North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton June 2009
North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
Contents
Executive Summary ...... 2 1: Introduction ...... 5 2: Rationale for the project ...... 10 3: Aims, scope and scale ...... 15 4: Common evidence base ...... 20 5: The local evidence base ...... 22 6: Links with complementary local and regional developments ...... 32 7: Collaborative record of the educational partners ...... 38
1 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
Executive Summary
Introduction 1. This is a Statement of Intent (SoI) to bid for New University Challenge Finding to extend HE provision in North Northamptonshire (NN). NN comprises the boroughs and districts of Corby, East Northamptonshire, Kettering and Wellingborough. The SoI is submitted by the University of Northampton which would be the lead partner. Tresham, a further education provider, would deliver the additional places. The University of Bedfordshire, which has existing links with both UN and Tresham, would validate some of the new programmes.
2. This bid is led by a strong educational partnership but it has been shaped by an established local partnership that has for the past 5 years been working to deliver a new vision for North Northamptonshire1. The partners are committed to overcoming a legacy of low expectations and under-investment, and to deliver through partnership and growth a prosperous economy for existing and new communities. Designated as the biggest single growth area outside London, NN has begun a process of transformation towards a place accommodating 35% more people, offering 47,400 new jobs and providing 52,100 new homes. However, low participation and low aspirations to participate in Higher Education have for some time been identified as a limitation which has contributed to a low skill, low wage economy across North Northamptonshire and local partners are determined to address this through widening participation, focusing on employers needs and harnessing the opportunities that a policy driven growth agenda represents.
3. The local authorities, and other organisations, have long recognised the importance of HE, both to existing residents and in enabling North Northamptonshire to fulfil its potential. Local organisations were quick to realise the potential of University Challenge and a lead group was formed by the partnership to work with the UN and Tresham to prepare and support this bid. The local authorities are committed to meeting the accommodation costs associated with expansion and have generated public interest and support for HE provision through a widely publicised petition.
Rationale 4. There are a significant number of wards in NN which are in the top two benefit bands of the Common Evidence Base. This is true of all benefit measures, but especially in relation to the “1,500 threshold” metrics. We suspect that this reflects the existing provision at Northampton by the UN. In reality, as is demonstrated in the report, travel from NN to Northampton is difficult and not feasible for many residents. NN is, however, accessible from some of the cold spots to the North East of the sub-region.
5. The proposal is designed to meet three core local, regional and national policy objectives:
1 The members of the Partnership are (in addition to UN and Tresham): Corby Borough Council; East Northamptonshire Council; Kettering Borough Council; North Northamptonshire Development Company; Northamptonshire County Council; Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited; Northamptonshire Learning and Skills Council; Borough Council of Wellingborough, University of Bedfordshire.
2 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
Widening participation. Participation rates for young people and adults are low in the area with 14 of the 72 wards being in the lowest quintile for young participation and 18 in the lowest quintile for adult qualifications2. Experience, elsewhere and the evidence collected in preparing this SoI, demonstrates that local provision will improve participation rates; both because it enables cost-effective study and because local provision raises awareness and aspirations to study at HE level
Employer needs. National data demonstrates a significant skills deficit in NN at level 4 and above. Surveys undertaken during the preparation of this SoI, and previously, indicate recruitment difficulties and a perception by employers that local provision is part of the solution; through retraining and recruitment of local graduates
The Growth agenda. As already mentioned, NN is a designated growth area. Local provision will undoubtedly contribute to meeting the growth targets but will itself generate substantial additional demand. Real progress has already been made towards the targets and surveys of recent in-moving residents confirm that local provision will increase the chances of their children entering HE.
The proposal 6. The partners‟ vision is to expand HE provision across NN through establishing new HE provision primarily at Corby, complemented by relevant enhancement at Kettering and Wellingborough and satellite provision through selected secondary schools. This Statement of Intent provides for expansion of HE provision based on Tresham and recognises that the Common Evidence Base demonstrates that substantial benefits would arise, in particular, from additional provision in Corby. Major LSC capital funding has just been confirmed3 for the Corby Campus (we understand this is one of only thirteen England wide bids to have been approved by LSC) and the proposed expansion in HE will build on capital redevelopment there. The proposal is to enhance opportunities for learners in the boroughs and districts of NN. The local evidence base supports the concept of „doorstep‟ provision which is critical to both take up and deliverability. The UN is confident that the ASNs can be delivered by the university partners working with Tresham in the north of the county.
7. UN and Tresham already work closely together and in recent years have developed significant new curriculum offers from Foundation Degree to Post Graduate levels. In collaboration with the University of Bedfordshire, a Curriculum Strategy from 2009 to 2014 has been prepared and there is broad agreement between the partners as to which programmes will be validated, supported and resourced by which University.
8. The planned curriculum is based on a number of key considerations. First, to support the growth agenda by focusing on key subject areas. Second, Joint curriculum planning with FE will be central to the partnership. Third, Both Tresham and the University wish to be more proactive around Foundation Degrees (FDs), particularly for learning in the work place, and
2 HEFCE, www.hefce.ac.uk/widen/polar/nat/data/ 3 26th June
3 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
certifying and topping up existing skills and workplace training. Fourth, to offer a whole university experience to learners.
9. We are committed to meeting the needs of existing local employers and in-movers. A Higher Level Skills strategy document on HE-FE partnerships in the County.4 Has been prepared to meet this need.
10. The main resources requested are for 500 Additional Student Numbers (ASNs). If this statement of intent proceeds to the next stage we would wish to discuss with HEFCE the possibility of accessing other funding support. The details of LSC funding have yet to be confirmed and this could be for capital and/or fitting out premises for certain subjects and our Stage 2 bid is likely to include a capital request to complement the LSC funding in respect of the provision of an “HE wing”. The local authorities have committed to providing accommodation through land and capital contributions in the short term. We will also seek funding to assist curriculum development.
4 http://www2.northampton.ac.uk/portal/page/portal/AEP/Document%20Store/research/hls-strategy- finalversion(pdf1.52mb).pdf. The partners include Moulton College and Northampton College as well as Tresham and UN
4 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
1: Introduction
Background 1.1 This Statement of Intent (SoI) is submitted, by the University of Northampton (UN) as the first stage of a bid to the New University Challenge for additional resources to expand and enhance HE provision in North Northamptonshire. North Northamptonshire is the single largest Government designated growth area outside London and comprises the Boroughs and Districts of Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire (see Figure 1- 1)
Figure 1-1 : North Northamptonshire
1.2 UN is the lead HEI for this bid in partnership with Tresham. Tresham is a further education provider, with campuses across North Northamptonshire at Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough, which currently delivers HE in partnership with UN and other HEIs. The University of Bedfordshire, which would accredit some of the additional HE provision, is the third educational partner in the bid.
5 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
1.3 North Northamptonshire is a place with a strong ambition to transform itself. Local partners are committed to overcoming a legacy of low expectations and under-investment, and to deliver through partnership and growth a prosperous economy for existing and new communities. Over the past five years North Northamptonshire has worked collectively to
Establish a clear vision for the kind of place it wants to be through the UK‟s first joint Core Spatial Strategy (CSS). By working together the Local Authorities have provided investors (public and private) and developers with a clear strategic understanding of how the area will change and grow up to 2021
Support the CSS with a strong Programme of Development, produced in partnership through the North Northants Development Company, that identifies the specific investment needed, potential funding sources and has attracted ever increasing amounts of public and private sector investment as a result
Establish a vision for its economy that is backed by national, regional and local public policy, which will increase jobs by 37% and increase the value of employment to the economy by over £3bn per annum or 51% by 2021.
1.4 Designated as the biggest single growth area outside London, North Northamptonshire has begun a process of transformation towards a place accommodating 35% more people, offering 47,400 new jobs and providing 52,100 new homes. North Northamptonshire has a strong track record of delivery that has been recognised across government through their increasing investment of public funds, and by the private sector who have committed to large scale investment in new infrastructure, regenerated town centres, new employment sites and new homes.
