Proposed Merger Consultation Feedback Easton and Otley College

Vision for the future of specialist land-based education in Norfolk and

Date of Issue: 31 October 2019 Foreword On behalf of all three Corporations, we would to securing a long-term future for land-based like to thank everyone who has taken the education that serves of the largest sectors time to respond to the Public Consultation on and biggest employers in our economy. We believe the proposal that Easton and Otley College this solution will provide outstanding teaching and merges with and Suffolk training opportunities, as well as strong finances New College. to enable more investment and growth, and a truly inspiring business plan which propels the The Public Consultation was an important and land-based industry to lead the way in the new integral part of our proposed merger being competitive post-Brexit world of the future. conducted in an open and transparent manner. We wanted everyone in the community to be able to participate, share their views and help secure a long-term future for land-based education in the . We were extremely encouraged by the time and effort people took to contribute, with participants including our staff, students and parents as well Mark Pendlington, as local employers, farmers, community groups Chair of Easton and Otley and stakeholders. Corporation It was clear that, like us, people recognise the importance of preserving the future provision of specialist land-based education in Norfolk and Suffolk. We’ve spent the last two years Andrew Barnes, planning how best to serve the needs of this Chair of City College largest sector in our growing economy, while Norwich teaching and inspiring the future leaders of the land-based industry. All against a very difficult backdrop of the challenges facing further education as a whole. Roger Fern, The consultation responses also highlighted the Chair of Suffolk New importance of the non-land-based curriculum College Corporation subjects delivered by Easton and Otley College including sports and leisure, construction and public services and the benefits to students through closer partnership. “The NFU is keen to ensure By adapting to change and driving progress, that and we see merging the Easton campus with City Otley Campus continue to be College Norwich, and Otley campus with Suffolk New College, as an exciting opportunity to centres of excellence for land- become an even stronger educational resource based training in this region. for students, both present and future. It is vital that the industry has We are pleased that the feedback was in favour access to suitably trained, of our proposal and this has confirmed our bright, enthusiastic, farm-ready decision to seek to achieve the merger on 1 January 2020, as recommended by the Further students who want to forge a Education Commissioner. career in land-based activities.” All the views put forward, whether positive, Rachel Carrington, negative or neutral, through this consultation, will NFU Regional Director be given full consideration in the development of our final plan. We remain absolutely committed

2 Proposed Merger Consultation Feedback Executive summary As part of the type B merger process, a Seven respondents were neutral or undecided formal public consultation into proposals to on the proposal to merge the three colleges, but merge Easton and Otley College with City still took the time to put forward their views and College Norwich and Suffolk New College questions. Alongside this, while 20 respondents took place between 30 August 2019 and 1 did not support the proposed merger, all of the October 2019. comments received during the consultation process, both positive and negative, will be The level of response demonstrated the support considered in the development of final plans. and value placed on high quality, land-based education in the region, with 110 people taking The shared aim remains to be able to preserve the time to respond and share their views. and expand the wide range of much-valued The vast majority of responses were received specialist land-based and vocational education via the online survey made available via www. currently delivered by Easton and Otley College. eocmerger.co.uk. Two merger consultation events were also held for stakeholders to attend at Trinity Park in Suffolk on 20 September and at the Royal Norfolk Showground on 23 September. Alongside this, a list of dedicated opportunities for stakeholders and members of the public to meet with the three college principals at both Easton and Otley were promoted. “Suffolk Chamber of Commerce Feedback has been received from a wide supports the merger of Easton & Otley range of stakeholders, from staff, students College with City College Norwich and parents through to local business owners, farmers, industry leaders and community and Suffolk New College. We believe members. Some respondents were responding it would enhance the land-based on a personal basis and some on behalf of education offer which currently exists, organisations. build links to employment, businesses Overall, 76% (83 respondents) were in favour and further skills whilst helping to of the proposed merger. This positive feedback has reaffirmed our ambition to complete the meet the aims of the Norfolk and merger by 1 January 2020. This supports the Suffolk Economic Strategy and the recommendation made by the Further Education Local Industrial Strategy. Commissioner, Richard Atkins, following a Structure and Prospects Appraisal, which “Furthermore, the benefits to concluded that Easton and Otley College should students, staff and the local merge with City College Norwich and Suffolk New College. communities will be significant and enhance the productivity, skills levels and output of the region, all in a sustainable financial manner. This merger will keep our region at the forefront of the agricultural, food and drink and high-tech research sectors.” John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

