The Working Men’s College Corporation
Draft Minutes for the Meeting of the WMC Corporation on 12th Dec. 2012 at 6.30
p.m. in Room 802, Working Men’s College 44, Crowndale Road, London, NW1 1TR.
Members Present:
( Appointed Govs )
Margaret Alexander
Philip Badman
Barbara Burman
Kate Bell
Lucy de Groot
Nigel Franklin
Ruth Hawthorn
Martin Jones
Abdul Quadir
Tom Schuller ( Chair )
Paula Whittle
BC.63.12
Appointed
Appointed
Appointed
Appointed
Appointed
Appointed
Appointed
Appointed
Appointed
Appointed
Appointed
Governors Attending ( Ex-Officio ):
Satnam Gill
Principal Ex Officio
Governors ( Nominated ):
Erik Richards
Nominated Student
Shingo Nakatani
Nominated Staff
In Attendance:
Stewart Cross
VP Resources
Theresa Hoenig
Deputy Principal
Alan Conway
Clerk
Declaration of Interests
There were none.
BC.64.12
Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Paula Whittle, David Offenbach, Kazi
Nessa and Ivy Simmonds; with an apology from lateness from Martin
Jones. An apology had also been received from Tulip Siddiq, prospective
governor, who was appointed at this meeting.
BC.65.12
Minutes of Corporation Meeting 18th July 2012
The Chair signed the minutes as a correct record.
BC.66.12
Minutes of Corporation Meeting 19th September 2012
The Chair signed the minutes as a correct record.
BC.67.12
Matters Arising Not Included on the Agenda
Ref. BC.33.01.12: Fee remission data was circulated as had been
requested. Governors will contact the VP Resources via E Mail should
they wish to comment about the fee remission data.
BC.67.12
Search Committee 12.12.2012 / Board and Committee Membership
( Chair’s oral feedback )
BC.67.01.12
Following Roger Robinson’s resignation from the WMC Board, the LB
Camden named Cllr Tulip Siddiq as their Council nominee. Her
application was duly considered by Search Committee. The experience of
the work of the Council that she can bring was considered very helpful.
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The Board Approved Search Committee’s Recommendation that Cllr
Tulip Siddiq be appointed for a term of office of three years, on the
proviso that her Board membership would end should she lose or
resign her position as a serving Councillor.
BC.67.02.12
Members were advised of the vacancy on Audit Committee resulting from
Martin Jones standing down as a Governor / Trustee of the College. The
Board Approved Search Committee’s Recommendation that Barbara
Burman become a member of Audit Committee. The Board Noted
that with Barbara Burman moving to Audit Committee a vacancy has
in turn been created on Quality and Standards Committee.
BC.67.03.12
Search Committee had considered an analysis of the Diversity Monitoring
forms for the Board and found the general gender and ethnic balance to be
good, albeit the age profile was skewed towards governors aged over 55.
BC.67.03.12
With regard to the two remaining Board vacancies, Search Committee
remained mindful of the Skills Audit data and that analysis indicated that
it would be good to have more local business experience. To that end, the
Chair undertook to contact Roger Madelin with respect to connecting
with and attracting to the Board a local / Kings Cross employer.
BC.68.12
Principal’s and Chair’s Report - Strategic Focus:
BC.68.01.12 The Chair underlined how the past year had been very successful. The
College’s financial position is sound, not least because of the successful
efforts to secure the transfer of HGSI’s SFA contract and integration of
this provision into the WMC programme.There had been sustained growth
in student numbers. The Chair and Board congratulated the Principal and
staff for their hard work
BC.68.02.12 Funding and changes over the next three years
The Principal confirmed that the Skills Funding Statement for the next
three years indicates SDI’s will be funded for the ‘foreseeable future’;
suggesting relative security with any spending review unlikely to see a
change from the current stated position until academic year 2016/17.
Nevertheless, there is no commitment on actual funding rate; and it may
well be that next year the College remains at standstill or a slightly
reduced funding rate, reflective of the wider FE position.
