Minutes
Meeting of the Board of Directors
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held on Wednesday 18 February 2009 at 10:30 am in the
Board Room, Learning and Teaching Scotland, The Optima, 58 Robertson Street,
Glasgow G2 8DU.
Present:
Carole Ford, Board Member
Louise Hayward, Board Member
Bernard McLeary, Chief Executive
John Mulgrew OBE, Chair
Iain Nisbet, Board Member
Graeme Ogilvy, Board Member
Christine Pollock, Special Adviser
Douglas Weir, Board Member
Gavin Whitefield, Special Adviser
In attendance:
Alan Armstrong, Director - Education Improvement
Denise Brock, Head of Communications (Item 10 only)
Alistair Gordon, Head of Finance & Company Secretary
Stewart Carruth, Director - Corporate Services
Catherine MacIntyre, Executive Manager
Laurie O'Donnell, Director - Learning and Technology
Stuart Ritchie, Director - Curriculum
Apologies:
James Conroy, Board Member
Alison Coull, Scottish Government
Jacqui Hepburn, Board Member
1.
Due Date
Alistair
Feb 08
Apologies / Welcome
1.1
Apologies were received as noted above.
1.2
2.
Action
John welcomed Christine and Gavin as Special Advisers to the
Board.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on 3 December 2008
+ Action Grid
2.1
The Minutes of the previous meeting and Action Grid were
accepted as a true record. These will now be published on the
website, subject to any FOI exemptions.
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3.
Matters Arising from the Previous Minutes
3.1 There were no significant matters arising that did not feature on
the agenda.
4.
Declarations of Interest
4.1
5.
None.
Scottish Government Review of LT Scotland
5.1
John reported that he had invited Jamie MacDougall to update
the Board, but he had subsequently received a call from Colin
MacLean to say that Jamie would need to attend another
meeting.
5.2
However, John met briefly with Jamie prior to this morning’s
Board Meeting and provided the Board with the following
update.
5.3
i)
All of those on the list of stakeholders have been
interviewed and the broad themes emerging remain the
same as reported at the December Board Meeting.
ii)
Jamie is now finalising the Phase 1 draft report. The
Scottish Government has agreed that before the
Phase 1 report is finalised, they will discuss it with John
and Bernard. A meeting has been arranged for
Thursday 26 February 2009 for this purpose.
iii)
What happens after that, is still unclear. However, our
understanding is that what will be presented on
26 February is a set of questions.
The Board raised concerns about staff and the difficulties this
presents for Bernard. John has had assurances that the
Scottish Government’s target is to conclude by Easter.
However, in order to achieve an outcome by Easter, there would
need to be some activity in early March and the Board would
want to see John and Bernard as key partners in this.
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6.
5.3.1
Bernard said that it is all credit to LTS staff who have
delivered in the context of nearly 14 months of uncertainty.
Bernard has been keeping staff informed and Trades Union
on board. Unfortunately, because Jamie is unable to be
present, it will not be possible to give staff a further update
following this meeting. We also do not know if the new
Minister for Schools and Skills will have any impact on
timescales.
5.3.2
The Board agreed that, if Ministers delayed the Review
further, then it would be necessary to get some certainty on
the budget / planning for 2009 / 10. Christine also
commented that the Scottish Government had spoken to
North Lanarkshire as part of the consultation process.
Christine confirmed that she would be very happy to assist
further with progressing the Review.
5.3.3
In conclusion, John said that next Thursday would be an
important meeting and discussion will need to include what
is expected in Phase II. If necessary, John will call a Special
Meeting of the Board.
Chair’s Report
6.1
John gave a brief overview of his report, highlighting the
following points:
6.1.1
The local authority pilots and their importance in the
context of LTS’ contribution to the Concordat and Single
Outcome Agreements.
6.1.2
John’s visits to local authorities to see Glow working in
practice and to find out more about the speed and focus
of implementation. John raised the question of CPD
opportunities and how essential Glow is for delivery of
CfE.
6.1.3
The useful links made during John’s visit to the US, in
relation to leadership and technology, and in the context
of the Review. John suggested that Board Members
could, if they wished, send any thoughts / comments to
Bernard.
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7.
Chief Executive’s Report
7.1
Curriculum for Excellence Update
7.1.1
The main points from Alan’s report were as follows:
i)
LTS continues to deliver its commissioned work.
The Scottish Government now has the complete
set of outcomes and will carry out a thematic
review as part of the quality assurance process.
If further work is required, LTS will be informed.
ii)
Testing the Framework is generating a great deal
of interest. Advice and products that come from
the workshops will be produced and published
online, but it is important that practitioners have
an opportunity to test prior to release.
iii)
LTS’ programme of work for the coming year will
also include a feasibility study of possible
software options.
iv)
LTS has been developing papers on Assessment
for release along with the experiences and
outcomes. There has already been engagement
with professionals and partners, and further
engagement is planned.
