Annex A to the paper. In light
of last Thursday’s announcement, it will be necessary to
take stock again in terms of priorities. However, it is likely
that work will continue on the funding model, scenario
planning and also commercialisation which is still very much
a priority for Ministers.
6.2.3
It is also important for the Board to put in place strategic
objectives / priorities to help inform strategy for the new
organisation going forward. Annual Business Planning is
still a priority and will need to be progressed so that work
continues through to transition.
6.2.4
The Board noted that it would important to liaise closely with
HMIe on business planning.
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7.
Action
Due Date
Eileen
Oct 10
Glow Futures (verbal update)
7.1
Eileen briefed Board Members about important changes that had
taken place since the Board last met. The key points included:
7.1.1
The Scottish Government will now take forward the
procurement, primarily because the Cabinet Secretary is
very keen to look and new and innovative models.
However, LTS continues to have a key role in the
programme.
7.1.2
There are, of course, implications for LTS, with some staff
returning to their substantive posts . Other team members
will be part of the Scottish Government Glow Futures team although none are on a fulltime basis – and will contribute to
the business case and specification for procurement. LTS
will also be returning funding to the Scottish Government
where it has not already been committed.
7.1.4
Christine queried whether the Scottish Government would
still work towards the original timescale as there could be
serious implications for local authorities if this was not the
case.
7.1.5
Paul also sought clarification about the ‘different model’ and
whether this meant different model of procurement or
different model for Glow itself. In addition, Paul raised
concerns about the Scottish Government’s capacity and
expertise to deliver this. Eileen explained that different
model meant using newer, more up-to-date technology
platform and moving to more open source.
7.1.6
The Board also raised concerns about the risk of the
procurement being cancelled and the potential loss of the
work that had been taken forward by LTS, as well as other
dangers, eg if the platform were to change significantly.
7.1.7
Eileen undertook to feedback all of the Board’s concerns to
the Scottish Government.
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Action
8.
7.1.8
The Board agreed that the point had been reached where
the effective use of Glow amongst practitioners was
increasing and they would not want to lose that momentum.
Christine added that capital cost infrastructure is an issue in
addition to any developmental issues.
7.1.9
Eileen reminded the Board of the Cabinet Secretary’s
absolute commitment to Glow’s development and the
statement made by the Scottish Government at the industry
day. Glow Futures also needs to be seen as part of the
Scottish Government’s Technology for Learning Strategy.
LTS is contributing to this and also has representation on
that group.
Due Date
Chief Executive’s Report
8.1
Curriculum for Excellence, Assessment and Glow
8.1.1
Anne reported that work on populating the NAR is continuing
and, following review by the National Quality Assurance
Group, further materials will be published in early 2010.
There have been technical issues, but all three partners
have worked together to identify solutions and plans are in
place to resolve the problems.
8.1.2
The technical development of NAR will continue, providing
additional functionality and resources. This will include
enabling practitioners to create and share their own
assessment materials on NAR. LTS is working closely with
the developers to resolve some remaining technical issues
and agree the earliest possible date that this function can be
provided to users.
8.1.3
In the meantime, the Board was reassured that the technical
issues have no impact whatsoever on practitioners using
NAR. In the first month the NAR had been very well used
(over 11,000 visitors) with the guidance document having
the highest number of downloads.
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8.2
8.3
8.1.3
Christine added that practitioners who attended the
workshops being delivered jointly by local authorities, LTS
and HMIe were leaving reassured and not every partnership
is delivering that sort support. The NAR content is good,
providing a lot of support and now needs to be embedded.
8.1.4
Ken commented that both NAR and Glow are very powerful
tools, but LTS needs to have a clear rationale and solid
evidence of success.
8.1.6
In response to a comment from Jim regarding usage, Anne
explained that teachers will be able to upload their own
materials that can then be shared and used by other
teachers. Christine suggested that the fact that the guide
had the highest number of downloads, indicated that
practitioners wanted to find out how to develop and share
materials.
Due Date
Learning and Technology Update
8.2.1
The Board noted the report.
