issue 04 september 2013

The Newsletter of Ayrshire College

Ayrshire College Has Arrived!

The official launch day, attended by Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Mike Russell and more than 800 staff and student representatives, took Pictured left to right: Willie Mackie – Chair of the Board of Management, Heather Dunk – Principal, place on 16 August, 2013. Mike Russell – Cabinet Secretary for Lifelong Learning, Waiyin Hatton – Vice Chair of the Board of Management

Here, Willie Mackie, Chair of the Board Chairs and board members to the curriculum is delivering the right of Management, explains why he is sub-committees. people with the right skills to meet the proud to be part of the new College My role, along with my fellow board needs of local businesses across and shares his vision for the way ahead. members, is to support Heather and a variety of sectors is a key part of “16 August, 2013 was a truly historic day. her senior management team as they Ayrshire College’s strategy. It is a rare event to be part of the creation provide the best possible learning Ayrshire College will also play an a of a new College but for those who experience for our students in the most ctive role as part of the wider Ayrshire attended the launch at Ayr Racecourse, efficient and cost effective way possible. economic agenda. I am sure it will live long in the memory. Another key priority is good governance. Both Heather and I are members of The aims of Ayrshire College - inspiring Get it right and you will free up your the Ayrshire Economic Partnership, achievement, raising aspirations, management teams to go out and deliver. which comprises public and private increasing opportunities for all Get it wrong and you will spend all sector leaders. This means local communities in Ayrshire - were proudly your time fire-fighting and focusing on stakeholders are up to speed with recorded on various images around internal matters. I have been hugely college developments and, crucially the room. They succinctly capture what impressed by the Vision, Values and it puts the College at the centre of will be required to deliver a seven-star Voice workshops which set out a standard strategic decision-making for the region. college and a true ‘best-in-class’ of staff engagement I have rarely seen This is an exciting time for all of us. student experience. anywhere else in my career. We have a fantastic opportunity to shape At the first meeting of the Ayrshire As a regional college, our profile will be the college we all want to be part of. College we talked about our key priorities high and we can provide a single point of I wish everyone good luck and I look and agreed to refresh the constitution contact for employers across the region. forward to catching up with you and financial regulations and appointed Talking to employers, and ensuring the individually over the months ahead.” 02 AYRSHIRE UPDATE

Meet our board of management

The members who make up our Board of Management come from all walks of life, with a variety of skills, and diverse experience. What they have in common, however, is their passion for education for all, and the drive to provide the best opportunities for our students at Ayrshire College. Their skills and experience, drawn from both public and private sector industries, will help us to meet the needs of employers in Ayrshire and across Scotland. The Board of Management are committed to delivering the highest standards of corporate governance through continued leadership, direction and support in setting and achieving our strategic objectives. Here, we introduce our board members. Please feel free to stop and speak to them when you see them around the campuses.

Willie Mackie Dr Waiyin Hatton Heather Dunk Chair and Vice Chair, Chair Principal and Chief Regional Lead of Estates and Executive New Campus Willie became a Fellow Development Heather was appointed of the Chartered Institute Committee Principal of Ayrshire of Bankers in Scotland in College on 1 August, 2003 and for a period of Waiyin has extensive 2013 and brings a wealth 11 years, was responsible leadership experience of experience to the role. for Clydesdale Bank’s across the public and Prior to taking up her new corporate, agricultural not-for-profit sectors in appointment she was and private banking business across Ayrshire health care in England, Scotland and Wales. Principal of Kilmarnock College, a position she and Arran. In 2013, he established Willie Mackie She spent 16 years as Chief Executive of Ayrshire held for five years. Heather is a board member Consulting Limited, providing business & Arran before setting up her own consultancy. of the Community Planning Partnerships (East, consultancy services to a wide range of clients Waiyin is a non-executive board member North and South) in Ayrshire and a member predominantly based in Ayrshire. on several organisations, including British of the Ayrshire Economic Partnership Board. He holds a variety of high profile positions within Swimming, Scottish Chamber of Commerce She has held high profile roles in education the Ayrshire community, including president of and the University of West of Scotland. and is a member of the Access and Inclusion the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry She is vice-president of Ayrshire Chamber Committee of the Scottish Funding Council. and chairman of Taste Ayrshire. of Commerce and chair of its Business Forum. Heather has also held a number of key roles in Willie is a member of the Ayrshire Economic A former karate internationalist, she is chair the private sector including Director of Research Partnership and a board member on both East of Ayrshire Sportsability Trust, an organisation and Education for an educational software Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership she co-founded to promote health and company. and East Ayrshire Business Enterprise. well-being through sports for children and young people with a disability.