7.1.2
The Board discussed various issues in relation to
Testing the Framework, assessment and qualifications,
and the timescales associated with each.
7.1.3
Christine commented that the Cabinet Secretary had
been clear about the timescales and local authorities
need to have CPD organised. It will, therefore, be
important to ensure that there is no delay from the
Management Board on release of the Es and Os. Local
authorities have also been offered an additional
In-Service day and North Lanarkshire is planning to use
online Es and Os in their May In-Service.
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7.2
7.1.4
Bernard assured Christine that this will be part of LTS’
planned work for next year. The summer term CPD will
be vital time for managers and it is essential to achieve
the 2010 dealine. LTS will do everything to make sure
that there is no delay through the Management Board.
7.1.5
The Board agreed that is unlikely that all changes in
classrooms will be achieved by that date and that a
longer term view needs to be taken. There was also
discussion about assessment and qualifications, and the
importance of clarity of policy related to this.
Procurement of Interconnect 2 (Commercial In
Confidence)
7.2.1
7.3
Laurie reminded the Board that this was part of the
national ICT infrastructure. LTS is managing the
procurement on behalf of the Scottish Government and
this week has been successful in reducing the risk
status of from ‘red’ to ‘amber’. Although timescales are
still very tight, LTS is working with Thus to deliver on
time for July.
LTS and 4iP
7.3.1
Laurie explained about the wider partnership that LTS is
developing with Channel 4. The aim of this particular
proposal is to develop public digital media services –
excluding TV. LTS is currently looking at 2 options: a
graphic novel and games development.
7.3.2
Christine referred to the OECD report and
Richard Tease’s comment about better vocational
qualifications. Laurie confirmed that certification is also
being discussed.
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7.4
7.5
7.6
Due Date
Winning Game
7.4.1
Laurie reported that the game had been piloted in Perth
High School and will be made available through Glow.
It is seen as very relevant within the context of the Four
Capacities.
7.4.2
Referring to earlier discussion about Glow, John said it
would be helpful if Laurie could bring the Board up-todate at a future meeting.
Laurie
Pay Negotiations
7.5.1
Stewart advised that, with the Board’s endorsement,
LTS had implemented the pay deal for all staff, with the
exception of 27 red circled staff, in December 2008.
Individual discussions are now taking place with red
circuled staff. The implementation was very low key
and LTS’ relationship with Unions remains very good.
7.5.2
Alistair added that for the major of staff it is a good deal
helps to mitigate our equal pay risk, although some
issues on equal pay still remain.
Voluntary Severance Scheme
7.6.1
Stewart explained that LTS had made savings to fund
a voluntary severance scheme and had submitted a
business case to the Sponsor Department in October.
We have now received notification (?) of the Scottish
Government’s intention to claw back £350k of this
money.
7.6.2
Alistair confirmed that the Scottish Government has
agreed to a smaller scheme for 2008 / 9 only. Details
have been issued to all staff at the end of January and
discussions are now taking place with staff who have
expressed interest.
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7.6.3
Gavin said that he would be happy to share North
Lanarkshire’s experiences of equal pay issues and
past liability, and changes in case law regarding salary
preservation. Bernard said that LTS is trying to give
individual counselling and alternatives to red circled
staff and it would, therefore, be very helpful to talk to
Gavin.
7.6.4
Bernard said he was very disappointed about the
clawback, particularly as there had been no
communication from the Scottish Government since
submission of the business case in October. LTS had
been following Simplification Guidance from Cabinet
Secretary, John Swinney, which stated that any
funding for organisational development must be met
from existing budgets. Bernard noted that the Schools
Directorate had been very supportive.
Carole, Gavin and Stuart withdrew from the meeting.
7.7
Dundee Office Relocation
7.7.1
Alistair confirmed that the Overgate lease had been
extended to October 2009. The original entry date to
Caledonian House was November 2007, but our
understanding now is that HMRC is considering
handing back Caledonian House to their agents. LTS
and staff are happy with the Overgate, but remaining
there is dependent on the outcome of the Review.
7.7.2
Laurie confirmed that he continues to meet with and
keep staff up-to-date. Douglas reminded the Board of
earlier Audit Committee discussion. The consultants
had stated that if LTS were to relocate to Caledonian
House for 3 years (per the MOTO) and then review
office needs again, better property options might be
available at that time.
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7.8
Stewart
22.04.09
The Board noted the report. Following up on a
request at the last meeting regarding impact, Stewart
advised that this would be addressed within the paper
for item 10 on the agenda.
