CONSULTATION DOCUMENT

The proposed merger of and Chelsea College and

September 2019

MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 1 CONTENTS

Purpose of document 3

Foreword 4

A shared vision 5

Features and benefits 6

Courses to meet local needs 7

Benefits for key stakeholders 8

A London college with a 10 London-wide reach

Serving our community 12

Investment in North 13 Kensington centre

Planning for success 14

Frequently asked questions 16

Steps in the merger process 17

Statutory Notice 18

Consultation feedback form 19

02 MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 Purpose of this document

This consultation document provides the rationale for Kensington and Chelsea College to merge into Morley College London. It sets out our shared vision for the future.

The public consultation begins week commencing 16 September 2019 and closes at 5pm on 23 October 2019. Publication of the consultation outcome will be posted on both college websites on 7 November 2019.

Later in this consultation document, on Key people to be consulted: page 19, you’ll find further details about how • Students you can take part and express your views about these plans and the proposed timeline • Staff to which both colleges are working. This is • Local community groups an exciting opportunity to shape the future • Local employers of your college and we strongly urge you to • Local educational institutions take part. • Secretary of State • Government departments and We look forward to receiving your views. funding agencies • Local MPs

TIMESCALE OUR LOCATIONS

Launch of consultation The colleges operate from the following main centres: - 16 September 2019

Kensington and Chelsea College Consultation closing date Hortensia Road, London, SW10 0QS - 23 October 2019, 5pm Wornington Road, London, W10 5QQ

Publication of consultation feedback Morley College London

- 7 November 2019 61 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7HT Proposed merger date - 3 February 2020 Satellite centres

The Stockwell Centre, 1 Studley Road, London, SW4 6RA

Pelham Hall Sculpture Studio, Walk, London, SE11 6DU

The Lewington Centre, 9 Eugenia Road, London, SE16 2RU

MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 03 COMMITTED TO THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE Foreword

Funding of up to £32.3 million has been of our local communities. Both colleges secured from Government to enable a long- have a proud record of serving learners in term, sustainable college-based provision their boroughs and beyond. This heritage in , Chelsea and Waterloo is greatly respected and will be built upon through the merger of Kensington and for the future, with investment and new Chelsea College with Morley College courses to meet people’s aspirations for London. The funding will provide significant personal development and career success. capital investment at the Chelsea and We believe that by working together we North Kensington centres while can offer an educational framework which supporting the maintenance and supports community needs and ambitions. development of a responsive curriculum offer across all three centres and their Progressing together, we will focus on associated satellite locations. high quality teaching and learning and the student experience, whilst nurturing A key component of the proposed merger our most valuable asset – our staff – and is to secure and renovate the North delivering for the local communities of Kensington centre at Wornington Road so North Kensington, Chelsea and Waterloo. that it is protected as a community asset for education, welcoming all. The merger We believe there is a good curriculum will also bring about refurbishment of fit between the two colleges and, with the Chelsea centre’s Carlyle Building with the financial support pledged by improved access to learning spaces. Government, the merger provides a unique opportunity to develop sustainable, The centres at North Kensington and at community-based education. Chelsea will provide courses for 16–18 year-olds to enable progression through to advanced and higher level study alongside a progressive, flexible and creative adult education curriculum portfolio comprising daytime, evening and weekend delivery of courses. Dr. Stuart Edwards – Ian Valvona - Chair of Governors Chair of Governors Morley College London and Kensington Morley College Kensington and and Chelsea College share the same values. London Chelsea College We are committed to the learning needs

04 MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 A SHARED VISION For ambitions to be inspired and achieved through learning

In the interests of social justice, the merged College will advocate lifelong learning as vital for personal achievement, academic progression and career development.

Together, as one college with three outstanding centres – in North Kensington, Chelsea and Waterloo – we Morley College London will have an important will meet the learning needs of a growing number of students, and be a force for contribution to make in delivering the Mayor’s public good within the communities that Skills for Londoners strategic priorities: to we serve. empower Londoners to access the education and skills to participate in society and progress in education and work, and to meet the needs of London’s economy and employers.