The Board emphasized that, although Success Rates were less than
benchmark, this was an outcome of a conscious positive decision to target
the disadvantaged with ‘open access’to offer a ‘second chance’; an
important aim being to work hard at keeping such students on courses as
evidenced by excellent retention rates. The WMC students were
comparative to other colleges very disadvantaged. However, WMC was
tireless in efforts to improve Achievement and Success Rates and
Additional Leaning Support ( ALS ) was being greatly expanded, not least
with the objective of improving Success Rates.
The College was reducing Level 3 work because of uncertainty as to
whether students will be willing to take out loans. However, a deal struck
with University of the Arts London, where 70k of Level 3 work has been
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franchised to WMC, puts the College in a secure position with respect to
funding ,this work as students only enroll where their, loan has been
secured. Governors felt this exemplified good partnership work, which
helped secure progression routes and reduced direct funding risk.
Local Authority funding is being reduced by 2% ,which will pose funding
challenges for LB Camden, that suggests potential risk for the College
with respect to the Camden Arts contract. Also, future funding rates for
ESOL are important because of the high percentage of WMC provision
involved and the relatively good ESOL rates in relation to cost of
provision; as compared to, say, arts provision.
The possibility of mergers, in particular the mooted merger of City Lit and
Kensington and Chelsea College, could significantly impact on the
College. The Principal confirmed he would circulate to governors a
detailed assessment of the impact of the Skills Funding Statement.
BC.68.02.12 Strategic Objectives
The Strategic Plan and Objectives (Attached as Appendix 1 to the
Principal’s Report ) were agreed at July 2012 Corporation. The Principal
reported on progress:
-A1: It would be appropriate to report on broad development of
organizational culture at the end of the year.
-A2: Alternative developments in curriculum delivery had included the
development of ESOL Workshop provision. More teaching resources had
been needed and there was still ongoing work with tutors to encourage
workshop style individual learning, backed up with tutor support. Learner
clubs were an area of non-teacher provision that has been developed.
-B1; Work with hard to reach groups included new links with housing
associations. Project provision at St Mungos in a number of centres
included English and Life-skills.
-B2: Liberal arts work had been greatly expanded with 800 more
enrolments. New classes needed time to build up their numbers. A number
of community arts courses targeted non-traditional learners. The HGSI
contract had also boosted provision. Consideration was being given to
increasing the vocational programme within the arts; not least with an eye
to reducing dependency on ESOL.
-C1: Work with local employers was being supported through a current
Tutor having 50% of her time to be spent for the next two terms on
engaging with employers, especially in the Kings X area.. Data on the
destination of students on leaving the college remained patchy.
-C2: There is active participation in the Camden ACL Providers Group /
Community Learning Trust and an event at WMC had further cemented
the relationship and exemplified increases in partnership working.
-D1: Raising College fee income to 25% of total income over three years
is a very challenging target. Currently the ratio is around 15 - 16% [? I
thought it was 19%??] and an significant increase in fees could adversely
impact on enrolments. In particular, efforts to increase vocational courses
aim at students who are non fee- payers. The Principal will keep review
and report back at the end of the year. The Principal undertook to
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provide governors with a summary sheet that set out a breakdown of
the College’s income.
-D2: There had been considerable investment in premises. An important
piece of work will be extensive replacement of windows at the front of the
building. The building being listed will make any replacement expensive.
The Board confirmed the importance of sticking to this focused set of
strategic objectives and regularly returning to them to consider
progress at each Board meeting.
BC.68.03.12 Inspection readiness
Following the detailed discussion of inspection at the Special Board
meeting on September 19th college management confirmed that the
College was currently ready for inspection and it would now be welcome
if it came sooner rather than later.
BC.68.04.12 Annual Risk Management Report
Martin Jones, as former Chair and Philip Badman as current Chair of
Audit Committee, were able to confirm that the Risk Register and reports
to Committee showed that risk management arrangements were effective;
and that risk was scrutinized at operational level and validated by
governors. They felt the College took a comprehensive balanced approach
to risk as had been evidenced in the decision to take on the HGSI contract
with SFA. Risk management was actively used as a management tool. The
Board Approved the Annual Risk Management Report.
