Minutes
Meeting of the Board of Directors
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held on Friday 30 October 2009 at 10am in the
Ramillies Room, The Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre, Clydebank, Glasgow G81 4SA.
Present:
Louise Hayward, Board Member
Jacqui Hepburn, Board Member
Bernard McLeary, Chief Executive
John Mulgrew OBE, Chair
Graeme Ogilvy, Board Member
In attendance:
Alan Armstrong, Director – Curriculum and Assessment
Eileen Gill, Seconded from Scottish Government
Alistair Gordon, Interim Director - Corporate Services
Marie Dougan, Interim Director – Learning & Technology
Kay Livingston, Director of International Research & Innovation
Catherine MacIntyre, Professional Adviser, Policy & Governance
Murray McVicar, Scottish Government
Stuart Ritchie, Director – Learning and Community
Apologies:
James Conroy, Board Member
Alison Coull, Scottish Government
Carole Ford, Board Member
Christine Pollock, North Lanarkshire Council, Special Adviser
Iain Nisbet, Board Member
Gavin Whitefield, North Lanarkshire Council,Special Adviser
Action
1.
Welcome and Apologies
1.1
Welcome
1.1.1
1.2
John welcomed Kay to her first meeting of the Board in
her new role as Interim Director, International, Research
and Innovation
Apologies
1.2.1
Apologies were received as noted above. John added
that Lesley Evans had not been able to join the Board
for dinner and advised colleagues that he had written to
Lesley suggesting that she might join the Board on
another occasion.
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2.
2.2
The Minute of the previous meeting and Action Grid were
accepted as a true record. The Minute and Action Grid will now
be published on the website, subject to any FOI exemptions.
Nov 09
Board Members also confirmed acceptance of the notes of the
Closed Session Discussion which took place on
19 August 2009.
Corporate Performance Report (Item 8.1.3 refers)
3.1.1
3.2
Alistair referred Board Members to his update at the last
meeting when he advised that the presentation of the
Corporate Performance Report would be changing to
include a new suite of performance indicators. Work on
this will be finalised to take into account the outcomes
from the Review and in line with our revised strategy.
Chief Executive’s Report : Swine Flu (Item 10.7 refers)
3.2.1
The Board noted that a few staff had been affected by
the virus and that LTS’s Occupational Health physician
had recently made a presentation to senior staff.
3.2.2
Alistair advised that the Scottish Government is
currently holding back on publication of the next stage of
advice.
Declarations of Interest
4.1
5.
Alistair
Matters Arising from the Previous Minutes
3.1
4.
Due Date
Minute of the Previous Meeting + Action Grid held on 19 August 2009
2.1
3.
Action
None.
Scottish Government’s Review of LTS
5.1
John noted that a very full discussion had taken place with Board
Members and CMT on the previous afternoon. Murray added
that he was delighted that the Review had reached a successful
conclusion and that the outcome had now been published.
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6.
5.2
The Board was very pleased at the outcome and endorsed the
Minister’s statement. John stated that Murray had a key part to
play in moving the Review forward to successful conclusion.
5.3
The Board had a lengthy discussion about the recommendations
from the Review and identified a number of the key issues.
These issues will form the basis of an action plan which the
Organisational Development Committee has been mandated to
take forward.
5.4
There will continue to be a Standing Item on the agenda to
ensure that all Board Members are involved fully.
5.5
John confirmed that LTS is responding positively to the Minister’s
statement and stakeholders recognise that LTS is a refocused
organisation which is building on strong foundations. Bernard
endorsed John’s comments.
Chair’s Report
The key points made by John were as follows:
6.1
Scottish Learning Festival
Congratulations were offered to all involved in delivering the
Scottish Learning Festival 2009. The Reception in Kelvingrove
had been excellent and it was particularly pleasing to see so
many Board Members involved.
6.2
Board Appointments
The advertisement for two Board Member vacancies has now
gone into the Press. Board Members noted that LTS undertook
a substantial amount work to tailor the Application Form. Dates
for shortlisting and interviews are now in the diary.
7.
Chief Executive’s Report
7.1
Curriculum, Assessment and Glow Update
7.1.1
CfE
Alan advised that a range of support materials is being
developed, but LTS is ensuring that the range and
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quantity are not overwhelming. An innovative approach
is being taken, including a combination of Glow tools
and services and events.
7.1.2
Building your Curriculum
A series of events is being organised for Building your
Curriculum, based on the success of last year’s format.