To realise our vision, with greater scale and financial resilience, we are working together to achieve three clearly stated strategic goals.

STRATEGIC GOAL 1 STRATEGIC GOAL 2 STRATEGIC GOAL 3

OUTSTANDING delivered with an OUTSTANDING will enable our FINANCIAL LEARNING STUDENT STABILITY OPPORTUNTIES EXPERIENCE

MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 05 FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF THE PROPOSED MERGER

The three main centres of the existing This will provide significantly easier access for colleges will be retained and enhanced. more people, particularly in west and north west London, to a much wider range of proven and popular courses.

Curriculum delivered during the daytime, Course timings will be more flexible for evening and weekend. students and will create busier and livelier college facilities. It will also ensure college resources are used more productively.

Carefully co-ordinated range of courses This will ensure teaching is always fresh and which are continuously reviewed and relevant with direct progression to advanced developed. and higher learning.

Major renovation planned to improve the The proposed merger will protect the North Kensington centre. Wornington Road site for educational use for future generations and end years of uncertainty.

Active consultation with local community on A continued collaborative approach will ensure the renovation of buildings and provision of a meaningful educational provision in an courses in North Kensington. environment to be proud of.

Further strengthen the wide-ranging Merged expertise enables an enhanced offering provision at Morley’s Waterloo centre. in arts, culture and applied sciences and an increase in awareness of Morley College London and its courses.

Selected renovation work at Chelsea centre. Improved access to learning spaces, with an enhanced environment for courses in art and fashion.

06 MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 COURSES TO MEET LOCAL LEARNING NEEDS

Through coherent, student-centred planning will complement current successful provision of provision delivered at the North Kensington, at the North Kensington centre in the visual Chelsea and Waterloo centres, the key features arts, music and media. of our strengthened curriculum offer are: • A deepening of specialism in the creative arts • Demand-led foundation programmes as and industries at the Chelsea centre, building progression routes to Higher Education and on successful provision, with a realignment employment available for 16-18 year olds at the of curriculum offer that enables introduction North Kensington and Chelsea centres. of new, industry-relevant, advanced and higher-level diplomas in areas such as digital • Close alignment to both local skills publishing, marketing and design. priorities and the Skills for Londoners priorities, increasing participation, promoting productivity, enhancing quality and ensuring relevance, with specialisation in the creative industries and wide coverage of digital skills.

• Integrated approaches to address barriers to participation that tap into motivations for study, increase confidence in ability, celebrate success, and enable learning to be undertaken flexibly so students can balance life and work, including caring responsibilities.

• Opportunities for progression, digital inclusion and the development of employability skills woven into the student experience and related learning opportunities.

• Parallel provision offered locally at each centre in essential skills (ESOL, English, maths, IT, digital skills and employability) to meet the needs of students who want and need to study close to home.

• Learning opportunities for students with special educational needs and disabilities.

• A significant expansion of learning opportunities at North Kensington, notably in five sector subject areas: (i) health, public services and care; (ii) business, enterprise, administration, finance and law; (iii) leisure, travel and tourism (including customer service and retail); (iv) social sciences; (v) IT and computing. A consolidation of Access to HE programmes in these sector areas as well as an associated range of unaccredited courses

MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 07 Morley College London has a special designation for its funding, established by Parliament through the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. As a Specialist Designated Institution (SDI) Morley has increased flexibility in how it can use the funding it receives for adult education in order to best meet local learning needs.

BENEFITS FOR KEY STAKEHOLDERS

To students

• An institution that offers security and health and science, tourism, social longevity of learning opportunities. sciences and IT (North Kensington centre) • Investment in curriculum innovation with curriculum aligned to skills needs and and learning environments. jobs growth. • Increased choices for progression to • Expansion of provision in arts, culture advanced and higher levels of learning. and applied sciences at the Waterloo centre. • Enhanced vocational relevance of the curriculum in the creative industries (Chelsea centre) and in enterprise,

To staff

• Being part of a bigger, more influential and • The opportunity to collaborate with a financially resilient college. wider network of colleagues and share • A greater range of career progression and best practice. development opportunities. • Opportunities to build a portfolio of hourly- paid sessional teaching across centres.