Carol Kirk Barbara Graham Nicki Beveridge Chair of Learning Vice Chair of Chair - Human and Teaching Learning and Resources and Committee Teaching Organisational Committee Wellbeing Carol, a former board Committee member of James Watt A life-long resident of College, is Corporate Ayrshire, Barbara was Nicki has a wealth of Director (Education and educated at Kilmarnock human resources and Skills) of North Ayrshire Academy and Glasgow business experience, Council. She taught in and Strathclyde gained through a variety Glasgow, Moray and Central regions before Universities. The former director of Strathclyde of corporate and operational roles including joining the Educational Development Service University’s Careers Service now holds a diverse her most recent position as head of HR for in Strathclyde. Following local government range of high profile positions within the local a large public sector organisation. She has set reorganisation, Carol worked in senior officer community. up her own business delivering independent HR consulting and coaching services. posts in North Lanarkshire and Stirling before Barbara is currently an adult education tutor joining North Ayrshire as Head of Service at Strathclyde University’s Centre for Lifelong Previously, she served as Vice Chair of Kilmarnock for Inclusion in 2005. Learning and a Community Ambassador for College Board of Management as well as Chair She chaired the National Partnership Review of Marie Curie Cancer Care. of the Organisational Development Committee and supported the development of Ayrshire Educational Leadership following the Donaldson She is also training to become a Reader College, through her work on the Ayrshire Report and is currently the National Champion in the Church of Scotland. for Attainment of Looked After Children and Partnership Board. a member of the ADES Executive.

Tom Wallace Alan Walker Gordon James Chair of Finance Chair of Audit Vice Chair of Audit Committee Committee Committee Kilmarnock born and Ayr-born Alan was Gordon has more than bred, Tom brings many educated at Belmont 15 years’ experience in years of diverse Academy and after purchasing, logistics and experience to his role completing his supply chain systems in as Finance Chair. apprenticeship, both public and private After qualifying as a spent 30 years working sectors. Chartered Accountant in the electronics, A former James Watt from Glasgow University, he held a number software and power tool industries. College board member, he was supply chain of senior roles at blue chip companies within He spent five years in Boston, USA, as Director manager for a major UK electronics business, finance, business, compliance and IS sectors. of Operations for Digital, and then joined the overseeing manufacturing, development, For most of his career, he has been based Black and Decker DeWalt Corporation as firstly, outsourcing, warehousing and transportation. in Ayrshire, but he has also worked in Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Gordon became Logistics Director for the Connecticut, USA. and then Operations Vice President. National Health Service’s National Procurement Tom is now Business and Compliance He is now managing director of Maxiim division in 2009, responsible for purchasing and Manager for Diageo Plc Consumer Electronics Ltd, a position supply chain for clinical, medical and janitorial he has held for the last five years. products for NHS Scotland. 03 AYRSHIRE UPDATE

board of management – Continued

Stephen Greenwood Kathryn Cole Staff Board Member Staff Board Member Stephen was born and brought up in Ayr. Lecturer Kathryn Cole has considerable experience of After leaving school, he worked his way up through the Business, Accounting, Administration and Tourism the ranks to management at a local glazing company. curriculum areas having delivered many units within the sector throughout her career. For the next decade he managed a multi-million pound service station in the area. At Ayr College, she spent five years as Curriculum Leader, working extensively with the new provision As a mature student, he gained a Bachelor of Arts for core skills, personal learning development and (Honours) in History from the University of Strathclyde, essential skills. and went on to complete a Master of Science degree in Information and Library Studies. Her role also allowed her to develop her interest in and passion for helping people of all ages to progress at college, improving their life chances. Stephen works in the Ayr Campus library.