BC.68.05.12 Operating Plan 2013/14
The Board Noted the Operational Plan showing progress to date.
BC.68.06.12 Staffing
In line with the Corporation’s decision the 1% pay rise for all staff,
and increments where applicable, were paid from September 1st 2012.
BC.68.07.12 College Funding and Performance 2011-12 and 2012-13
- Total number of SLNs for 2011/12 19+ was 942
- Because of over-delivery, the SFA have awarded the College 113.5k
to be paid in January 2013.
- For 2012-13 the total 19+ SFA contract is £3,624k; which includes
£ 487k transferred from HGSI.
- ALS funding has doubled for 2012/13. Use of ALS will be carefully
reviewed so as to and further improve support and consequent
Success Rates for disadvantaged learners.
- Enrolments were up 800 against last year and were at a record high.
- Fee income to date was £ 300k against a raised and challenging target
of £ 670k; not least, given that the Foundation Degree had closed.
The Board acknowledged that, overall, it had been a good year in terms of
achieving a surplus of £ 328k in tight budgetary conditions; including
successful integration of HGSI’s SFA contract work and ex-HGSI
students, and achieving record enrolments. The Board congratulated the
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Principal and staff for their hard work and achievement and the
Chair and the Principal will be writing to staff accordingly.
The Board received the Report.
BC.69.12
Audited Report and Financial Statements 2011 / 2012 ( Includes
Regularity Audit Opinion )
Buzzacott attended November 6th 2012 Audit Committee and confirmed
that the Financial Statements provided a true and fair account of the
financial position. Audit Committee was fully satisfied. Finance
Committee on November 21st 2012 received the Financial Statements and
recommended that Corporation adopt them.
The Board Noted the responsibilities of governors as set out at pages
22 and 23 in the document.
Reserves at 100% of income was an aim that will be reviewed given the
current size of the portfolio and College Management will put a proposal
to the next Finance Committee.
The Chair was of the view that the Mission Statement could be made
more succinct and governors agreed that it should be reviewed
accordingly.
The Board Noted the Unqualified audit Opinion from Buzzacott for
the Financial Statements, including the Unqualified Audit Opinion for
the Regularity Audit. The Board Adopted and authorized the Chair to
sign off the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st July 2012.
The Accounts will be sent for signature by the External auditors
( Buzzacott ) and to SFA, Companies House and Charities Commission.
With reference to the Disability statement at page 12 the Board recognized
that with Cllr Roger Robinson’s resignation in July, the Board needs to
assign member to specifically championed disability causes. The Board
will keep under review the possibility of assigning a member as a
disability advocate/Champion. It was Agreed that Irina Staneva, who
chairs the College’s Disability Group, should report once a year to the
Board on developments with respect to the work of the group and
college disability issues and attend the Board together with a student
member of the College Disability Group.
BC.70.12
Post Audit Management Letter – 2011/12
The Letter covered the External Audit of Accounts to July 31st 2012 and
provided an Unqualified Opinion. The Board Noted the Post Audit
Management Letter and Unqualified Opinion.
BC.70.01.12 Regularity Audit – Post Audit Management Letter to July 31st 2012
The Board Noted the Regularity Audit Post Audit Management
Letter and Unqualified Opinion.
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BC.71.12
Letter of Audit Representations
Corporation Approved and authorized the Chair to sign the Letter of
Audit Representations.
BC.72.12
Financial Regulations – 2012/13
The Finance Committee considered the updated Regulations in detail on
21st November 2012 and resolved to recommend them to the Board. The
Board Adopted the revised Financial Regulations for 2012/13.
BC.73.12
Building Programme - Phase 2 Completion
The Phase 2 works were now complete. Professional fees had been settled
save for a dispute regarding the amount of fees claimed by Fanshawe, the
Quantity Surveyors. The College felt there had been shortcomings on
the part of the Quantity Surveyor and legal advice was being sought.
The Principal will report back to the Board accordingly.
Finance, Personnel & Development Committee reviewed the project at
their meeting on 21st November 2012. It requested that a review of lessons
to be learned from the experience of the building project be undertaken, to
be reported back. The Board Noted the progress with the completion of
the Building programme Phase 2 project.