08 MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 To communities

• An organisation with a strong social (IAG) for local people to break down purpose and a genuine commitment barriers to participation, advising on the to transforming people’s lives through best next steps in learning for personal learning. development, academic progression • A college that benefits from the and employability. flexibilities of being a Specialist • A distinctive cultural offer with an Designated Institution (SDI) and accessible and engaging programme the opportunity to develop flexible, of concerts, lectures, exhibitions, accessible provision in response to workshops and events linked to local needs. learning. • Enhanced provision of impartial Information, Advice and Guidance

To employers

• An organisation with a strong focus on individuals to enter work or to progress up-skilling individuals to enhance their within employment. employment prospects. • An organisation deeply committed to • A significant focus on the basic skills of working in partnership to meet local English, ESOL and maths, strengthening needs and the needs of the creative the prospects of industries.

To strategic stakeholders

• An organisation genuinely committed • Increased participation in learning to partnership working with strategic by local residents which in turn stakeholders to address local social, contributes to broader policy priorities economic and educational priorities. (e.g. community cohesion, health and • The development of a viable long-term wellbeing, employability). solution for adult learning and skills • Enhancing the profile of adult learning in the Royal Borough of Kensington through the creation of London’s largest and Chelsea, including a secure future specialist Institute of Adult Learning. for the North Kensington centre in Wornington Road.

MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 09 A LONDON COLLEGE WITH A LONDON–WIDE REACH

By having a distributed placement of three main centres and three satellite centres, Morley College London establishes a London-wide footprint CHALK FARM designed to provide high-quality learning experiences within commuting distance to a growing number of students resident or working in South North Kensington and West London, and beyond. centre CLERKENWELL

The Mayor’s Skills for Londoners Strategy with educational experiences aligned to the WHITECHAPEL (2018) provides the London-wide policy needs of business through active dialogue context for the environment in which the and collaboration with employers and their POPLAR CITY OF 1 newly merged college will be operating. representative groups . LONDON

Strategic themes of inclusion, collaboration SHEPHERD’S and ambition set the scene for delivery of the Given ongoing technological advancement – BUSH Mayor’s vision that “London becomes a city such as the potential of artificial intelligence CANARY WHARF where all residents benefit from the capital’s to enable personalised learning, and the ROTHERHITHE opportunities and success, and where impact of digital technologies in the creative KENSINGTON London’s employers and businesses can industries - the College’s response to the WESTMINSTER Waterloo centre access the skills they need to succeed and digital skills agenda will be a priority. Flexible compete, nationally and internationally”. opportunities for reskilling and upskilling will be critical in enabling students to adapt LAMBETH Morley College London will have an to a changing workplace and employment PIMLICO CHELSEA important contribution to make in delivering patterns. In particular, enterprise and self- Chelsea centre the Strategy’s Priorities: to empower starting will be an increasingly important Londoners to access the education and skills dimension in the employment landscape, with to participate in society and progress in growing motivation for self-employment, education and work, and to meet the needs of particularly in the creative industries. FULHAM London’s economy and employers. Given its specialist focus in the creative BATTERSEA CAMBERWELL Our combined college will have a vital role arts, through its strategic partnerships, the PECKHAM to play in breaking down barriers of access College will be well positioned to maximise to education, enabling the acquisition opportunities arising from London’s booming CLAPHAM of essential skills (English, maths, IT, digital, tech and creative industries, being a employability), and encouraging progression major contributor to the digital skills needed to advanced learning and higher education - by all sectors of the economy.