Sharon Rennie Steven Fegan Student President Board Member Co-opted Board Member Sharon, who twice held the position of Student In addition to his role as Student Vice President for President at James Watt College, has more than Ayrshire College, Steven is Disabled Students Officer 10 years’ experience of education from both sides. for the National Union of Students Scotland. She has qualification in social sciences, plumbing He has a wealth of experience in early years education, and construction and also worked as a vocational having previously worked in local authority nursery assistant, helping students experiencing difficulties schools for six years. to realise their full potential. He is passionate about the importance of education Sharon has also completed an NC in plumbing and an HNC in construction and the role it has in society. and was previously a part-time youth worker with South Ayrshire Council and self-defence teacher.

Some of 2012’s Go Purple Go Purple and participants: Support the Ayrshire Hospice and our Local Community

We are delighted to announce that For a stock of Go Purple awareness Ayrshire College will be supporting wristbands, purple fundraising ideas, sponsor forms and other support the Ayrshire Hospice “Go Purple” materials contact: Day on Friday 11 October. Amanda, Ayrshire Hospice • Go Purple is a major annual Fundraising Office. 29 Miller Rd, fundraising event for the Hospice Ayr, KA7 2AX. Tel: 01292 288488. • Go purple, wear purple, think purple, email: [email protected] be purple! To donate, text ‘PURP02’ followed • The College will hold a Wear it by your donation to 70070. Purple day across the campuses e.g For a donation of £10, and ask participants to donate £1 text ‘PURP02 £10’ Let’s support the hospice and help them All texts are free and Ayrshire make Go Purple on Friday 11th October Hospice will receive the full amount even bigger and better this year! Bake of your donation. purple cakes, have a purple quiz, dye Young people under 16 please ask your hair or beard purple, paint your nails a parent or guardian before texting purple, ask your friends to support you or send a donation to; Go Purple!, on a purple challenge... whatever you Ayrshire Hospice Fundraising Office, do, make it purple and have great fun 29 Miller Road, Ayr KA7 2AX. raising money for your local hospice. 04 AYRSHIRE UPDATE making a difference

Building potential for new developments and Building on our existing excellent a strong partnerships within the important food reputation for sports and fitness, and drink and hospitality and tourism this is another sector which will curriculum sectors so we are looking forward to a continue to grow. which reflects great gastronomic future! The links between fitness and improved the needs of We are ambitious for our students and health and wellbeing are well employers aim to provide the very best of industry documented and by bringing sport, and supports standard resources. We are the first fitness and care under one director, college in Scotland to have a Mazak we have enormous potential to provide key industries in Ayrshire is CNC machine for our engineering a professional workforce who can the aim and, as Bernadette students, giving them the highest quality collaborate to impact on the poor McGuire, Vice Principal of learning experience and and providing health of our communities. opportunities for upskilling the current Learning and Teaching explains, Engaging with employers is central to and future workforce. We have also seen everything we do and we are delighted Ayrshire College is already development and investment in the that many have agreed to participate making great progress. renewables sector and are active partners in our self-evaluation meetings and within the Energy Skills Partnership for in the development of our curriculum “Making a difference to our community Scotland. plan for 2014 and 2015. is at the heart of everything we do at In addition to these key sectors, Ayrshire College. This is an innovative, exciting project, Ayrshire College is ahead of the game which puts local employers at the heart We work in partnership with many with our vision for the care sector, of our plans for the future and we have organisations and stakeholders, including recognising current and future need had an enthusiastic response from our Community Planning Partners, in our communities. We have identified the business involved. to ensure our students get the best that tele-medicine – the use of They can see that we are being proactive experience, increasing their life chances telecommunication and information to meet their needs and prepared to be and those of their families and wider technologies in order to provide clinical flexible to ensure that they receive communities. health care at a distance – is the way a skilled and competent workforce. In addition, by providing learning that ahead, and will be working in partnership enriches their lives, they are able to to develop a centre for excellence for In return, our employers and contribute to the economic growth dementia care. stakeholders can provide our students with ‘real work’ projects – opportunities and development of Ayrshire and the We are working closely with partners to to prove what they can do in workplace wider Scottish economy. help students understand the importance situations. Key sectors in Ayrshire include food of technology in independent living – and drink; tourism, renewables and enabling people to stay at home while So far these have ranged from manufacturing and engineering. remaining connected to health designing promotional materials and work placements to community projects Ayrshire College has adopted Taste professionals. and volunteering. In many cases, these Ayrshire branding within its training Ayrshire College also plans to develop opportunities have helped students restaurants at the Ayr and Kilmarnock a centre of excellence for sport and secure apprenticeships and jobs or campuses and we hope to develop fitness to improve the health and have helped them to progress to further opportunities in the future at the wellbeing of our community. study with a renewed confidence and Kilwinning campus. We can see lots of understanding of the world of work.”