7.1.3
Assessment
There will be some final adjustments on BtC5 with the
launch expected by the end of December. In the
interim, LTS will discuss and agree with the Scottish
Government exactly what LTS’s contribution will be.
7.1.4
7.2
Glow
i)
Increase in usage and uptake continues to grow,
with 3.7 million log-ins and confirmation that six
TEIs have now joined.
ii)
Other points to note included:
•
One of the current priorities is to look at how
parents can use Glow.
•
Using Glow, the Cabinet Secretary talked to
26 different schools about why she is proud
to be Scottish.
•
A Masterclass with Liz Lockhead is starting
in Highland Council.
•
Changes are coming to Glow as part of the
refresh, including blogs and wikis.
•
Scottish Government is now using Glow.
Targeted Support
The Board noted the wide range of work within the broad area of
Skills for Learning, Life and Work. The themes consistently
coming through the programme are networks and Glow which is
indicative of improved integration within LTS.
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7.3
Action
Due Date
Marie
16.12.09
Interconnect
Marie reported that there had been a slight delay with
completion because of an issue relating to the central network.
This has now been addressed and completion is expected by
the end of November.
7.4
7.5
LTS / University of Abertay MoU
7.4.1
The Board noted that the Consolarium would remain in
the LTS Dundee offce for the present. LTS is, however,
still keen to work with Abertay University and will,
therefore, continue to explore more formal partnership
arrangements.
7.4.2
Marie also reported on the very successful launch of
Canvas – the virtual art gallery – at SLF.
7.4.3
Board Members noted with interest Graeme’s comment
on the use of virtual technology in construction skills
training.
Memorandum of Understanding with Tianjin Education
Commission
Kay reported that a key feature of the Confucius Classrooms is
to have a link organisation in China. During a visit to China
earlier this year, Kay and Bernard met with the Education
Commission in Tianjin with a view to establishing links. An MoU
is now being developed to ensure clarity about the links
between the Scottish hubs and Chinese schools.
7.6
Glow 2
7.6.1
Marie advised that the Scottish Government has given
LTS a Mandate to take forward a specification for Glow
2.0 towards appointment of the preferred supplier,
management of migration process and development of
Glow 2.0 services. The process will begin with a
consultation early in the New Year.
7.6.2
Further papers will be coming to the Board setting out
the plan for taking this major piece of work forward.
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8.
Organisational Development High Plan Update
8.1
9.
Eileen gave a brief update as follows:
8.1.1
The High Level Plan has been updated now that the Review
has been completed and the timescales adjusted
accordingly.
8.1.2
Work has continued in the meantime, and the target
completion date for the main strands is September 2010.
8.1.3
The Interim Structure is now firmly in place.
8.1.4
Strand Groups are looking at various aspects of
organisational development, with a lot work underway in
relation to HR.
8.1.5
The review of the CMT structure with PA Consulting is
progressing.
8.1.6
A very successful All Staff Meeting took place in September
and a follow-up meeting is scheduled for 3 December.
8.1.7
The Organisational Development Committee is scheduled to
meet on 19 November.
8.2
John commented that the key points from the Board’s discussion
on the previous afternoon will be recorded and taken forward by
the Organisational Development Committee.
8.3
The Board noted that good progress is being made overall.
Corporate Performance and Control
9.1
Performance Report
9.1.1
Alistair confirmed that there are no concerns with overall
performance. Graeme also stated that the Audit
Committee is very happy with the way everything is
being managed, including corporate risk, and confirmed
that no issues have emerged.
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9.2
10.
Annual Review of Corporate Risk
9.2.1
Alistair explained that the corporate risk register is
reviewed regularly by the Audit Committee. However,
the Board has overall responsibility and is, therefore,
required to review the corporate risk register at least
annually.
9.2.2
The Board noted that this version of the register was
substantially the same as that which had been reviewed
by the Audit Committee on 1 September with the
exception of one new risk. The new risk (risk 11) relates
to Scottish Government security policy frameworks and
LTS is currently seeking advice from its internal auditors
about the most appropriate way of handling this for LTS.
Further updates will be made to the Audit Committee.
9.2.3
The Board unanimously approved the Corporate Risk
Register.
Planning and Budgeting
10.1 Alistair referred to the paper and highlighted a number of points,
including:
10.1.1 The annual planning and budgeting cycle for 2010/11 is
due to begin.
10.1.2 The process will need to start ahead of a fully worked
out strategic plan, however, the outcomes from the
Review will provide a framework and there are also
existing programmes work which will continue into the
next financial year.
10.1.3 The formal role of Cosla in the development of the
annual businss plan and will need to be built into LTS’s
planning cycle.