1.5 However, low participation and low aspirations to participate in Higher Education have for some time been identified as a limitation which has contributed to a low skill, low wage economy across North Northamptonshire and local partners are determined to address this. The New University Challenge provides the latest opportunity to pursue our objectives but, as Section 7 demonstrates, the leading educational organisations are already collaborating to meet this challenge. As an example of the area‟s determination to deliver real change, the Northamptonshire Higher Level Skills Strategy also demonstrates the wider partnership commitment to jointly tackle the education and skills deficit that impacts on North Northamptonshire particularly5.
1.6 This bid is led by a strong educational partnership, but it has been shaped by and benefited from the significant commitment of an established local partnership that has for the past five years been working to deliver a new vision for North Northamptonshire. The Local Authorities, and other organisations, have long recognised the importance of HE, both to existing residents and in enabling North Northamptonshire to fulfil its potential. Local organisations were quick to realise the potential of University Challenge and a Lead Group was formed by the partnership to work with the UN and Tresham to prepare and support this bid. The partnership comprises the following (in addition to UN and Tresham)6:
5 See section 7 6 Letters of support from these, and other organisations, are provided in Annex A
6 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
Corby Borough Council
East Northamptonshire Council
Kettering Borough Council
North Northamptonshire Development Company (project co-ordinator)
Northamptonshire County Council
Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited
Northamptonshire Learning and Skills Council
Borough Council of Wellingborough.
Outline of the SoI 1.7 The underlying longer term strategy of the partners is to expand access to HE across North Northamptonshire. The UN is the major current provider of HE in the county, but its campuses are located in Northampton and the difficulties of travel from the North of the County inhibit uptake by residents from this area. Tresham is the major provider of HE within North Northamptonshire and offers around 300 places, mainly at its Kettering Campus. This provision is important, but it is small in relation to demand and local needs. The partners therefore wish, overtime, to establish sustainable HE access in the major and growing local settlements of Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough.
1.8 This Statement of Intent provides for expansion of HE provision based at Tresham and recognises that the Common Evidence Base demonstrates that substantial benefits would arise, in particular, from additional provision at Corby. LSC funding for major capital redevelopment at Corby has just been confirmed and the proposed expansion in HE would build on this redevelopment. The proposal is to enhance opportunities for learners in the boroughs and districts of NN. The local evidence base supports the concept of „doorstep‟ provision which is critical to both take up and deliverability. The UN is confident that the ASNs can be delivered by the university partners working with Tresham in the north of the county. This integrated development is feasible because of:
The new rail station at Corby means there are now good public transport links between the three towns
Tresham is at the hub of learning partnerships in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire and all secondary schools will collaborate to maximise local delivery. The concept is for continuous development from 14+ giving learners the opportunity to progress seamlessly to HE in a planned and sustainable way
7 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
The potential, supported by JISC, to enhance distance learning between the three sites7
1.9 As mentioned above, we have just been informed that additional LSC funding for Tresham has been confirmed8, but we do not as yet know the details of the settlement. We expect that a new campus will be built at Corby with the scope to accommodate additional HE provision. Later expansion at the other campuses could be accommodated in existing (off-campus) buildings which would be adapted and refurbished as appropriate. The local authorities have committed to providing accommodation through land and capital contributions as required. Some provision might also be delivered through schools in the area where appropriate. These issues would be addressed in the full bid if we are successful at SoI stage.
1.10 The main resources requested are for 500 Additional Student Numbers (ASNs). If this statement of intent proceeds to the next stage we would also wish to discuss with HEFCE the possibility of accessing other funding support. This would depend on the precise nature of the just confirmed LSC support but and could be for capital and/or fitting out premises for certain HE subjects. We would also seek funding to assist with curriculum development.
Preparation of the SoI 1.11 Preparation began soon after the announcement of New University Challenge with a meeting of Local Council Members, Senior officers from local organisations and UN and Tresham. It was decided at an early stage to submit a bid and SQW Consulting were commissioned to work with the Partnership in September 2008. Two working groups were established: one to look at employer needs; the other to develop the educational case and the partnership met regularly over subsequent months. A number of discussions were also held with the HEFCE regional team and we are grateful for the feedback and guidance these provided. Much of the evidence in this SoI has been taken from existing information and documentation, but some primary data collection was also undertaken including surveys of :
local residents
local employers
current HE learners at Tresham.
1.12 The scale and depth of these surveys was consistent with what we understood to be SoI requirements. If this SoI is successful we would undertake further in-depth demand analyses, especially with employers and potential students.
Format of the document 1.13 This document has been structured to address the areas highlighted in the HEFCE guidance document published in March of this year. Following this introduction:
7 See section 3. 8 This was announced on 26th June when the final draft of this document was in preparation.
8 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
Section 2 sets out the underlying rationale for expanding HE provision in North Northamptonshire
Section 3 outlines the aim and scope of the proposed expansion
Section 4 considers the common evidence base
And Section 5 the local evidence base
Section 6 provides information on links to local and regional developments
Section 7 discusses collaborative arrangements between the educational partners
Supporting information and data is provided in annexes.
9 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
2: Rationale for the project
Introduction 2.1 The project is designed to meet three core aims of local, regional and national policies. These are outlined in the current section and more detailed evidence is provided in following sections.
Widening participation 2.2 North Northamptonshire has low rates of participation in HE by young people.
2.3 Table 2-1 shows POLAR 1 data by parliamentary constituency. The East Midlands has the lowest participation rates of any apart from Yorkshire and Humber and the North East and Corby and Wellingborough are significantly below the regional average,
Table 2-1: POLAR 1 data for parliamentary constituencies
Parliamentary constituency Participation rate for young people Corby (which includes East Northamptonshire) 0.24
Kettering 0.33
Wellingborough 0.24
All East Midlands 28% Source: HEFCE, www.hefce.ac.uk/widen/polar/nat/data/ 2.4 Table 2-2 shows the more recent POLAR 2 data for young participation rates and also adult HE qualifications for wards in North Northamptonshire. It indicates that 14 of the 72 wards are in the lowest 20% nationally for young participation and 18 for adult HE qualifications. Again, Corby is below average for the sub region; 10 of the 28 wards are in the lowest quintile for young participation and 12 for adult HE qualifications. These low participation and qualification rates are reflected in the benefit measures provided by the Common Evidence Base (CEB9).
Table 2-2: POLAR 2 and adult HE qualification data, number of wards by quintile)
Quintile (1 low - 5 high) 1 2 3 4 5
Young participation 14 15 14 14 15
Adult HE qualification 18 18 17 15 4 Source: HEFCE, www.hefce.ac.uk/widen/polar/polar2/ 2.5 The project will address these issues directly in a number of ways. First, travel to learn times will be significantly reduced and will enable many more learners to maintain their current
9 Discussed in section 4:
10 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
place of residence.10 The recently improved rail links will also improve access to Corby for residents to the South of the sub-region. Corby previously was not as accessible but now all three towns are linked by rail making travel between them much improved for residents. Beyond the improved rail links between the three northern growth towns, travel within the County is a significant constraint at present as there are no rail links from the North of the County to Northampton.
2.6 Second, we firmly believe that the availability of HE locally will have a significant impact on aspirations to enter HE amongst the local population. North Northamptonshire has, at present low attainment rates at school and low participation rates amongst those who gain the appropriate qualifications. The provision of an HE centre, as apposed to study centres with blended learning, will provide high profile demonstrators of what can be available to local residents and the HEI partners are committed to providing a full HE experience to these students. We would expect this provision to:
Raise the profile of HE amongst school leavers and demonstrate that it is an affordable and feasible alternative to immediate employment
Similarly with their parents who are known to have an important influence over study choices. In preparing this SoI, we undertook three surveys of local residents and these confirmed that local provision would significantly enhance the probability of entry to HE
The direct involvement of local schools in expanded provision will also promote progression.