HERNE HILL

1. Morley College London is a member of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Southside Chamber of Commerce and the Employers Group

10 MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 STOKE NEWINGTON

CHALK FARM

KENSAL GREEN

North Kensington centre CLERKENWELL

WHITECHAPEL

POPLAR CITY OF LONDON

SHEPHERD’S BUSH

CANARY WHARF

ROTHERHITHE KENSINGTON WESTMINSTER BELGRAVIA Waterloo centre

LAMBETH PIMLICO

CHELSEA Chelsea centre

FULHAM

BATTERSEA CAMBERWELL PECKHAM

CLAPHAM

Over 17,000 students will study each year at MORLEY COLLEGE LONDONHERNE HILL - North Kensington, Chelsea and Waterloo centres

MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 11 SERVING OUR COMMUNITY

To support and inform the business case for the merger proposal, independent research2 has been commissioned into the adult learning offer that could be delivered from the North Kensington and Chelsea centres as part of the merged Morley College London offer. This is what the report had to say:

• Stakeholders were positive about the • There was a widespread view that the North potential for extending Specialist Designated Kensington centre offer should also Institution (SDI) provision in this area. It should retain arts and creative provision, particularly also be noted that Kensington and Chelsea where this related to community-based College historically has strengths in adult demand, or had a more direct ‘economic’ link. learning, and there is a continuing recognition of this among some learners. • Opportunities highlighted included music and sound recording (linked with Kensington and • Generally, stakeholders supported the focus Chelsea’s relatively large recorded music sector, on the creative arts and industries at the as well as the existence of several music-based Chelsea centre. This was seen as building on organisations in North Kensington), as well as the centre’s current provision in fashion and crafts activity, which could also potentially lend fine art, and (given the local demographic) also itself to self-employment. offered potential for high learner contributions to costs. • Creative provision at the North Kensington centre is also relevant to the rapid growth • There was support for an ‘employment of the creative sector (broadly defined), and oriented’ offer at the North Kensington centre, Kensington and Chelsea’s historic delivery in along the lines of the five sector subject areas this area (as noted in the proposed curriculum contained in the outline curriculum. offer). This could potentially be a distinct offer from that available at the Chelsea centre. • Stakeholders also considered that there are likely to be opportunities for progression from • Across the sector subject areas proposed in entry-level provision offered by providers in the the curriculum, effective employer engagement local community. was highlighted as important.

2. SQW is a leading independent provider of research, analysis and advice in economic and social development, for clients from public, private and voluntary sectors.

12 MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 INVESTMENT IN NORTH KENSINGTON CENTRE - Extensive renovation at Wornington Road

Our Vision, shared by many, is for the North available for school-age children and adults alike, to Kensington centre to be protected as a community gain advice on their best next steps in learning. In asset for education, welcoming all. The centre will addition to an extension of the existing building to be used intensively for educational use that brings meet the growing needs of the community, including benefit to students and the wider community.The learning spaces for 16–18 provision and a dedicated café, crèche, community hall, library and college space to support local people to start a business, this community radio studio will create reasons to major renovation project will enable an expanded drop in, and, with an advice and guidance service curriculum offer.

“In the aftermath of the tragedy, we recognise and respect the longstanding special significance of the college centre at Wornington Road for local residents. We are committed to ensuring the centres at North Kensington, Chelsea and Waterloo reflect the needs of the communities they serve. The merged college will deliver a major contribution to each objective of the Mayor’s Skills for Londoners Strategy, ensuring the needs of the local communities are met by a responsive and growing curriculum offer.

We are committed to 16–18 provision,

and will look to grow the offer at North “ Kensington centre on Wornington Road, and consult widely with the local community as an essential part of the merger process.

Dr Andrew Gower, Principal of Morley College London

MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 13 MORLEY COLLEGE LONDON NORTH KENSINGTON | CHELSEA | WATERLOO

PLANNING FOR SUCCESS - Serving the needs of current and future students

Integration of policies and procedures

Implementation of single Quality Enhancement Framework Student Voice Collective approach to business planning and risk management

Close attention to staff and Staff Feedback student voice

Ongoing celebration of staff and student success

Employers Governor recruitment, with a stakeholder group established for each centre

Universities

Join Partnerships

point of merger Local Communities

Key stakeholders

14 MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 Creating a progressive, flexible and creative adult education curriculum portfolio

Significant expansion of learning Renovation of North opportunities at North Kensington centre Kensington, in five sector areas