8.2.2
Eileen added that LTS will be consolidating various strands
of work, eg use of games based learning. The team will
also be looking at LTS’s own learning and technology
strategy as well as undertaking more evaluative work.
Education and the Arts – Culture & Creativity: An Action Plan
8.3.1
Paul commented that it was a very comprehensive
document and advised Board Members that the first meeting
of the Project Group would take place soon.
8.3.2
There are a number of questions to be asked of the paper,
the partnership needs to be established and an operating
plan developed. It will also be important for LTS and
Creative Scotland to have an absolutely solid understanding
of what is to be achieved.
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Action
8.4
8.5
9.
Scottish Learning Festival
8.4.1
The Board noted the report. Graeme said that this year’s
Festival had been the most successful to date in terms of
number of delegates. In addition, the ability to join the
keynotes online had been very well received by those who
could not attend the Festival. Graeme added that LTS was
to be commended for organising such a successful event.
8.4.2
Alistair added that LTS would now be carrying out an
evaluation and the CMT will be looking at the model for
future years.
Dundee Office
8.5.1
Alistair advised Board Members that the Overgate Centre
(where the Dundee office is located) has been put up for
sale by the landlord. LTS is now actively purusing other
options and noted that the current lease ends on 31 March
2011.
8.5.2
Board Members supported Christine’s suggestion that there
is likely to be space available within the school estate and it
would be good for LTS to be seen working alongside the
profession.
Corporate Performance Report
9.1
10.
Due Date
The Board noted the report.
Audit Scotland Review of Boards Study
10.1 Alistair referred to the paper which gave a summary of the key
messages and recommendations for both the Scottish Government
and public bodies.
10.2 Officers carried out a self assessment against the recommendations
for public bodies and LTS can demonstrate that it compares very
favourably.
10.3 The Board noted the report.
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Action
11.
Due Date
Advisory Council Update
11.1 Louise reported on the business discussed at the last Advisory
Council meeting which took place on 31 August. The main points of
the report included:
11.1.1 The ‘Change Matters’ paper has been published and LTS is
planning to hold a staff development seminar as part of the
dissemination process. The Advisory Council is now looking
for advice from Christine as to the best way of linking with
ADES.
11.1.2 A programme of work has been agreed up to June 2011.
The major topic that has been identified is creativity – in its
widest sense – and what that means throughout CfE.
11.1.3 The Advisory Council also talked about identification of a
number of short topics of significance to the education
community. The topics which appear to have received most
support are:
i)
The relationship between learning and accountability.
ii)
The relationship between academic and vocational
learning.
iii)
Partnership working and what makes for effective and
sustainable partnerships.
11.1.4 Board Members agreed that it would be impossible to look at
ii) without iii) and suggested that these topics should be
merged together. This would be needed for successful
delivery of the Senior Phase and relationships with HE, as
well as FE, were, therefore, very important.
11.2 Louise welcomed the comments from Board Members and will
feedback the key points to the Advisory Council. Louise also invited
Board Members to join any of the sub-groups where they might have
a particular interest.
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Due Date
11.3 Finally, Louise advised that a number of co-optees to the Advisory
Council had been identified.
12.
Items for Noting
12.1 Minute from Audit Committee Meeting – 2 September 2010
12.1.1 Noted.
12.2 Minute from OD Committee Meeting: 30 September 2010
12.2.1 Noted.
12.3 Finance Reports – July, August and September 2010
12.3.1 Noted.
12.4 Media Update – Augut and September 2010 + Quarterly
Analysis – July, August and September 2010
12.4.1 Noted.
13.
AOB
13.1 None.
14.
Date of Next Meeting
14.1 The next meeting and Residential is scheduled to take place on
15/16 December 2010 at the Beardmore Hotel, Clydebank. Board
Members agreed tthat this would provide an important opportunity
for strategic discussion about the future of the organisation.
Approved by:
______________________________________
Graeme Ogilvy, Deputy Chair
Date: _________________
Approved by:
______________________________________
Alistair Gordon, Company Secretary
Date: _________________
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