2.7 Third, local provision will better enable students to stay in employment while studying. The surveys of residents11 also indicated that this was an important attraction of expanded provision.
Employer needs 2.8 Lower skills and lower wages have been a characteristic of significant parts of Northamptonshire and the North of the County is particularly disadvantaged. In England as a whole, 27.1% of the working population are qualified to NVQ level 4 or above; in North Northamptonshire the proportion is 25.2%. As Table 2-2 above shows, adult HE qualifications are in the lowest 20% nationally in a significant number of wards.
2.9 It is part of EMDA‟s Corporate Strategy to work with partners to raise the Level 4 figure for the East Midlands to over 30%. The LSC‟s East Midland Regional Commissioning Plan, published in December 2007 continues with this theme and links the importance of partnership working between HEFCE, the colleges and employers to develop new and innovative routes to develop and enhance high level progression routes to learning at Levels 4 and 5 using Foundation Degrees, Apprenticeships and a range of vocational qualifications.
10 See section 5: 11 See section 5:
11 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
2.10 The Leitch Report „Prosperity for all in the Global Economy – World Class Skills‟ states that there needs to be increased employer investment in Level 3 and 4 qualifications in the workplace emphasising an increase in Apprenticeships and raising the aspirations and productivity of the workforce. The aspirational target in Leitch is that 40% of the adult population will have achieved Level 4 qualifications by 2020. Tresham is ideally placed in the towns of Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough to rapidly increase Level 4 provision.
2.11 Such significant arrangements would aid the growth and development agenda, support the regional strategies of HEFCE, the LSC and EMDA and equally importantly give emerging industries and companies a high-tech and knowledge based agenda on which they can develop the wealth and skills of an existing workforce and attract industry and their employees in the knowledge of a high quality, higher level skills college being available locally.
The Growth Agenda 2.12 North Northamptonshire is the biggest single designated Growth Area outside London with significant Government funding supporting plans for 47,400 new jobs and a 35% increase in population to over 370,000 people by 2021. The scale of growth is shown in Figure 2-1
Figure 2-1: Growth targets
Source: NNDC 2.13 All partners are dedicated to ensuring growth for North Northamptonshire is sustainable and in particular that it must be economically sustainable. This means creating more jobs, better jobs and ensuring those jobs are in the right places to match the needs of our growing communities.
2.14 The Strategic Northamptonshire Economic Action Plan (SNEAP) while lead jointly by NNDC, NEL, WNDC and emda, had significant input from all local authorities in North Northamptonshire as well as education, skills and training partners including the LSC, UN and Tresham.
12 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
2.15 Figure 2-2 shows the nature of the gap between the jobs growth trajectory (or target required to achieve sustainable growth) and the forecast jobs growth without interventions. Employment in North Northamptonshire is forecast to rise to 161, 900 by 2021, an increase of 28,500 from 2001, but against a target of 47,400 this represents a jobs deficit of 18,900
Figure 2-2: Jobs trajectory and forecast for North Northamptonshire, 2001-2021
base year 200 180 Trajectory 160 47,400 Forecast 140 28,500 120 100 80
60 TotalJobs (000's) 40 20
0
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
North Northants North Northants Trajectory
Source: Baseline plus Population forecast, LEFM Feb 2007, Cambridge Econometrics 2.16 The analysis by Cambridge Econometrics goes on to show that without interventions, the objective of achieving at or above average productivity (as measured by Gross Value Added per employee) will not be met and indeed North Northamptonshire‟s relative performance weakens.
2.17 A fundamental building block for jobs growth and improvement in productivity is the availability of a skilled and flexible workforce and the outcome of the early SNEAP development work was to galvanise local partners to focus on the need to improve education, skills and training to meet the very stiff challenges growth was presenting. SNEAP confirmed the challenges in the North of the county were particular acute and that transformational action was needed. Partners are now focused on delivering that through the collaborative work highlighted in section 7 and this SOI to secure improved HE provision in North Northamptonshire.
2.18 The expansion of HE will make an important contribution to meeting growth targets; it will attract employers and residents and also contribute to the growth of existing businesses. The University Challenge bid is, therefore, closely aligned with another major strand of government policy, namely the delivery of sustainable communities. However, population growth will also create, in and of itself, an additional demand for HE and major steps have been taken to meet the growth targets.
2.19 A pioneering approach to joint working, lead by a combination of the NNDC partnership and North Northamptonshire Joint Planning Committee, has secured not only a common vision for unlocking the area‟s outstanding growth potential but also a solid platform for public and
13 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
private sector investment in the sub-region. North Northamptonshire is committed to delivering strong growth that integrates new and existing population to create vibrant and diverse sustainable communities. Creating a place where people want to live and work is the fundamental building block for sustainable growth. In this way growth can deliver a dividend of regeneration and improvement for existing populations and areas as well as new homes, infrastructure and jobs for new populations.
Summary 2.20 The proposal will provide North Northamptonshire with:
multi-level delivery for learner engagement
planned collaboration between FE, HE and the school sector
strategic planning across the FE/HE divide
Teaching and learning will be the priority for HE delivery, but research and knowledge transfer that supports the north Northamptonshire economy, organisations and businesses will also be promoted through the Tresham Centres.
a curriculum that meshes with economic development aspirations for higher level skills and which is responsive to economic aspirations and employer demand for the county
2.21 The project fits with HEFCE strategic priorities :
Widening participation and fair access
Enhancing excellence in teaching and learning (there will be a strong focus on employer engagement and workplace learning)
Enhancing the contribution of higher education to the economy and society (through innovation, enterprise, knowledge transfer and business support)
Sustaining a high quality HE sector - the proposal forms part of the UN‟s long term strategy for improving the quality of its services and generating demand for HE in the region.
The development of substantial collaborative agreements. Agreements with the FE sector in Northamptonshire lie at the heart of the proposal
14 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
3: Aims, scope and scale
Introduction 3.1 The proposal is for additional provision distributed across North Northamptonshire using Tresham‟s campuses in Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough. The recently approved capital plans for TENC (The East Northamptonshire Consortium – a partnership of secondary schools in East Northamptonshire, Tresham and Moulton College) increases the opportunity for delivery of higher education in this part of the area, particularly Corby.
The Educational partners 3.2 The lead educational partners are the University of Northampton and Tresham. The two already work closely together and in recent years has developed Foundation Degrees, Higher National Diplomas, and Post Graduate qualifications. Our supporting partner in these arrangements is the University of Bedfordshire. The two Universities have worked closely together in other parts of the MKSM area, with one partner taking the lead and the other being a supportive partner.
3.3 A Curriculum Strategy from 2009 to 2014 has been prepared and there is broad agreement between the partners as to which programmes will be validated, supported and resourced by which University., The vast majority of programmes will be awarded by the University of Northampton or the University of Bedfordshire, but where specialist provision is required validation and resources may be provided by another HEI; the Hewlett Packard Foundation Degree in Computer Systems Management validated by Thames Valley University is a good example. Further work is required on some programmes within the strategic curriculum plan, but this is at the margin and will be concluded by the beginning of the autumn term.
The Curriculum 3.4 The planned curriculum is based on a number of key considerations. First, to support the growth agenda the University will focus on the following key curriculum areas: Accounts; Applied Science (forensic); Business; Computing; Construction and the Built Environment; Creative Industries; Education; Engineering; Environmental Technologies; Events Management; Graphic Design; Health and Social Care; Management and Leadership; Motor Sport; Public Services; Sports Science
3.5 Second, Joint curriculum planning with FE will be central to the partnership. A recent study was carried out by the University of gaps in Level 4 provision by FE across the County in: Computer aided design; Applied Sciences; Printing; Product design graphics; Technology; Telecoms Engineering; Welding, and Customer Services and Sales (Aim Higher, 2005). More specifically, across the County there is potential for generic degrees in the Service Industries including a degree in Leadership and Management, aimed at both national companies in the region and the large number of SMEs within the County.