Improved accessibility at Deepening of specialism in the Chelsea centre creative arts and industries at the Chelsea centre, building Investment in integrated IT on successful provision and support systems Continuing evolution of the Continued development of learning opportunities delivered Waterloo centre at and coordinated from the Waterloo centre Expanded provision at new North Kensington Close alignment to both local centre in business, sciences, skills priorities and the Skills for health, tourism and IT Londoners priorities

Invest Grow

Key milestones • Launch of North Kensington centre • Ofsted inspection grade of Good or better • Financial health grade of Good or better

MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 15 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does It is important that the service provided by Kensington and Chelsea College is Kensington and not only protected but also expanded to meet the needs of the community. Chelsea College The merger will bring the investment and financial stability which enables this to gain from merging? happen, in line with the aspirations of local communities.

What does Morley College London is a registered charity and sees the merger as an Morley College gain opportunity to expand the opportunities for lifelong learning by working with a from merging? college which has similar values and much in common in terms of its subject areas.

Will current Current students will complete their qualifications/courses, and students will enjoy students be much wider options for progression if they wish to continue at the end of their affected by current studies. merger?

Will the The merger proposal is based on strong financial planning founded on research college be into the needs of potential students and employers as part of the Mayor of financially sound London’s skills strategy, and builds on the existing demand at North Kensington, after merger? Chelsea and Waterloo centres. The Government has also pledged significant financial investment.

Will there be No, only at North Kensington and Chelsea centres. courses for 16-18 year olds at Waterloo?

Will courses be Yes, where there is sufficient student demand courses will be taught at more than taught at more than one centre. The aim is to bring learning close to the learners and their communities. one centre?

16 MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 STEPS TO THE PROPOSED MERGER OF MORLEY COLLEGE LONDON AND KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA COLLEGE

March 2019 Conclusion of FE Commissioner-led Structure and Prospects Appraisal. Kensington and Chelsea College adopt a recommendation to merge. The governing bodies of Morley College London and Kensington and Chelsea College confirm they are working towards a merger. The Morley College London board resolution follows the decision by the Kensington and Chelsea College Governing Body to adopt Morley College London as its preferred partner and in order to enable local provision to continue. The merger will lead to the colleges joining together as Morley College London, with three main centres in North Kensington, Chelsea and Waterloo. March 2019 Set up Joint Transition Committee (JTC) A Joint Transition Committee is set up with the specific purpose of overseeing the proposed merger. The JTC comprises an equal number of governors from each College, including the Chairs of both Boards and the College Principals, and operates as a joint project with full commitment from all parties. It is supported by a project manager who oversees the planning of workstreams and transition to the newly merged organisation. July 2019 Government agree to support the proposed merger As with many colleges who were recommended to take the merger route following the Structure and Propects Appraisal process, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) is working closely with both colleges to financially support the merger. The ESFA also takes into account the exceptional case for a resolution to the long-term future of education and training at the North Kensington centre, Wornington Road. July 2019 - Carry out due diligence of key aspects of organisation October 2019 The due diligence process is an important element of the risk management of any merger proposal, with the findings of the work informing the decision-making process of respective stakeholders including the two governing bodies and the funding agencies.

Due diligence is carried out by external firms who report on financial, legal, VAT, pensions, TUPE and employment aspects of each organisation. A report on each college is then sent to the respective board for consideration (e.g. the legal report on Morley College London will be presented to Kensington and Chelsea College Board and vice versa). September Kensington and Chelsea College Board decision to issue a Statutory Notice and go to public consultation 2019 on proposed merger The Kensington and Chelsea Board needs to give notice of its intention to merge to the Secretary of State for Education, local MPs, the press, local post-16 education institutions, staff, students and key stakeholders. This process includes a formal public consultation by Kensington and Chelsea College in the course of which both colleges engage and work closely with all interested parties.