BC.74.12
Financial Memorandum – SFA and EFA
The Board Noted the funding levels and arrangements as set out in
the documents from SFA and EFA.
BC.75.12
Management Accounts to October 31st 2012
The accounts and commentary had been considered by Finance
Committee on November 21st 2012. The Board Noted the Management
Accounts to October 31st 2011.
BC.76.12
Business Performance Indicators
Red indicators related to:
-Fee income and operational surplus were adversely affected because of
the closure of the fashion degree course.
-Investment income only appeared to be reduced because income
payments were now quarterly.
The Committee Noted the Business Performance Report.
BC.77.12
Health and Safety Annual Report
BC.77.01.12 The College provided the November 21st Finance Committee with an
annual report on Health and Safety which was Approved. The Board
Noted the Report.
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The Board will further consider whether to assign a governor a
specific role as lead on Health and Safety matters.
BC.77.02.12 Governors requested that when cleaning services were next retendered Finance Committee should require Tenders to include an
option taking account of the cost of covering the London living wage.
BC.78.12
Self Assessment Report ( SAR) 2011/12
The SAR was discussed in detail at separate meetings of the Quality and
Standards Committee on November 14th and 28th. Comments from
governors at these meetings, were taken into account. Key Assessment
findings were in the Cover Note. There was agreement on grading for
Outcomes for Learners, Teaching, Learning and Assessment, Leadership
and Management and Overall Effectiveness of Provision as Good.
The Board Approved the Self Assessment Report 2011/12. The Report
will be uploaded to the SFA website.
The Deputy Principal confirmed that an executive summary of the
SAR would be placed on the College Web-site.
BC.79.12
Quality Improvement Plan 2012/13
The Deputy Principal confirmed that an executive summary of the
QIP would be placed on the College Web-site. Governors took note of
the WMC Priorities and Key Objectives for Quality Improvement 2012/13
as set out in the Cover Note.
The Board Approved the Quality Improvement Plan 2011/12. The
Plan will be uploaded to the SFA website.
BC.80.12
Student Voice Strategy
The Student Voice Strategy has previously been covered by various
documents. To further improve communication with students information
has been brought together in one document. The Board Approved the
Student Voice Strategy.
BC.81.12
Learning Support Strategy
The Learning Support Strategy has previously been covered through
various documents. To further improve communication with students
information has been brought together in one document. The Strategy
clarifies the process of referral and support, the roles and responsibilities
of staff and students, the methods for quality monitoring, and outlines the
eligibility for ALS. The Board Approved the Student Voice Strategy.
BC.82.12
Curriculum Links/Guidance / College Visits
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BC.82.01.12
Barbara Burman reported that she had been a member of the Lowes
Dickinson Panel and how it had provided her with a real insight into the
work of the students and the value to art students of the travel opportunity
afforded by the prize.
BC.82.02.12
Margaret Alexander provided positive feedback having visited an
excellent Level 2 ESOL Class held at a Camden Community Centre.
BC.82.03.12
The Board Approved the recommendation from Quality and
Standards Committee amending the Curriculum Link guidance to
governors. In particular, the Guidance will clearly state in bold type
that any written report from a Governor should first be shared and
agreed with the class tutor. The point in the guidance stating that if
there were any issues they should be taken up with the Curriculum
Manager should remain.
BC.83.12
Governors’ Self Assessment arrangements
The Board reviewed the strands of activity that comprised the approach to
governor to self-assessment. These elements had been reported in detail to
the Quality and Standards Committee and comprised:
- Chair of Corporation meeting with Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs to
review effectiveness of the Board and its Committees
- Special Board Meeting on Self-Assessment Meeting 19.09.2012
-Financial Management and Control Evaluation ( FMCE ) Return. The
College’s overall self-assessed grade for the college’s financial
management and control arrangements is Good
- Periodic Self Assessment Questionnaire which was under Chair’s review
- Attendance Report to AGM
-Foundation Code ( English Colleges’ Foundation Code of Governance )
The Board Noted the different elements that comprised the
Corporations approach to Self-Assessment.