Ayrshire college Freshers fair – A great start to a new session! 05 AYRSHIRE UPDATE working together for a better future

The task of bringing trained; involved in decisions; treated fairly and consistently, more than 800 with dignity and respect, in an environment where diversity is valued; and provided with a continuously improving employees together and safe working environment, promoting the health from across Ayrshire and wellbeing of staff, students and stakeholders. is a challenging one. Jane explains: “One of the strengths of the development of the standard is that staff have been involved from the early stages. Over the past few months, staff They have taken part in development days where they outlined and managers have been working what they expected from the College, and also their hard to create Ayrshire College’s Staff Governance responsibilities in upholding the standard once it is in place. Standard. Jane McKie, Vice Principal HR and Organisational We have had some fantastic feedback about these sessions – Wellbeing, explains: staff really appreciate being consulted ‘from the ground up’.” “For most of us, the idea of ‘staff governance’ can seem a little She adds: “Introducing the standard is not about the College abstract. Talking to and engaging with staff regularly is an telling us what to do, it is about all of us working together essential part of Ayrshire College’s strategy. to set out how we want to be.” The new standard will underpin the culture of Ayrshire College, Information and feedback from the staff development days ensuring fair and effective management of all staff.” is now being collated and the final framework for the Staff The standard sets out the five main aims Ayrshire College will Governance Standard is expected in the next few months. aspire to deliver, entitling staff to be well informed; appropriately 06 AYRSHIRE UPDATE

Ongoing improvements to college campuses

AYRSHIRE College’s campuses A number of areas have been brightened are changing, thanks to up by replacing floor coverings and repainting. Feedback has been very building improvement works positive and the Estates team is looking which took place throughout forward to working with staff and students the summer period. to identify future priorities. A gallery of photographs showing Here, Michael improvements across the campuses is Breen, Vice available on the College website. Principal Corporate Services, explains New Campus Development what has been Final tenders for the new campus happening. project in Kilmarnock were received A number of merger objectives have “Work is on September 12, 2013 and these already been achieved which support underway to are currently being evaluated. the establishment of a single Ayrshire improve the This is a significant and exciting milestone College identity, including the successful campuses of Ayrshire College and with construction work expected to introduction of Ayrshire College significant improvements have already start in early 2014. email addresses and the integration of communication links to ensure taken place over the summer months in The designs and proposals presented Ayr, Kilmarnock and Kilwinning. Estates a robust network is operating between in the final tender submissions will all the campuses. staff have worked hard to prepare the be shared with staff and students facilities for our new intake of students. over the next few weeks. Improvements to our campuses will This is just the start and key successes to also consider investment in specialised date have been the creation of a fantastic curriculum equipment which is critical new café and adjacent office and student Systems Development to support students in developing skills space in the Riverside Building at the Ayr Considerable work has been carried out by relevant to industry. campus. These improvements, the café the finance, MIS and ICT Teams to support It’s an exciting start, and we will be in particular, will create a real buzz and the achievement of a successful Ayrshire keeping you all up to date with are a great facility for staff and students. College vesting day of 1 August 2013. progress in the months ahead.” 07 AYRSHIRE UPDATE

Ayrshire College Students’ Association

From the fun of Freshers Week to the serious business of appointing the class reps, it has been a busy start to the academic term for Ayrshire College’s Students’ Association. Here, president Sharon Rennie and vice-presidents Steven Fegan, Mary Palmer and Mark McMillan, explain what has been happening.