15 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
3.6 Third, Both Tresham and the University wish to be more proactive around Foundation Degrees (FDs), particularly for learning in the work place, and certifying and topping up existing skills and workplace training
3.7 Fourth, The University of Northampton wishes to offer a whole University experience. This means that complementary elements of research activity and knowledge transfer will be available as well as learning and teaching elements which could include:
Leadership, Management and Entrepreneurialism- FD in Leadership and Management
Computing- FD Logistics (lean manufacturing and distribution)
Public Sector- FDs for youth and criminal justice sectors,
Skills for Business- Postgraduate Certificate in Management (PGCM), ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) Management and Team Leading qualifications at all levels (Level 2 to Level 5) and ILM Coaching and Mentoring qualifications at Level 3. Risk Management, Project Management and Team Development
Community Enrichment Programme- Drama, History and Environmental Issues.
3.8 Table 3-1 shows currently planned programmes. The partners have the capabilities to deliver these programmes but ASNs are required for sustainability.
Table 3-1: Planned programmes and validating HEI
Validating HEI Year Course
2009 Foundation Degree Fine Art UN
2009 Foundation Degree Business UN
Foundation Degree Sport UoB 2010 UN School of Health and NBS working UN collaboratively on FD Sports Management
Foundation Degree Public Services UoB lead for Social Work 2010 UN for Police, Probation or Social Work UN lead for Police, Probation, Social Care & Health
UoB lead. Recognition that UN School of 2010 Foundation Degree Teaching Assistants Education piloting some provision in 09/10
2010 Foundation Degree Health, Care and Early Years UN
2011 Foundation Degree Motor Sport UN
2011 Foundation Degree Engineering DMU or UN. Tresham wish to transfer to UN
2011 Foundation Degree Construction UN lead in discussion with Moulton
2011 Foundation Degree Complimentary Therapies University of Bedfordshire
Foundation Degree Travel and Tourism 2011 UN ambitions would be in Tourism Management UN Note: This sector is experiencing a considered
16 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
Validating HEI Year Course
revival
Foundation Degree Performance UoB 2011 FD Performance Media in 09/10 Val Schedule for UN 10/11 start with UCMK
Foundation Degree Hospitality Management 2012 (In the light of NBS/possible Silverstone UN development)
Use of ICT 3.9 The uptake of learners enrolling onto a HE programme will benefit from a flexible approach to learning. However, we appreciate that learners value face to face contact with tutors [HE in a web 2.0 world] and so a blended approach to learning will be adopted. This will include face to face contact and the availability of online learning resources. Tresham completed an e-learning Progress Review in January 2009. This assessed the level of e-maturity within an institution. The report commended Tresham Institute's intentions for embedding ILT throughout all learning practices and wanting to be leaders on its effective use.
3.10 With this in place, Tresham Institute will be equipped to deliver a high quality learning experience for their intended market as well as shape the economic prosperity of the region. The JISC Regional Support Centre wholly supports Tresham's aspirations to achieving e- maturity and hence embed innovative learning.
Delivery to employers 3.11 We are committed to meeting the needs of existing local employers and in-movers. The following points are extracts from a recently prepared Higher Level Skills strategy document on HE-FE partnerships in the County.12
Planning to be informed by sectoral needs and the existing and anticipated job mix.
Efforts to raise the status of Foundation Degrees and the standing of „vocational‟ routes
Construction of awards to meet company and employee career aspirations.
Enhanced APEL of employees existing experience (increasingly to be done in the workplace).
Exploration of funding and pricing, both issues of drawing down funding for innovative and flexible practices and the market value that can be asked of employers in relation to appropriate high quality provision.
12 The partners include Moulton College and Northampton College as well as Tresham and UN
17 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
Employer Engagement/Train to Gain - the increased sharing of information together with collaboration to identify employer need and to divide and allocate provision based on appropriateness, best fit, expertise and geographical common sense.
Adoption of a county rather than institutional focus to employer engagement.
Creation of a unified message to employers that the partnership can respond to requirements timely and flexibly.
Creation of pooled selling opportunities to employers.
Adoption of practices which will be favourable to business such as recruitment at different times of the year and teaching delivered over 50 weeks of the year.
Consideration of the needs of adult learners, both recreational „non-work‟ related markets and the employee skills agenda
Student numbers 3.12 At this stage of the bidding process we are seeking 500 ASNs over the period to 2012-13. We would take this opportunity to focus on PT (and WBL) learners, especially if the cap on FT recruitment is maintained over the planning period, and we would also be seeking employer co-funding. As was mentioned above, if this bid proceeds to the next stage we would undertake in-depth demand studies to provide further evidence of demand, and also subject areas and locations. However, this estimate is based on:
High level assessment of demand based on current participation rates, surveys undertaken for the SoI and analysis of secondary sources
The capabilities of the educational partners to meet local needs
The need to achieve critical mass of the proposed HE centres. In part this is an issue of financial sustainability, but we are committed to providing a full HE experience, and this requires sufficient learner numbers on one site, and also raise the profile of HE in the area..
Other resources 3.13 As was mentioned in section 1, the very recent conformation of LSC capital funding for Tresham means that we would wish to explore the need, and potential, for capital support from HEFCE if this SoI proceeds to the next stage. The local authorities have committed to provide funding for capital and refurbishment costs associated with developing accommodation if this takes place in existing buildings.
3.14 However, we could be seeking support for two other activities. First, we believe that curriculum development costs could be in the region of £75,000 per annum, and we seek funding to support the bid moving forward to beyond stage 2.
18 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
3.15 Second, we expect to incur additional costs for fitting out specialised teaching spaces, especially in subjects such as engineering. The actual costs will depend on whether LSC capital funding is made available. As was mentioned above, the local authorities will meet accommodation costs of expansion in existing buildings but it will be difficult for them to fund specialised fitting out costs.
19 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
4: Common evidence base
4.1 Annex B reproduces the data provided in the CEB for the North Northamptonshire area. The picture is very similar on all of the benefit measures in that there are a significant number of wards in North Northamptonshire which are placed in one of the top two benefit bands, with in general a reduction in benefit moving from the North East to the South West of the area. More specifically, we have calculated the percentage of wards in each district which are in one of the top three bands for each measure. For Corby the results range from 85% to 100% on the six measures and for East Northamptonshire, from 60% to 95%, which are the key focus of this bid. We would note that road links from the North of East Northants, where some of the coldest spots are located, are good with relatively easy access to Tresham.
4.2 We believe the CEB provides a strong demonstration of the need for additional places in North Northamptonshire in relation to current provision, but we would make two points.
4.3 First, the relative benefit measures are generally higher for the 500 threshold of existing provision than the 1,500 threshold. We assume that this reflects, in the main, existing provision by UN at Northampton and, to a lesser extent at Kettering, through Tresham. However, we would point out that there are real difficulties in travelling from the North of the County to Northampton. Table 4-1 shows public transport times to Northampton from the main settlements in North Northamptonshire. All times are for travel by bus; there are no rail links between the towns of North Northamptonshire and the town of Northampton. Table 4-1 indicates that time spent travelling would be significant for daily attendance at Northampton.
Table 4-1: Public Transport Times to University of Northampton from North Northants
From To arrive Departure/arrival Journey by time
Kettering By 9:00 06:53 – 08:28: 1hr 35 mins
Corby By 9:00 06:00 – 08:28 2hr 28 mins
Wellingborough By 9:00 07:39 – 08:52 1hr 13 mins
Thrapston 9:29 at the 06:57 – 09:29 2hr 32 earliest: mins
Oundle 10:02 at 07:24 – 10:02: 2hr 38 the mins earliest:
Desborough By 9:00 06:20 – 08:28 2hrs 8mins
Rushden By 9:00 07:09 – 08:52 1hr 42 mins
Source: Kettering Borough Council
20 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
4.4 The second point concerns the neighbouring areas. There is a large “cold spot” to the North East of North Northamptonshire. Figure 4-1 shows the area accessible via a 45 minute car journey from the three Tresham campuses. This journey time from Corby clearly covers cold spots to the North East of North Northamptonshire. Figure 4-1 also demonstrates the accessibility of each of the three urban areas to one another.