Corporate Performance Report
8.1
9.
Due Date
Media Update
7.8.1
8.
Action
Stewart reported that there were two changes since the last
report, within Corporate RLG and ICT Internal Process
respectively. The Board was satisfied that, in both instances,
there was no particular cause for concern and no indication of
longterm trend.
Planning and Budgeting 2009 / 10
9.1
9.2
Indicative Business Plan
9.1.1
Stewart explained that the Business Plan was
presented as ‘indicative’ because of the Scottish
Government’s Review of LTS.
9.1.2
In the meantime, however, the Plan indicates the
areas where we would like to develop the
organisation. For example, increased partnership
working in light of the Concordat and ensuring that we
have the appropriate systems / processes / skills in
place. Discussions with colleagues in the Scottish
Government are also continuing to agree programme
outcomes.
9.1.3
The Board should receive the final draft of the
Business Plan at the meeting on 22 April 2009.
Draft Budget
9.2.1
Alistair gave an overview of the high level, indicative
figures within the draft budget, drawing the Board’s
attention to a number of points, including:
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9.2.2
i)
The core grant is a fixed sum – the same as
2008 / 9.
ii)
Funding allowed for additional staffing,
because a number of staff have not been
replaced in 2008 / 9 pending the outcome of
the Review.
Alistair advised that the next iteration of the draft
Budget would be presented to the Audit Committee on
24 March for confirmation of its technical accuracy.
The Final Draft Budget will come to the Board for
approval on 22 April 2009.
Action
Due Date
Alistair
22.04.09
Denise joined the meeting.
10.
Corporate Governance
10.1
Board’s Engagement with Stakeholders
10.1.1 John reminded the Board of discussion at the last
meeting and invited Denise to brief Board Members
about the proposals in the paper.
10.1.2 Denise summarised the process, using the
questionnaire and the analysis of responses which
suggested five possible options.
10.1.3 The Board discussed the proposals identified and
agreed to progress following options:
i)
Informal lunches with staff following Board
Meetings.
ii)
A forum for LTS Board Members to meet with
other partner Board Members commencing with
SQA (and prior June if possible) to share
interests in and awareness of Curriculum for
Excellence.
iii)
An introduction to Glow / awareness raising,
with the possibility of establishing a Board Glow
Group at a later date.
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iv)
Corporate Communications to develop an
appropriate report for the Board on stakeholder
engagement activities at a corporate level.
v)
A calendar of corporate events for Board
Members.
Due Date
10.1.4 Denise confirmed that Corporate Communications
would be conducting a stakeholder survey as one of
the ways in which LTS assesses impact. The results
of the survey will be included in a future report to the
Board.
10.1.5 Catherine will arrange for the actions to be
progressed.
11.
Catherine
Board Member Discussion Item
11.1
Arrangements for Drafting LTS Responses to
Consultations
11.1.1 Iain had raised this query and sought further clarity
about the way LTS approaches responses to Scottish
Government Consultations.
11.1.2 Bernard explained that several factors are considered,
including:
i)
Whether it would be appropriate or not for LTS
to respond given our NDPB status and role in
being commissioned to carry out work.
ii)
Internal capacity, ie whether LTS has the
staff / expertise.
11.1.3 Iain appreciated the constraints on the organisation in
terms of capacity, but felt that because responses are
made public, it was important to be clear of LTS’
position.
11.1.4 It was agreed that Iain would meet with Bernard
should he wish to discuss / clarify further.
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Ongoing
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12.
Due Date
Items for Noting
12.1
Finance Reports – November and December 2008
12.1.1 The Board noted the reports.
13.
Any Other Business
13.1
Update from the Advisory Council
13.1.1 Louise advised Board Members that she had recently
met with the Chairs of the 3 sub-groups to discuss the
format of papers being produced by each of the
groups. Louise extended an invitation to Board
Members to join the next meeting of the Advisory
Council in March, or any of the sub-groups which may
be of interest.
14.
Date of Next Meeting
14.1
The next meeting of the Board of Directors will take place at
10.30am on Wednesday 22 April 2009 in the Board Room,
Learning and Teaching Scotland, Glasgow.
Presentation by Professor Alan Miller, Chair of Scottish Human Rights Commission
Board Members were joined by Alan Miller, Chair of Scottish Human Rights Commission, for
information discussion about SHRC’s Strategic Plan. Discussion included potential links with LTS
in terms of Curriculum for Excellence and ways of working together to deliver a shared agenda.
It was agreed that a joint paper be developed and presented to both Boards in the summer.
Approved by:
______________________________________
John Mulgrew OBE, Chair
Date: _________________
Approved by:
______________________________________
Alistair Gordon, Company Secretary
Date: _________________
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