Vision for the future of specialist land-based education in Norfolk and Suffolk 3 The consultation process The Corporation of Easton and Otley College held a public consultation from 30 August 2019 to 1 October 2019 on proposals for “I believe this proposal is Easton and Otley College (EOC) to merge the best way to ensure the with City College Norwich (CCN) and Suffolk continued provision for land New College (SNC). and animal-based study in The 28-page merger proposal consultation Norfolk and Suffolk.” document ‘Vision for the Future of Specialist Land-Based Education in Norfolk and Suffolk’ Staff member set out the proposals; including details of all three colleges, the shared vision and the potential benefits and opportunities. The public consultation document was made “I encourage everyone to get widely available to all staff, students, including behind the Suffolk New College prospective students, parents, stakeholders, and the local community. People were invited to bid to revitalise the Otley submit their responses via post, email or through campus.” the online survey. James Forrest, Chairman of Two merger consultation events were also held the Felix Thornley Cobbold for stakeholders to attend at Trinity Park in Suffolk on 20 September 2019 and at the Royal Agricultural Trust Norfolk Showground on 23 September 2019. The responses were collated and administered independently by FOUR Agency. This report collates and summarises the responses to the public consultation and addresses the key themes raised. This report should be read in conjunction with the public consultation document as it refers directly to areas within the document.

4 Proposed Merger Consultation Feedback Consultation respondents In total 110 people took the time to Three late entries were received via the online participate in the public consultation, with 99 survey, after the closing date on 1 October 2019. people responding via the online survey, 8 via They were all in support of the merger but have email and 3 via post. not been included in the overall total. A further 66 people (including EOC, CCN and Respondents were asked to select from a SNC staff and governors) also attended two list which best describes themselves or their merger consultation events held in September. organisation: A summary of questions and comments, and subsequent responses, was distributed to all those who attended after each event.

Not answered (2) Student (13)

Other (20) School (1)

Parent (7)

Higher Education Institution (2)

Local business (14)

Further Education or Sixth Form College (16)

Local community (4) Local Government Staff member (22) (2) Employer (7)

Those who ticked ‘other’ included former students and staff members, retired education professionals, trade associations and business industry groups.

Vision for the future of specialist land-based education in Norfolk and Suffolk 5 Response to consultation questions Question 1 Do you support the proposal for the merger of Easton and Otley College into both City College Norwich and Suffolk New College? • 83 respondents supported the proposal (76%) • 20 respondents were against the proposal (18%) • 7 did not specifically answer/were undecided (6%)

6% 18% In support

Against the proposal

Did not specifically answer/were undecided 76%

There was clear overall support for the merger. note that the concern predominately centred Those in favour recognised many of the benefits around the protection of high quality, land-based of the shared vision set out in the consultation education. The three colleges are committed to document and added their views to help inform creating financially stable, land-based provision the merger plans. in both Norfolk and Suffolk, securing a long-term future for this specialist education. More detail in The views and concerns raised by those against response to specific questions and concerns has the proposal will be fully considered as part been included on page 15 in a summary of key of the detailed planning. It was reassuring to themes arising from the consultation responses.

6 Proposed Merger Consultation Feedback It is proposed that Easton and Otley College will merge with City College Norwich and Suffolk New College through what is known as Type “Norfolk is a rural county and land- B merger, with the Corporation of Easton and based training and education is Otley College being disbanded as a legal body necessary to ensure teenagers are (process known as ‘dissolution’). The next questions in the consultation asked people if competent to replace the aging they supported the proposed dissolution and the agricultural workforce.” proposed names for the merged organisations. Parent

Question 1b To achieve the merger, one college “If merged, it will expand the number Corporation has to dissolve (i.e. disband as a of courses available to students, it legal body). In this case it is proposed that the will make good use of the excellent Corporation of Easton and Otley College will be dissolved. In these circumstances, do you facilities on both campuses. With support that proposed dissolution? support from City College Norwich, • 79 respondents agreed Easton College could excel and • 23 respondents disagreed continue to offer unique agricultural • 8 did not specifically answer and horticultural courses that the area greatly needs.” Question 1c Staff member The formal names of the merged organisations as a whole will be “Norwich City College of Further and Higher Education” and “Suffolk New College”. The proposed names for the two merged organisation’s continued operations will be “Easton College” in Norfolk and “Otley Campus” in Suffolk. Do you support those names? • 88 support these names • 14 do not support these names • 8 did not respond or specifically answer