Figure 4-1: Area within 45 minute car drive of Tresham Campuses
Key: 45mins = time from Corby 45mins = time from Kettering 47mins 45mins = time from Wellingborough
44mins 49mins
29mins 43mins 28mins 44mins
43mins
50mins
37mins 36mins
40mins 45mins 43mins
38mins 40mins
39mins 43mins 40mins
50mins
Source: Kettering Borough Council
21 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
5: The local evidence base
Student demand
In movers to the area 5.1 North Northamptonshire is a designated growth area and the already achieved and expected increases in population will generate new demands for local HE provision. We undertook a postal survey of three residential areas in North Northamptonshire in order to understand how demands from in-movers might develop13. The three areas were:
Mawsley – a new village to the south west of Kettering consisting of around 900 homes
Oakley Vale – a new resident community located to the south east of Corby involving the construction of around 3,000 homes
Wellingborough – new estate to the North of Wellingborough.
5.2 Responses were good for a survey of this nature. Sixty-nine Mawsley households returned completed questionnaires (a response rate of 10%) and 43% had moved from outside Northampton. Oakley Vale generated a return of 146 completed postal questionnaires (6%) and 48% had moved from outside the County. Wellingborough returned 42 completed postal questionnaires (8%) and 38 of households moved to Wellingborough from outside.
5.3 The surveys revealed a very positive response in terms of how people would view an increase in local HE provision. Of the households in these three areas that currently have someone studying for a HE level qualification (or someone about to begin doing so), the majority of households would have considered studying at a more local institution had one been available.
5.4 The likelihood of people in these households undertaking HE level study in the next three years was fairly high across the three areas; ranging from at least 48% in Wellingborough to 71% in Oakley Vale; Mawsley was in the middle with 57%. People were keen to study as close to where they live as possible and generally were not that interested in moving away from their home to study. When distance to study was rated against other influential factors such as the reputation of the institution and the course, all factors were seen to be important in Mawsley and Wellingborough. In contrast the households in Oakley Vale felt being close to where they live was more important than the other two factors.
5.5 All three areas were in strong agreement that if the provision of HE was expanded in their local area it would increase the likelihood that household members would study at Higher
13 Detailed results are provided in Annex
22 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
Education level. The responses also suggested that the majority of households wanted to stay in employment at the same time as enrolling in some form of HE level study.
Widening participation 5.6 There is clear evidence of low participation rates by young people from some areas of North Northampton. This is evident in the polar data which is reflected in the CEB; the benefit statistics being in general higher for the measures which give more weight to low participation rates amongst young people. More specifically, in 2005/06 only 26% of 18-19 year olds from Corby entered HE and only 29% from Wellingborough. These compare with participation rates in South Northamptonshire of around 40%.14. For the reasons given elsewhere, we are confident that the new centres would raise aspirations and demand for HE places. There is some evidence to suggest that the immediate problem is one of aspirations rather than qualifications. Table 5-1 shows recent attainment levels at schools in North Northamptonshire. Corby is significantly below the English average, but the other areas are close to or above. There is an issue of low progression post GCSE of learners with the required qualifications, but the County Council, and others, are addressing these issues through a range of measures and both UN and Tresham have close working relationships with Schools in the areas
Table 5-1: School attainment levels (2007/08)
GCSE % with 5+ A-C KS5: Average points per including Maths and candidate English
Corby 42% 603
Kettering 53% 679
East Northamptonshire 48% 758
Wellingborough 45% 791
England 48% 740
Source: Northamptonshire County Council 5.7 UN has demonstrated its effectiveness in implementing its widening participation strategy. In both 2005/06 and 2006/07 it exceeded its benchmark for entrants from low participation neighbourhoods by around 5% and 10% respectively.
Meeting employer needs 5.8 This section is based on a review of existing documentary evidence and two interview programmes with employers. In preparing this bid we have spoken with 21 private sector employers, including four of the 10 largest and nine of the 30 largest15. We have also interviewed eight public sector organisations.
14 Data provided by Aimhigher 15 The interviews were undertaken by staff of the Partnership organisations
23 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
Private Sector employers 5.9 Evidence from consultations with some of the largest private sector employers in North Northamptonshire suggests a high current demand for level 4 or higher qualifications. Four of the largest companies, each with over 600 staff, employ between 14% to 40% of staff educated at level 4 or higher. Some specialist design and manufacturing companies employ up to 70% of staff educated to level 4 or higher. The majority identified management and technical occupations as requiring level 4 or higher qualifications. Most also provide training for their current employees at level 4 and above, with management training the most frequent. The volume of training purchased is expected by many to increase during the recession with businesses choosing to invest in training current staff rather than recruiting staff externally.
5.10 The majority consulted have experienced difficulties in recruiting staff at level 4 or higher regardless of their size or the sector in which the business operates. and considered that HE Centre(s) would help to address recruitment difficulties by:
enhancing the local skills base
reducing the skills drain of local people to other parts of the country
attracting skilled people to the local area.
5.11 All reported a preference for using local training providers where possible. However, the lack of education and training provision in North Northamptonshire was frequently cited as problematic.
5.12 The demand for higher level skills amongst businesses in Northamptonshire was also recently examined by the University of Northampton who commissioned a Northamptonshire report16 based on the Known Unknowns model for the East Midlands. This included a business survey which was undertaken in August 2008 from which it is possible in some cases to separately analyse the responses from businesses in North Northamptonshire.
5.13 Of the 82 North Northamptonshire respondents 34% had invested in some form of higher level skills training in the last 12 months. Of those North Northamptonshire businesses that had undertaken training 33% had used the University of Northampton and 29% some other University to deliver their training. Survey respondents, across the whole of Northamptonshire, ranked training that resulted in a qualification, cost and location of delivery as the three most important factors when choosing a provider of high level skills.
Public sector employers 5.14 Eight public sector employers – covering the emergency services, local authorities, parts of the NHS and the Probation Service – were asked about their recruitment of people with level 4 qualifications, and their training of staff to that level. The interviews took place with people working in HR, training and workforce development of public sector. The key messages from the interviews are discussed below.
5.15 There is a significant demand for people with qualifications at level 4 or above:
16CFE, The demand for higher level skills from businesses in Northamptonshire, March 2009
24 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
for the employers that were able provide estimates the percentages ranged from 25% to 60%
whilst not all employers could identify the proportion of staff that are qualified to level 4 or above, level 4 qualifications were common or a requirement in functions such as finance, HR and legal services
5.16 Employers currently organise and/or fund a wide range of training at level 4 or above. Virtually all have some staff working towards qualifications at level 4 or above; broadly employers provided estimates of no more than 5 and up to 15-20 people undertaking HE level courses.
5.17 Most reported recruitment difficulties because of national or local skills shortages, although there is some evidence that these problems have reduced during the recession. Difficulties were must pronounced in relation to specialist skills, for example planning and regeneration, building surveying, legal services, paramedic staff, specialist nursing roles, HR and finance
5.18 There is a widespread positive view of the proposed increase in local HE provision:
principally because they felt it would ease their current recruitment difficulties by creating a larger pool of skilled people
some employers were particularly positive describing how they would want to develop a close working relationship with any new HE provision – potentially through work placements – to deliver a natural progression for students to move through training at a local centre into employment in the public sector
National Employer Skills Survey analysis 5.19 2007 responses for North Northamptonshire were analysed with a view to building a picture of suppressed demand in recruitment in the area, with a focus on high level skills where possible. In order to identify skills deficits in recruitment, particular attention was given to:
Hard to fill vacancies
Skills shortages in roles with high level skills requirements
High level skills gaps identified in the existing workforce
5.20 Around 8,000 North Northamptonshire respondents identified a number of sectors with hard to fill vacancies, skills shortages, and skills gaps, suggesting suppressed demand in a range of sectors. It is not possible to be conclusive as to the nature of the skills deficits by sector but it is reasonable to assume that a high proportion relate to high level skills. The survey analysis identified suppressed demand in a number of sectors, with some demonstrating particularly acute skills needs. Sector Skills Councils with significant skills needs in North Northamptonshire include Energy and Utility Skills and SummitSkills.
