Notes on discussion on HE strategies at the seminar for college governors
Facilitated by Nigel Percival, Governor, City and Islington College.
The facilitator introduced the discussion by noting that the responses to the HEFCE
consultation on HE in FECs policy in 2006 were supportive of the proposal to request all
colleges to submit an HE strategy. He drew attention to the request (HEFCE document
2009/13) and the guidance it contains.
Key points arising from discussion
How does HE fit in the FEC?
 HE provided in colleges meets the needs of the community, offering vocational and
niche progression routes
 it meets the needs of students who don’t consider applying to a university
 it builds on good quality provision at level 3
 income from HE supports a diversification of income streams
 HE provision can enhance the reputation of the college
 FECs are better positioned to respond to SMEs.
Governors should consider the risks involved:
 market driven provision needs to deliver quality
 a critical mass may be necessary to support provision.
Governors need to consider how the strategy relates to or is developed in collaboration with
HEI partners.
Some colleges (with over 100 directly funded FTEs) will also have to produce a Widening
participation strategic assessment and the different timescales may be an issue.
There is a difference between a medium to long term strategy (up to 5 years) and an
operational or implementation plan. Strategies will need to be monitored and subject to
review. This process will vary dependent on the organisational and management structure for
HE provision (dispersed or centralised).
Staff development materials
A Guide for clerks and governors should include:
 an explanation of the variety of what is ‘higher education provision’ (i.e. including nonprescribed HE).
 an emphasis on innovative approaches, for instance including HE credit within level 3
 ways of managing HE and monitoring
 how the voice of HE in FE can be heard at policy level
 a set of points for governors to ask questions about, including:

pay and conditions

quality assurance systems

the policy framework

the position (the cap) on additional student numbers

the debate on tuition fees.