Vision for the future of specialist land-based education in Norfolk and Suffolk 7 Question 2 Do you think the proposed merger will have disproportionate impact on certain groups? If so, please use the space below to explain why. • 60 of the respondents said no • 35 said yes • 15 did not respond or specifically answer

No Yes Did not answer

Comments from those concerned about potential impact included: “Building Growth is New Anglia “It will be difficult to maintain the ‘specialist land LEP’s sector group for the region’s based’ nature of the College if it is overwhelmed by Higher Education and sport from City College construction, house-building and Norwich.” development sector. As Chair of “For those in their final year of studies at Easton Building Growth, I welcome the and Otley, any disruption to staffing will have a assurances and commitment to negative impact.” construction skills and training that “Agriculture will now be a very small group in a is afforded by the proposed merger larger organisation.” opportunities. The construction “It narrows the choices for students.” industry faces significant skills “I would not choose the word ‘disproportionate’ challenges, but I have confidence but I believe that putting agriculture within a that the leadership of these Colleges much larger general college in which the SMT has little or no background in, or understanding will help to secure our future and of, agriculture will put it at a disadvantage.” deliver the clean growth that is our “Maybe on those with SEN or those who are in region’s objective.” danger of being NEETs.” Dr Saul D Humphrey, Chair of Building Growth

8 Proposed Merger Consultation Feedback Question 3 On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the highest), how committed are you to the future provision of specialist land-based education in Norfolk and Suffolk? Of the 104 respondents who answered this question, 90 people selected 8 or above.

“As our Local Industrial Strategy states, we have the largest agri-food output of any LEP area at £3.5bn with 60% of the UK’s sugar and 22.7% of pigs being produced in Norfolk and Suffolk. We have the innovation and expertise to develop, pioneer and apply new approaches to sustainable agriculture, utilising clean energy and innovative water management, and increase value added processing and exports through the applications of new technologies and systems. Our local education provision needs to support this.” Chris Starkie, CEO New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership

Vision for the future of specialist land-based education in Norfolk and Suffolk 9 A key aspect of the shared vision for the Respondents also said: proposed merger is for both Easton and Otley “Students should be offered and have access to be recognised as national beacons of land- to the highest available courses they wish to based excellence, delivering a curriculum study.” shaped by employers and supported in innovative ways by a strong working “FE and HE need to work together to ensure relationship between Further and that students have the right qualifications and Higher Education. skills to enter the workforce.” Those participating in the consultation were “It is essential for several reasons, as it allows asked if they wished to see closer integration young people who wouldn’t necessarily go between Higher and Further Education. to university the advantages of studying at a higher level without the challenges of Question 4 university life. It also ensures working closely between both sectors that they are meeting Do you wish to see closer integration the need of the students, employers and the between Higher and Further Education? community.” If so, please use the space below to explain why. “FE must stop being the ‘poor relation’ to HE. Industry and business needs young • 76 said yes people from both academic and vocational • 21 said no backgrounds.” • 13 did not respond or specifically answer

From the additional comments made, many expressed the view that closer integration would support more natural progression routes to Higher Education, easing transition and helping to raise aspirations.

10 Proposed Merger Consultation Feedback Question 5 Would you recommend a friend or a family member to explore education and training opportunities at the new colleges? Please expand on your answer in the space below. • 73 said yes • 22 said no • 15 did not respond or specifically answer