25 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
5.21 The survey findings were also examined by occupation groups17 in order to identify suppressed demand in three occupations considered to have specific high level skills requirements: managers; professionals; and technical. The data indicated skills needs in all three. For example, managers showed large numbers of skills gaps, and professionals had large volumes of hard to fill vacancies due to skills shortages.
5.22 Reported skills needs in high level skills occupations in North Northamptonshire were compared with regional and national figures. This revealed that North Northamptonshire experienced an above average number of skills gaps for managers (three times greater than the national and regional average), identifying this as a particular area of weakness. The picture for professional and technical skills, by contrast, revealed considerably smaller numbers of skills gaps than were experienced at the national and regional level.
Latent demand 5.23 By latent demand we mean skills deficits in comparison with other areas. It is latent because it is not expressed as actual demand by local employers. This is probably due to a number of factors including lack of awareness of the current skills deficit and/or agreement to address it in order to maintain the competitiveness of the business. We can demonstrate the deficit in skills in the workforce with reference to national statistics. And we can demonstrate the policy imperative to address those deficits with reference to local skills priorities and programmes. It is not possible to demonstrate what level of actual demand will result from the support delivered to local businesses but it is reasonable to assume that some uplift in demand will occur.
5.24 The Strategic Northamptonshire Economic Action Plan (SNEAP)18 sets out the long term economic plan to grow employment by 47,400 between 2001 and 2021 to deliver a greater quantity and quality of economic opportunities to accompany the planned level of housing growth in the local area over that period. The SNEAP acknowledges that part of the challenge of achieving the quantity and quality of growth planned is the skills deficit in the local economy vis-à-vis surrounding areas.
5.25 As Table 5-2 shows although Northamptonshire performs slightly above the UK and far above the East Midlands average in terms of high level skills (NVQ4+) but the picture within Northamptonshire is mixed. North Northamptonshire has a much lower proportion of its workforce qualified to NVQ level 4 than the rest of Northamptonshire, and that is true for every district which a particularly low level of NVQ level 4 qualifications in Corby.
Table 5-2 Qualifications as a percentage of the working age population, 2006
% with % with % with % with % with no
NVQ4+ NVQ3 NVQ2 NVQ1 qualifications England 27.1 15.2 15.9 14.3 13.6
East Midlands 24.8 15.6 15.6 16.1 13.9
Northamptonshire 28.1 15.2 17.4 14.9 13.6
17 where sample size permitted 18 Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited, North Northamptonshire Development Company, West Northamptonshire Development Corporation, Strategic Northamptonshire Economic Action Plan, 2008
26 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
% with % with % with % with % with no
NVQ4+ NVQ3 NVQ2 NVQ1 qualifications
North Northamptonshire 25.2 13.4 18.2 16.8 13.6
Corby 17.8 16.7 12.6 19.1 18.8
East Northamptonshire 25.4 14.0 18.9 19.4 8.9
Kettering 26.7 13.0 20.3 18.8 8.6
Wellingborough 28.4 10.7 18.8 10.1 21.0 Source: Annual Population Survey 2006, ONS 5.26 The Higher Level Skills Strategy19 was developed to address some of these issues. It has six key themes, one of which is raising aspirations and promotion of the benefits of higher education to individuals and employers which highlights the local emphasis on translating latent demand into actual demand. Further information on the Strategy is provided in the next section.
5.27 The Corby and Kettering Skills Audit20 also highlights the problem in two parts of the area. Its analysis of the local labour markets and survey of local businesses finds that the dominance of low level occupations in the two areas perpetuates the cycle of demand for low skilled people to fill these vacancies. The economies of both of these areas are characterised by low skills and low value added employment, particularly in Corby. The recommendations in terms of provision of training are focused on Level 2 and 3 in Construction, Retail, Healthcare, Financial & Professional Services and Manufacturing. However the broader message is that the area needs to build a highly skilled workforce to attract new business to the area and break out of the low skills equilibrium in which it is currently trapped.
Retaining students in the area 5.28 UN already makes an enormous contribution to the improvement of skills in the regional economy - 83 per cent of leavers (2005/6) domiciled in Northamptonshire at the start of their course remained working in the county after graduation. However, there is more work to do with employers to move Northamptonshire from a low skill, low wage economy and to improve business competitiveness, with SMEs.
5.29 The following is taken from Early Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Survey21 and is intended to offer a reflection on the contribution that the University of Northampton is making to the regional economy through consideration of the employment, further study and training destinations of leavers from the University. Key Findings are:
19 Northamptonshire Higher Level Skills Strategy, 2008-2011 http://www2.northampton.ac.uk/portal/page/portal/AEP/Document%20Store/research/hls-strategy- finalversion(pdf1.52mb).pdf Produced by the University of Northampton, Moulton College, Tresham and Northampton College. The strategy is supported by the Northamptonshire Learning Region Stakeholder Group (NLRSG) 20 WM Enterprise Consultants, Corby and Kettering Skills Audit, May 2007 21 The top-line results in this paper are taken from the Early Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Survey and are based on the initial destination of leavers six months after successfully completing their course in the academic year 2005/06 at The University of Northampton. It is likely that the DLHE data for 2006/07 is now available for reporting so these numbers could be updated if required.
27 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
The University Employment Indicator22 (the proportion of graduates working or studying (or both) six months after graduation) is 92.8%.
80.9% of leavers23 were in employment in 2005/06; this is 4.2 percentage points more than the overall national percentage in 2005/06 (76.7%).
58.7% of all leavers in employment are in graduate jobs.
17.4% of leavers continue on to either „work and further study‟ or „further study only‟ in 2005/06.
Increasing the participation in, and progression to, further and higher levels of education is a means to increase the economic competitiveness of the area. To that end the performance of graduates and their destination in the workplace is of key importance for the long term enhancement of the wealth of the region.
5.30 The University of Northampton has a proven track record of turning out graduates with the necessary qualifications to meet the demands of the graduate recruitment market. Many leavers enter graduate-level occupations and a high proportion of new graduates find employment in the local labour market and therefore make an immediate and important contribution to the local economy:
83.1% of employed leavers who were domiciled in Northamptonshire at the start of their course went on to employment in Northamptonshire six months after completing their course.
81.7% of employed leavers who were domiciled in the EMDA Region at the start of their course went on to employment in the EMDA Region six months after completing their course24.
0.9% of employed leavers who were domiciled in the UK at the start of their course went on to employment in the EU or overseas six months after completing their course
81.8% of employed leavers who were domiciled in the EU at the start of their course went on to employment in the UK six months after completing their course.
In 2005/06, 60.8%% of all leavers in employment were in jobs classed as „Managers and Senior Officials‟, „Professional Occupations‟ and „Associate Professional and technical Occupations‟ 25.
22 The Employment Indicator is the percentage of the base population who are working or studying (or both) and relates to UK domiciled leavers obtaining first degrees from full time courses. The base population is defined as the set of all respondents to the survey who are classed as „working or studying‟ or as „unemployed and seeking work‟. 23 All those who have successfully completed a Higher Education course 24 Please note that the totals given for Northamptonshire and EMDA Region will overlap with each other since a leaver in the former will also belong to the latter group 25 The first three occupational categories of the Standard Occupation Classification
28 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
The growth agenda
Population and Housing Growth 5.31 As a consequence of the considerable housing growth and infrastructure investment, since 2001 the population of North Northamptonshire has grown from 284,400 to 308,000, an increase of 7.4% and more than twice the national average. This makes North Northamptonshire amongst the 10 fastest growing places in the UK.