BC.84.12
Internal Audit 5-Year rolling Strategic Plan to 2016-17
Audit Committee on November 6th 2012reviewed the Plan. It agreed that
Business Continuity planning should be a discreet element within the IAS
Plan for the year 2013/14, and this has been included as an amendment.
That Corporation Approved the amended Strategic Plan to 2016/17
and Operational Plan 2012/13
BC.85.12
Financial Management Control and Evaluation ( FMCE )
The Board endorsed the Audit Committee’s decision that whilst it
may no longer be necessary to make a return, the FMCE
documentation was helpful in terms of assisting self-assessment.
Hence, it was Agreed that a full FMCE return exercise would in any
event be undertaken, with a view to the outcome being considered at
the February 2014 Audit Committee; and that subsequently the
exercise be undertaken every two years.
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BC.86.12
Annual Report of the Audit Committee 2011/2012
The Report which brought together the strands of audit evidence and
information considered by the Committee during the year; these indicate
strong performance. Hence, Philip Badman ( Chair of Audit Committee )
felt that there were no audit issues that needed to be brought to the
attention of the Board. The Board Approved the Report.
BC.88.12
Internal Audit Service Annual Report
The Report is in the SFA prescribed style and provided an Unqualified
Opinion. The Report was considered by the Audit Committee on 6th
November 2012. The Board Noted the Annual Report of the Internal
Audit Service as previously Approved by Audit Committee.
BC.89.12
Draft Committee Minutes Action Notes:
-Quality and Standards Committee 14.11.12
-Quality and Standards Committee 28.11.12
-Audit Committee - 06.11.12
-Finance, Personnel and Dev.Comm.- 21.11.12
The Board Noted the Committee Action Notes and that the above sets of
Minutes and that had been circulated.
BC.90.12
Any Other Business
BC.90.01.12 The Chair and members of the Committee thanked Martin Jones, who was
standing down as a Governor/Trustee, for all the hard work and
experienced and thoughtful support he had given to the Board; and for his
great contribution to the work and life of the College. The Chair
confirmed that there will be a farewell dinner for Martin on 22nd
January2013. Those invited to attend included College Fellows and Cllr
Roger Robinson, who had recently stood down from the Board.
BC.90.02.12 The Chief Officer of Refugee Youth will meet with the Principal at WMC
on 17th December.
BC.90.03.12 Anthony Lawton, who recently succeeded Ceri Williams as Warden at the
Mary Ward Centre, will meet with the Principal on January 10th.
BC.90.03.12 Governors requested that, for ease of reference, all individual
documents should be page-numbered.
BC.90.04.12 Governors took the opportunity to reflect on highlights of the year, which
included:
-The securing of HGSI’s SFA contract and the successful integration of
this work and HGSI students into WMC’s programme
- Successful completion of the building works including the very stylish
and well designed new entrance. The building works have featured on the
BIS web-site, which further illustrates how WMC, as a small
College,‘punches above its weight’.
- The superb fashion show and art shows
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- Diversity Day that was vibrant and inclusive
- The Success Awards and the sentiments from frank Dobson MP about
the good work and ethos of the Working Men’s College.
- For two governors a highlight had been becoming a student and thereby
getting to know WMC students better and appreciating more how much
the College means to students from disadvantaged backgrounds..
-Being on the Lowes Dickinson prize Panel and appreciating the
wonderful work done by entrants including work from a homeless student
-The special evening, to honour the work and passing of Michael
Laschinger, that included young people from Refugee Youth, where,as
with WMC, Michael had been very supportive and had devoted much
time.
BC.91.12
Date of the Next Meeting(s)
AGM: Wednesday 27th March 2013 commencing at 615 p.m.
Board: Wednesday 27th March 2013 commencing at 6.30 p.m.
WMC Lecture 12th March at 7.00pm: Professor Francesca Klug on the
Human Rights Act
BC.91.12
Remuneration Committee -Confidential Item
This was taken as a Confidential Item for Appointed Governors only.
Chair: ________________________________ Date: ______________
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