Additional comments in support included: “Both City College Norwich and Easton College have excellent reputations in their respective fields. Both colleges do a superb job in developing the skills and aptitudes of less able students. Their vocational excellence is second to none.” “Knowing the facilities and provision at Easton College along with knowledge of the outstanding educational provision at City College Norwich, I would have no hesitation in recommending the new college.” “Because of the wide range of courses offered, covering many different areas and helping students to reach their potential, whether that be in continuing education, starting an “We firmly believe that success will apprenticeship or entering the workplace.” be enhanced by close engagement From the respondents who answered no to this with the industry; we suggest that an question, there were a number of responses advisory group is formed from key which referenced that they could not make a stakeholders to challenge, shape recommendation until the new colleges had been given the chance to ‘prove themselves’. and inform the strategy and support its delivery while holding to account those responsible for so doing. “Playing our part to support this, both Associations remain committed to working with the Colleges with the caveat that our primary motivation for doing so is towards the building and sustaining of the land-based curriculum.” Joint response from the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association and Suffolk Agricultural Association

Vision for the future of specialist land-based education in Norfolk and Suffolk 11 Question 6 Many of the comments included in response to this question came from stakeholders including Are there any particular features of the industry groups and trade associations. We are proposed merger on which you would extremely encouraged that these groups have like to comment so as to assist us in taken the time to contribute to the consultation further planning? and to share their views. 48 people took the time to respond to this Norfolk County Council (NCC) also shared question and add their views to help inform comments to assist with planning. The feedback the merger plans. The responses ranged from provided was the product of a small workshop staff and students to local employers and of business stakeholders and NCC. It covers representatives from the farming industry. areas including curriculum, college leadership, The most common theme amongst the relationship management and promotion. comments provided related to the protection and Going forward, Norfolk County Council set out expansion of high-quality, land-based education that its ambition for Easton would be: in Norfolk and Suffolk. The three colleges are • A land-based college with a strong curriculum committed to creating financially stable land- offer, which makes a significant contribution based provision in both counties, securing a to the training offer in Norfolk across all levels. long-term future for this specialist education. More detail in response to specific questions • High quality provision, with excellent support and concerns has been included on page 15 for students with a range of interests and in a summary of key themes arising from the support needs. consultation responses. • Clear progression pathways both into work Examples of other comments are included and in-work, supporting young people and below, and all views, both positive and negative, adults to take up employment destinations in will be given careful consideration as part of the key sectors, including agricultural, agri-tech, planning process. food and leisure and tourism. “I would recommend some strong and respected • Essential and specialist land-based provision agricultural industry figures should join the City for Norfolk’s young people and employers. College Board to ensure that the necessary focus No alternative providers in land-based further on farming and the countryside is maintained.” education or apprenticeships available in the County. “I am interested in more details around the plan to increase SEN provision at Easton.” “Please ensure a higher skills campus is delivered and the introduction of T Levels at the new colleges on the main agriculture/production/land management.” “The modern operator on the farm today will in a year deal with digital and GPS issues, mechanical challenges, need to understand animal husbandry, construct some fencing, detail plant protection matters, lay concrete and build a wall, look after hedges and create pollen areas, maintain ditches and repair drains, fit new tyres and manage numerous wheels in differing guises, and so the list goes on and on. The delivery of the curriculum and the training needs to be more intense and industry level. Continual development of workers and retraining workers coming into the industry are also key areas.”

12 Proposed Merger Consultation Feedback “I would like the Otley Campus to become the ‘go to’ place for agricultural training, testing and ongoing career development for farming.” Robert Rous, Dennington Hall Farms

“The merged college will give sustainable futures and allow for a broadening and strengthening of the teaching and learning, and the qualifications offered.” Staff member

Vision for the future of specialist land-based education in Norfolk and Suffolk 13 Question 7 “The NFU would be happy to assist in creating How might you or your organisation be links between the college and employers in the involved in or support the merger? farming sector to provide a valuable, practical 47 respondents answered this question and training resource for students.” all comments, both positive and negative, will John Newton, NFU County Advisor for Norfolk be used to inform our detailed planning of the proposed merger. The support ranged from staff members “We will continue to support the college. We commenting on how they hoped they would be have been working with the college on its farm- involved through to local employers committing ready student initiative and we hope this will support through the continued use of the continue.” colleges for training and ongoing provision of Jamie Lockhart, Director of Farming, work experience placements. Honingham Thorpe Farms

“Please let me know how Redpack, our team or “Norfolk Educational Services is providing I can be involved. We’re here to help.” valuable input into the consultation process Gary Howard, General Manager, Redpack around the proposed merger, and this can only help to provide a smooth transition in January 2020. I look forward to working with “If we can see a clear pathway between all colleagues to help share our collective education and useful employment in the experiences, best practices and visions for a agricultural sector, we would be very happy to bright future for education in the region.” be involved in any way we can. As an agricultural Staff member machinery company, we seek mechanics and machinery experts (sales, parts, technicians) and rely on local colleges to produce the future generation workforce.” Sarah Nicholson, MD, Stalham Engineering Co Ltd.