5.32 It should also be noted that the high level of growth delivered so far has been achieved without any of the major Sustainable Urban Extensions (SUE‟s) planned for the area having yet started housing construction.
5.33 Looking forward nationally and locally, revised growth trajectories taking into account current housing market conditions, assume a lower rate of housing completions over the next 2-3 years as none of the major urban expansions are assumed to achieve housing completions over the coming 24 months.
5.34 However, infrastructure for the first 5,500 home SUE‟s in Corby is already in place and as the economy recovers the scale and rate of growth in the sub-region is expected to accelerate from a peak of over 2,250 new homes a year in 2007/8 to over 3,200 as these SUE‟s come on stream.
5.35 Beyond the considerable progress so far, there is potential for a further 28,000 homes to be delivered between 2021 and 2031, with the planning process for the period 2021-26 starting summer 2009.
Progress with Infrastructure 5.36 For growth ambitions to become reality requires significant investment in infrastructure and North Northamptonshire has a strong track record of securing growing amounts of public sector funding that has in turn leveraged increasing amounts of private sector investment. £253m of direct growth funding has so far unlocked an estimated £1.8bn of housing investment and £1.1bn of commercial investment across North Northamptonshire.
5.37 As well as the key elements of infrastructure identified in Table 5-3, North Northamptonshire is now served by a brand new £8.4m railway station. This long awaited facility for Corby provides area residents with the opportunity to move between the 3 core towns by rail, and it has been a key driver of inward investment interest in the town.
Table 5-3; Infrastructure investment Growth Area Fund 1 (2002-2005) £ 23,690,252
Growth Area Fund 2 (2005-2008) £ 21,223,763
Growth (Area) Fund 3 (2008-11) £ 35,138,991
Community Infrastructure Fund 1 Corby Northern Orbital £ 6,100,000
Community Infrastructure Fund 2 A14 Ramp Metering & £ 2,700,000 A45 Rapid Bus Lane
29 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
RFA Isham Bypass £30,800,000
RFA Corby Link Road £33,440,000
A14 Widening J 7-9 at Kettering £100,000,000
Direct Public Sector Growth Funding Secured (excl £253,093,006 S106 contribution from development)
5.38 Other key infrastructure delivered to date includes:
Public sector investment in: £20m new Tresham Campus in Kettering. £32m Corby Cube; £50m in 2 new academies in Kettering; £20m International 50m Pool; £6.8m network of Vocational Centres in east Northants; £8.4m Corby Station; £30m Corby Business Academy; £8m Northern Orbital Rd (with developer support)
Private sector investment of £40m Corby Town Centre ; £35m Cransley Park employment site Kettering,£4m Headway offices Corby; £30m Priors Hall (£100m S106 commitment for Corby) ; £100m North Kettering Business Park, £19m Oakley Vale, £290m of new homes
Achievements to date 5.39 As an area and in particular as a set of partners that includes those committed to this SoI, North Northamptonshire has already delivered:
the first Core Spatial Strategy to be adopted in the East Midlands and the first joint strategy in the UK – a outstanding advantage, providing a clear and stable platform for development and investment
a 76% uplift in housing completions since 2001
14,500 new homes – 28% of the growth area‟s overall target
Planning Permissions in place for over 13,500 new homes
Further planning applications under consideration for in excess of 8,000 new homes in addition to forthcoming applications for the next 4,000 homes
An exemplar Water Cycle Strategy that has enabled Anglian Water to prepare its business plans to deliver the water infrastructure required for housing and economic growth
A transformational Economic Action Plan to secure the step change in jobs growth and productivity
A ground-breaking approach to securing transport solutions working with the Highways Agency, DfT and local partners that has resulted in a £100m commitment by Secretary of State for Transport to ease congestion on the A14
30 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
5.40 As well as the UK‟s first joint Core Spatial Strategy providing the framework and foundation for sustainable growth, North Northamptonshire also benefits from a highly rated Programme of Development (PoD) which sets out the physical and non-physical infrastructure needed to deliver that growth. The PoD identifies
What strategic and local infrastructure requirements are necessary to achieve the MKSM growth trajectories
What infrastructure is needed to ensure that the growth targets can be met and the date by which it is required
How infrastructure requirements will be financed, including contributions from the developer/landowner through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) or other more traditional S106 mechanisms
Who will be responsible for delivery, including the central facilitation role to be played in the process by NNDC?
31 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
6: Links with complementary local and regional developments
Introduction 6.1 The role of local authorities and development organisations in progressing this bid has been described elsewhere. This reflects the very high priority they attach to the expansion of HE in North Northamptonshire. The links between the bid and regional and sub-regional strategies are described in this section.
The Regional Economic Strategy (RES) 6.2 A university centre in North Northamptonshire is a strategic aim for key partners and stakeholders in the county and contributes to the vision of the Regional Strategy to be a Flourishing Region by 2020 - where the East Midlands will be characterised by growing and innovative businesses, skilled people in good jobs, participating in healthy, inclusive communities and living in thriving and attractive places with high levels of economic wellbeing and a quality of life amongst the best in the world.
6.3 To achieve the vision the RES has three key themes; raising productivity: enabling our people and businesses to become more competitive and innovative; ensuring sustainability: investing in and protecting our natural resources, environment and other assets such as infrastructure; achieving equality: helping all people to realise their full potential and work effectively together to enrich our lives and our communities.
6.4 A university centre will contribute to these themes. It has the potential to raise productivity by providing: local access to higher education that meets the needs of individuals and employers; unlocking the talents of people and supporting businesses to become more competitive and innovative. The centre will be well placed to support a growing population and business community, widening participation, attracting, nurturing and retaining local talent. Achieving equality by working together with businesses and the community to enable people to reach their full potential, especially those with no previous experience of HE, and businesses to grow and prosper for the benefit of all.
6.5 The RES identifies the importance of employment, learning and skills to enable more people to move into better jobs in growing businesses. In North Northamptonshire a university centre has the potential to drive economic regeneration by providing relevant learning and training to drive up demand for skills create a highly skilled workforce to support and grow the local business community.
6.6 To become a region of highly productive, globally competitive businesses the RES identifies the importance of business enterprise and support. The University of Northampton delivers the Business Link Start Up Service and therefore would be well placed to further stimulate entrepreneurship and support new business creation through the university centre; and work
32 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
with those new businesses to develop and grow, solving their problems and creating a local knowledge based economy able to compete in a global economy.
6.7 The RES recognises that key to developing a knowledge based economy that can compete globally is the ability to innovate. A university centre could contribute to this priority by drawing on the research and development and knowledge transfer capabilities within the existing university to engage with business to boost innovation and increase competitiveness.
6.8 The RES also recognises that the need to focus on improving the economic performance, has to be balanced with improving the quality of life of all those who live and work here. That balance will be achieved by removing barriers and creating opportunities for people and communities to participate fully in the economy. In North Northamptonshire a University centre could contribute to achieving that balance by partners working together to implement the Higher Level Skills Strategy (HLSS – see below) to develop and deliver a curriculum that is: responsive to employers, widens participation, provides and supports clear progression routes and meets the needs of students locally, especially those with no experience of HE.
6.9 In summary a University centre in North Northamptonshire could contribute to the RES by providing learning, skills development and knowledge to develop, support and grow a highly skilled and efficient workforce. The centre will encourage a range of knowledge based businesses to locate and invest in North Northamptonshire and give local people the opportunity to use those new skills in new and growing businesses.
Sub regional strategies
North Northamptonshire Core Spatial Strategy (NNCCS) 6.10 The Government‟s Sustainable Communities Plan identified Milton Keynes South Midlands (MKSM) as one of four growth areas for the south-east. Following this a sub-regional strategy was prepared. It has since been incorporated within the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the East Midlands adopted in 2005. The provisions of the RSS have framed the strategy for North Northamptonshire in this plan. A university centre would contribute to the objectives of the RSS stated in the NNCCS which is to provide for a commensurate level of economic growth and developing skills in the workforce particularly in the high value knowledge based sectors.