The consultation must begin at least four months before the proposed merger date and be open for at least one calendar month. Feedback from the consultation is then reviewed by the Boards and published, in summary, on both college websites. The merger date is a ‘proposed’ date which means the merger can still take place after that date if there happens to be a short delay. December Morley College London agrees to take on assets and liabilities of Kensington and Chelsea College 2019 Morley College London Board will formally meet about one month before the merger date to agree to accept the assets and liabilities of Kensington and Chelsea College, based on the due diligence findings and support from the key stakeholders. December Kensington and Chelsea College agrees to dissolve and pass on its assets and liabilities to Morley 2019 College London Following the review of all the due diligence and consultation feedback, and agreement by Morley College London to proceed, the Kensington and Chelsea College Board will formally agree to merge with Morley College London at least one month before the proposed merger date. The Board must satisfy themselves that the new entity will be financially stable and successful. 3 February Merged college formed – Morley College London: Implementation of detailed transition plan 2020

MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 17 STATUTORY NOTICE FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION ACT 1992

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Corporation of Kensington and Chelsea College, Hortensia Road, London, SW10 0QS in accordance with the Further Education Corporations (Publication of Proposals) () Regulations 2012, SI 2012 No. 1157, of the proposal for the transfer of the property, rights and liabilities to Morley College Limited (trading as Morley College London), 61 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7HT and the subsequent dissolution of the Corporation of Kensington and Chelsea College. The proposed merger follows the conclusion of an FE Commissioner-led Structure and Prospects Appraisal and a decision in March 2019 by the board of Kensington and Chelsea College to pursue merger with Morley College London.

The date proposed for the dissolution of the Corporation of Kensington and Chelsea College is 3 February 2020.

Kensington and Chelsea College (the “College”) is a general further education college with approximately 5,636 learners, 5,130 part-time/506 full-time. It is located within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and offers a range of full-time, part-time and evening courses from entry to degree level. Most learners at the College are adults, many of whom are on part-time programmes. The College provides education and training across two campuses in Chelsea and in North Kensington working with local communities and businesses.

Dissolution of the Corporation of Kensington and Chelsea College is proposed in order that it may merge with Morley College London. This will combine the resources, expertise, quality, strong reputation and standing with employers, stakeholders and communities of both colleges.

The proposed name of the merged college will be Morley College London. The naming of the three main centres will reflect their individual geographical locations at North Kensington, Chelsea and Waterloo.

All students at Kensington and Chelsea College who have not completed their courses of study by the date of the proposed dissolution will continue with the merged college on the same campus where they studied immediately prior to the dissolution of the Corporation of Kensington and Chelsea College.

How to give your feedback

We are keen to hear your views on the proposed merger to inform our ongoing discussions. Once you have read the proposal document you can contribute to the consultation in the following ways:

• Complete the response form by clicking here; • Email your views to [email protected]; • Fill in the response form on page 19. Please post to:

Mr I Valvona Chair of Kensington and Chelsea College Board of Corporation Kensington and Chelsea College Hortensia Road London SW10 0QS.

The dissolution notice consultation period will close on 23 October 2019, 5pm. Feedback from the dissolution notice consultation will be published by 7 November 2019 on Kensington and Chelsea College’s website.

18 MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 MERGER CONSULTATION FEEDBACK

The proposal for Kensington and Chelsea College to merge with Morley College London

Email address* Your name / organisation name*

If you would like us to acknowledge your response by email, please tick this box.

Please indicate the capacity in which you are responding by ticking one or more of the following boxes:

Student Employer / Local Business

Morley College London Funding or other Government Agency

Kensington and Chelsea College School

College Staff Another College or training provider

Morley College London Community Organisation

Kensington and Chelsea College Other

If other, please specify:

Please share any comments you may have on the merger proposal

Please share any questions you may have about the proposal consultation

Please share suggestions of courses you would like to see offered by the college

We value your views on the proposal set out in this document. We will carefully consider all responses to the consultation exercise and take account of views expressed in any representations received. *Privacy statement Your personal details will only be used in relation to the merger consultation process outlined in this document and will enable us to respond to you. They will not be used for any other purpose, under the General Data Protection Regulation. Any responses will by anonymised in the consultation summary.

MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019 19 www.morleycollege.ac.uk

www.kcc.ac.uk

20 MERGER CONSULTATION | September 2019