14 Proposed Merger Consultation Feedback CCN and SNC are extremely sensitive to the Key themes feelings of the staff through this process and the uncertainty that it brings. from responses All three employers are working closely with the staff and trade unions as part of the formal TUPE The consultation also provided the consultation process. opportunity for respondents to make any further comments relevant to the plans or to Both the CCN and SNC Principals and the NES expand upon their previous answers. MD have attended a number of drop in sessions at both Easton and Otley to actively engage with There were some common themes which the staff. emerged from these responses and these are addressed below. Protection of land-based Impact on students education “Students completing their studies this year must “It will be important to ensure that the breadth be given sufficient support and a high standard and depth of provision remains consistent with of teaching and learning to allow them to move the current and future needs of both employers onto their next step in education and/or work.” and individuals at all levels. Norfolk County Council will wish to see sufficient and suitable Students at Easton and Otley College will be provision continuing into the future.” able to continue their education as currently planned, with the highest priority given to “We must make sure that the land-based sector allowing students to be able to complete their is not diluted by the wider college offering.” studies at their current site. “My concern would be a lack of focus on practical agricultural related experience. Food and tech is important but there needs to be Student choice a recognition that Norfolk and Suffolk are “I am concerned that City College will have a predominately agricultural.” monopoly on FE and HE in Norfolk and this may “I am concerned that the focus on land-based limit student choice.” training will be lost.” The curriculum is planned to maintain and grow “I, along with others at the meeting I attended, land-based provision. Therefore rather than limit believe that it is important to focus on very student choice this will allow greater specialism targeted provision and not dilute the offer. especially in the areas of sport and construction. Become a top-quality provider in the land-based Although many of the consultation responses sector before offering too much.” received were from the land-based sector, CCN “How will the new colleges safeguard the and SNC are keen to emphasise that the non- specialist nature of the two land-based land-based courses currently delivered by EOC colleges?” including sport, public services, construction and Special Educational Needs (SEN) are also With a clear objective to provide a secure future seen as important areas of development and for land-based learning in Norfolk and Suffolk, growth. the proposed merger aims to result in two resilient and financially sustainable organisations, with widened educational offerings and strong Impact on staff industry partnerships. “We would urge all three employers to be The land-based curriculum delivered at Easton is sensitive to the prevailing situation for current entirely complementary to the curriculum offer at staff and ensure that full consultation with staff City College Norwich and would be maintained and trade unions is central to the process of and further developed in line with the Local merger and transfer.” Industrial Strategy, Agri-Food Tech Sector Skills