Sharon be advertised on Facebook, plasma The Students’ Association is there Rennie, screens and notice boards. for you so make the most of it.” Student Freshers week has taken place across President all campuses and there were lots of Mary “It has been all go freebies, fun and free advice out there, Palmer, since the start of from agencies as diverse as the student VP, term and there is a Community Housing Trust, Samaritans, Kilmarnock great atmosphere Sexual Health, NHS and more. Campus across the three A real highlight for staff and students was “I am a returning campuses. There have been a few the Giggle Pod, a portable photo booth officer so I have teething problems, which is to be where you could dress up and get fun considerable expected, but we will learn from them photos taken and have them printed experience as we go along. I hope new and returning there and then. Domino’s provided free of representing students at a local students are settling in well. If any pizza and drinks over the three days and national level. students require further support or have and Sharon from Herbalife made sure I look forward to working with my any ideas on how to improve life at we all had access to their health drinks. colleagues over the next year. We will Ayrshire College, contact your student Big thanks to all who attended. work together to listen to what you VPs, who introduce themselves below. The three VPs and I are working on the have to say and to act on your behalf Coming up, we will be recruiting for the new constitution and hope to have it to make sure that your time at Ayrshire Ayrshire College Students’ Association finalised by the end of September. College is not only educational but (ACSA) Executive Committee Members We will keep students up to date with enjoyable and fun. over the next few weeks and plan to have our progress and in the meantime if you Contact me at: officers in place when we return from the want to get in touch, you can email [email protected] October break. There are eight positions me at [email protected] available - secretary, LGBT, disability/ equal opportunities, welfare, events/ Mark Steven fundraising, women, mature students McMillan, Fegan, and young persons officer. student VP, VP Ayr and Any student who has background Kilwinning Cumnock Campus knowledge of these positions, is willing Campuses to learn and has a few hours a week “I’ll be working “I’d like to to spare can apply. alongside the welcome Training will be given to all officers in their Student President everyone to and my colleagues respective field, and it may be possible Ayrshire College to incorporate this into their studies. at Ayr and Kilmarnock to help students and look forward to hearing your ideas get the most from their time at If this doesn’t quite suit, there is always and suggestions for improving your Ayrshire College. the option of becoming a class rep. His or course or college experience. her job is to be the voice of the students, I’ve been a student myself for the last You will be able to find me in the three years, so I know many of the issues to present the views of their class as a Students’ Association office which is whole, and to ensure their classmates are that matter to you, and I will make sure in room G15 at Ayr, or in the Learning your voice is heard. all receiving quality learning and teaching Development Advisors room at Cumnock to enable them to be successful in their every Wednesday. You can also email I’ll be based in the Students’ Association chosen careers. It’s important that every me at [email protected] office in Kilwinning, so if you need class has one, so let us know if you’d like to get in touch, then please drop in, You’ll also see me out and about, to get involved. Dates for the first class or contact me by e-mail at so please free to stop me for a chat! reps meeting will be issued soon and will [email protected] 08 AYRSHIRE UPDATE

Vision, Mission and Values

Vision of Ayrshire College Raising Aspirations, Inspiring Achievement

Mission of Ayrshire College To inspire learners to achieve their full potential by playing a lead role in the development of skills, the economy and community life.

Values of Ayrshire College These values underpin the ethos of the College and promote its culture: • To show respect for, and commitment to, the needs of all individuals - students, staff and partners - and to the communities served by the College • To communicate in an open and transparent way at all times • To support and embrace equality, diversity and inclusiveness • To inspire and empower learners to reach their full potential and achieve their ambitions • To strive for excellence, integrity and quality in everything the College does • To promote creativity, innovation and enterprise • To work with key stakeholders to make a social and economic difference through collaboration and partnership

Ayr Campus Kilmarnock Campus Kilwinning Campus Dam Park, Holehouse Road, Lauchlan Way, Ayr, Ka8 0EU Kilmarnock, KA3 7AT Kilwinning, KA13 6DE / RAISING ASPIRATIONS registered in S cotland . C harity N o SC021177. organisation yrshire C ollege is a charitable

Tel: 01292 265184 Tel: 01563 523501 Tel: 01294 559000 / INSPIRING ACHIEVEMENT A