10.1.4 There will be a number of budget pressures facing LTS,
including:
i)
The generally tough financial environment.
ii)
Efficient Government savings.
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iii)
Action
Due Date
Alistair
16.12.09
Catherine
Ongoing
Implementing the third and final year of the LTS
pay arrangements (average 3.5%).
10.1.5 LTS will also be required to estimate the carbon
associated with its budgeted expenditure.
10.1.6 Alistair will aim to bring an outline budget and business
plan to the December meeting. First drafts will be
presented to the Board in February, with the final draft
budget and business plan going to the Board for
approval in April.
11.
Corporate Governance
11.1
Board Self-evaluation Action Plan 2008/9
11.1.1 John commented that, although it had taken some time
to arrange, a meeting between the Chairs of LTS and
SQA was now scheduled to take place on
20 November 2009. Board Members confirmed that all
other actions had been satisfactorily progressed and
that the Action Plan was now fully completed.
11.1.2 Catherine referred to the Board’s earlier discussion
about this year’s Self-evaluation. The main points from
that discussion will be pulled together into an Action
Note for the Board and will form the basis of the Board’s
key objectives for 2009 /10.
11.1.3 The majority of these objectives will be progressed and
monitored by the Organisational Development
Committee in the first instance. The main Board will
receive regular updates via the Committee Minute and,
receive papers for endorsement / approval, as
appropriate.
11.2
Audit Scotland Role of Boards Study : Questionnaire for
Auditors
11.2.1 Alistair confirmed that the Auditors’ response to the
questionnaire was generally favourable and, overall,
LTS’s Board Governance arrangements are
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John / Alistair
17.2.10
satisfactory. The Audit Scotland report will impact all
public bodies, therefore, Alistair recommended waiting
until publication of the report before proposing any
appropriate actions.
11.2.2 Jacqui and John commented on a related conference
they had recently attended, noting the following points:
i)
The difference in governance arrangements
amongst public bodies and colleges
ii)
Variance between Board Member remuneration.
iii)
Joining up of Boards and sharing good practice.
11.2.3 Both Jacqui and John agreed that, based on
discussions at the conference, LTS’s governance
arrangements compared very well.
11.2.4 With reference to remuneration of Board Members,
Alistair explained that there is a Scottish Governance
policy which includes a scale that determines
remuneration depending on the type of NDPB. In policy
terms, there would seem to be potential for LTS Board
Members to receive remuneration.
11.2.5 John said that the Board would come back to this issue
and develop a case for submission to the Scottish
Government.
12.
Items for Noting
12.1 Finance Reports – July / August / September 2009
Alistair advised that both the P&L account and balance sheet
are strong. However, the Board noted that pressures are likely
in future financial years.
12.2 Media Update – August and September 2009
The Board noted that it had been a busy period with the Scottish
Learning Festival generating significant press activity.
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Victoria
31.10.09
Catherine
16.12.09
12.3 Minute of Audit Committee Meting – 1 September 2009
12.3.1 Graeme commented that Board had already received an
update and discussed some of the issues coming up at
the Audit Committee Meeting. Graeme confirmed that
the Committee is comfortable with the control model that
LTS is using and that information is being reported
accurately. No issues have been raised by either the
internal or external auditors.
13.
AOB
13.1
Retirement Lunch for Douglas
John intimated that, unfortunately, due to a bereavement in
Douglas’s family, the dinner had to be cancelled. However, a
lunch was now taking place at The Optima to which all Board
Members and CMT are invited. Detailed arrangements will be
sent to Board Members as soon as possible.
13.2
Advisory Council
13.2.1 Louise advised that the research and action papers are
now complete, with very helpful support received from
LTS colleagues and Bernard. The engagement phase
has recently started and some very positive responses
have been received. Louise is now discussing the
possibility of a seminar with LTS staff.
13.2.2 A meeting has also taken place to discuss Advisory
Council Membership.
13.2.3 John asked that ‘Update from the Advisory Council’ is
now a Standing Item on the Board Agenda.
14.
Date of Next Meeting
14.1
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday
16 December 2009 in The Optima. The lunch with staff which
was scheduled to take place immediately after the Board
Meeting will be postponed to early 2010 to avoid clashing with
the LTS Christmas Get-together.
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14.2
Due Date
Board Members noted the Schedule of Meetings for the Board
and Board Committees for 2010.
Approved by:
______________________________________
John Mulgrew OBE, Chair
Date: _________________
Approved by:
______________________________________
Alistair Gordon, Company Secretary
Date: _________________
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