Vision for the future of specialist land-based education in Norfolk and Suffolk 15 Plan, employer needs and student aspirations. plan, and its ongoing relationship with the Felix The wider land-based curriculum delivered at Thornley Cobbold Agricultural Trust from whom Otley will be further refined and developed. We it will lease the campus. believe employers will benefit from an increase in the scale of apprenticeship delivery and ability to respond to employer skills needs across Norfolk Agricultural expertise within and Suffolk with the full range of skills provision. the leadership teams and teaching staff Protection of assets “What will be the quality and scope of the agricultural teachers?” “I am very concerned that Agricultural and Farming Education needs to remain front and “Who will be the lead on agricultural topics centre of the Easton campus. The Norfolk post-merger?” farming industry has invested in the Easton “Who will be the ‘go to’ person/figure head campus and the college over many decades leading the development of land-based and we require it to keep a good focus on the provision, linking stakeholders and delivery?” needs of the Agricultural industry. We would go “You need an agriculturalist leading from the so far as to require the merged businesses to front, a talisman, a focus, a farming champion be covenanted to maintain the land area with working for and in the colleges to help deliver no further sales and the maintenance of courses this.” and education in Agriculture and Farming.” “It is vital to the success of the merger that the “A concern has been voiced at a number of leadership is first class and inspirational and events as to the lack of a covenant on the Easton engenders the confidence of the farming sector land estate. Whilst we understand that the DfE to take these strategies forward.” has stated that it is inappropriate to create a legally binding guarantee – there is a view that “NCC would like to see strong and visible the Easton estate could operate independently leadership from both Easton and City College as a farm, should a future CCN board of Norwich to help the college increase student governors decide to downgrade or cease the numbers, attainment and provision. We believe land based educational programme.” the new Easton College will require its own discrete leadership team.” “The plans should extend to the future ownership and maintenance of the infrastructure currently CCN is committed to strong and visible used by the colleges, particularly the Easton leadership for agriculture as well as in the other campus. We welcome the idea of a ‘covenant’ curriculum areas and has demonstrated this that brings the commitments and undertakings through its active engagement with the sector of the merger partners together into an affirming to date. public statement about the future.” With regards to our teachers we recognise that CCN has no plans to create a covenant but is they need to be dual professionals, not just an firmly committed to continue the education and industry expert but also a skilled teacher. We training that Norfolk needs. This goes hand in look forward to working with industry to ensure hand with the resources needed and the working our curriculum is kept up to date. farm is a key part of that resource. The SNC Principal has considerable experience CCN understands these concerns as similar of leading in land-based colleges. In addition, we asset related questions were raised in the Paston will have a senior-level Director with land-based College merger where we hope that our actions experience at Otley. This Director will join the provided reassurance. Senior Management Team at SNC. SNC has confirmed its plans for agricultural and other land-based provision through its business

16 Proposed Merger Consultation Feedback Links between Easton and Otley and courses available at each campus “Whilst we recognise that all courses cannot be replicated at both sites, there must continue to be strong links and coordination and cooperation between both colleges.” Strong links and co-operation between CCN and SNC have been demonstrated throughout this merger process and these will continue and be further enhanced.

Requests for more details “More needs to be done to explain the strategy and tactics to increase the number of young people choosing land-based learning over other subject areas; the consultation meetings have failed to offer comfort here. We hope that the response to this consultation might address these concerns.” “The features are not particularly detailed, so commenting is not fully informed.” “The main concern is the focus and what the new colleges are aiming for in terms of courses within agriculture. At the moment this is not clear enough.” In order to continue these discussions with the land-based industry, CCN and SNC plan to set up formal channels of communication including industry advisory boards. This board will look at ways to increase the number of students and the relevance of the curriculum offer to the needs of the employer. We do hope the industry will continue to actively support both the Easton and the Otley campuses.

Vision for the future of specialist land-based education in Norfolk and Suffolk 17 Next steps We have considered all of the comments and suggestions made during the process and this feedback has contributed towards “I just hope the merger succeeds. our planning: Agricultural education has been a • Ongoing consultations and discussions with struggle with lack of students and staff, working closely with relevant trade an indifferent record of achievement. unions, will continue throughout the process. It is very important that the farming • Students at Easton and Otley College will be community has a supply of good, well able to continue their education as currently planned, with the highest priority given to trained young people coming forward allowing students to be able to complete their to work in the industry.” studies at their current site. David Barker, Chadacre Agricultural Trust • We will continue with our planning of the merger to ensure the continuation of financially stable land-based learning in Norfolk and Suffolk. “The provision of high-quality land- • Subject to the satisfactory completion of legal and financial due diligence, we will seek to based education and training is achieve the merger on 1 January 2020. essential for the economy of Norfolk • We will continue to adopt an open and and Suffolk. The proposed merger transparent approach and will endeavour to of the Easton and Otley College with ensure all stakeholders, including staff and City College Norwich and Suffolk New students, feel they have a clear and timely understanding of plans as they are confirmed. College offers a creative, bold and innovative approach to securing and • The merger process will continue to be overseen by a joint steering group of developing provision building on the Governors and leaders from all three colleges. strengths of two successful Colleges.” Dr Peter Funnell, Director, Oakmere Solutions Ltd

18 Proposed Merger Consultation Feedback Vision for the future of specialist land-based education in Norfolk and Suffolk 19 Proposed Merger Consultation Feedback Easton and Otley College

Vision for the future of specialist land-based education in Norfolk and Suffolk

Date of Issue: 31 October 2019