6.11 The NNCS is the overarching strategic plan for North Northamptonshire and sets out an ambitious vision for the future of the area. The vision for 2021 is that North Northamptonshire will be a better place: a showpiece for modern green living within a high quality environment and a prosperous economy. The area has a relatively low skilled workforce ad economy dominated by low value-added activities. A university centre would contribute to the objective of the NNCCS to build a more diverse and self reliant economy which is not overly dependent on in or out commuting to achieve its potential, by providing the workplaces, jobs, skills and sites, thereby retaining people, wealth and skills in the area.
33 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
Northamptonshire Higher Level Skills (HLS) Strategy 6.12 This strategy26 has been produced jointly by the University of Northampton, Moulton College, Northampton College and Tresham. The mission is: to improve aspiration and encourage engagement, progression and attainment in higher level education, training and skills development to support the expansion of a diverse, dynamic and self-reliant economy in Northamptonshire.
6.13 The framework of the HLS Strategy is developed from six key themes:
Strategic partnerships and partnership delivery
Aspiration raising and promotion
Progression and Retention
Demand-led Curriculum Development
Student Experience
Employer Engagement
6.14 The strategy is supported by an operational plan of activities which details actions, outcomes, responsibilities and resources required to carry out the activities. It also identifies how the activities will be measured, monitored and evaluated.
The Sub-Regional Strategy (SRES) 6.15 The SRES supports the key themes of the RES and has a overarching economic vision for 2015 that Northamptonshire will be one of the most successful and competitive sub-regions in Europe and will be recognised fully as such by visitors, employers, investors and residents.
6.16 In order to realise this new economic vision, the SRES has identified the following major objectives that need to be achieved:
To achieve continual business growth, economic diversification and high levels of competitiveness
To create and sustain a dynamic and flexible labour market
Support community cohesion
Achieve additional economic advantage through effective relationships
Develop and promote a strong Northamptonshire brand
6.17 A University Centre in North Northamptonshire could contribute to these objectives by: developing a flexible curriculum that will meet the changing needs of the economy and encourage inward investment by companies able to offer new high quality well-paid
26 Northamptonshire Higher Level Skills Strategy, 2008-2011 http://www2.northampton.ac.uk/portal/page/portal/AEP/Document%20Store/research/hls-strategy- finalversion(pdf1.52mb).pdf
34 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
employment opportunities. Support local businesses to become more competitive by providing relevant training for existing employees. Create a range of new jobs within the centre that will support the local economy. Encourage participation and progression of individuals by improving access to learning to increase the volume of higher level skills within the county. Work with communities to remove barriers that perpetuate socio- economic disadvantage and empower individuals to reach their potential.
6.18 The partners involved in the proposed University Centre have demonstrated the importance of effective relationships in achieving economic advantage by their commitment to this project. In addition the implementation of the HLS Strategy will ensure that individuals, businesses and the community in the local area benefit from this relationship.
6.19 Finally the University centre will contribute to North Northamptonshire‟s ability to attract investment in the form of new businesses looking to move to the area, new residents with skills and talent to contribute to ongoing improvement in economic performance, along with other local initiatives where public investment has been made (see examples below).
Strategic Northamptonshire Economic Action Plan (SNEAP) 6.20 SNEAP was commissioned jointly by Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd (NEL) the North Northamptonshire Development Company (NNDC), and West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC), to develop an action plan to deliver the long term growth aspirations and economic vision for the county.
6.21 The SNEAP reveals a sub-region in which the foundations for economic growth are reasonably strong but with clear weaknesses in its overall level of productivity and in the performance of some districts. Comparing this to the ambitions for economic development it has been possible to identify the imperatives and challenges for growth in Northamptonshire.
6.22 The SNEAP particularly identified a shortfall in jobs growth for the North of the County compared to the West where continued trend growth would ensure targets were achieved and went on the recognise that significantly larger levels of intervention would be required in the North to address the forecast position.
6.23 The SNEAP concentrates on transformational actions to deliver more specifically on the scale of jobs growth required, and the need to increase productivity in the economy to ensure that economic growth keeps pace with housing growth. It recognises the wider challenges for the county‟s economy and communities through promoting inclusion and sustainability through a combination of policy development and project delivery.
6.24 To be delivered in a coherent, cohesive and cost-effective way, this will require a co- ordinated multi-agency approach with NEL providing the lead co-ordination role for the county. Six theme groups have been identified along with key priorities and actions and HE expansion is directly relevant to two of these:
Education and Enterprise - Promote educational attainment, increase and extend skills provision/take-up from schools to higher education.
35 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
Innovation - Develop a more productive and innovative local business base, supply chain and labour market linkages (including business support, graduate retention)
6.25 A University Centre in North Northamptonshire is one of the key transformational actions identified in the SNEAP, which recognises that an HE centre has the potential to contribute to the Education and Enterprise theme by raising aspiration through promoting education attainment using clear progression routes to increase the number of graduates in the county. A centre will also support the innovation theme by working in partnership with businesses to encourage graduate retention through knowledge exchange and Research and Development activity to increase productivity and gain competitive advantage.
Northamptonshire Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) 6.26 This strategy has been prepared by the public services organisations in Northamptonshire and with input from residents. It sets out how public, private and voluntary organisations plan to work together to deliver and benefit form the proposed growth within the county and influence economic investment decisions within the East Midlands. The SCS has a vision for Northamptonshire to be „The best place in England to grow‟ with ambitions:
To be successful through sustainable growth and regeneration
To develop through having a growing economy and more skilled jobs
To have strong and safe communities
Healthy people who enjoy a good quality of life
6.27 A university centre will contribute to achieving these ambitions, in particular those linked to growth and regeneration and developing a growing economy with more skilled jobs. The centre could support the following activities identified in the strategy to achieve those ambitions: encourage employers to create the right number, quality and distribution of jobs, make sure workers, particularly graduates to have the right skills for a changing economy, encourage people to learn through out their lives and develop the University of Northampton‟s role in the county.
6.28 The SCS is supported by the Local Area Agreement (LAA) which is a way of working between central Government and the main public sector organisations. The agreement improves partnership working and helps to deliver national priorities at a local level. There are indicators set nationally and locally that measure how we are performing and relate to the ambitions above. A university centre could potentially deliver on a range of indicators that relate to education and skills, in particular those linked with the economy to gain higher level qualifications, improve average earnings and widen participation and access to education.
Complementary investments and other actions 6.29 NEL and its partners have developed and supplied a broad range of „hard‟ infrastructure to support the development of a larger, more competitive and higher value added business community. The businesses based in these developments will potentially benefit from a University Centre in North Northants through access to learning, skills and knowledge
36 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton transfer as well as an increase in highly skilled individuals and graduates. Investments to date are shown in Table 6-1.
Table 6-1: Complementary investments by the bid partners
Project Description NEL/GAF Total Investment Chesham House a Centre for new businesses who specialise in design £800k £1.7m Kettering and digital technology
Kettering Venture Remediation Scheme to develop a business park £700k £5.4m Park
Lawrence’s Site town centre redevelopment scheme & viability testing £1.7m £3.9m Desborough study
Wellingborough high quality town centre offices £2.3m £3.8m Sheep Street
Corby Southern creation of new office facilities at Oakley Hay £325k £2.3m Gateway
Corby Central create a new office park and maximise links to town £50k £0.1m Business Zone centre redevelopment and station Masterplan
Tresham Support for Professional Fees to complete Capital Bid £250K £40m for FE build
East Northants A vocational centre delivering a range of skills mainly £360k £1.5m Vocational Academy linked with construction – with progression routes to HE
Total £6,485,000 £58.7m
37 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
7: Collaborative record of the educational partners
7.1 The University of Northampton has a long history of partnership working with FECs and its strategic partner colleges include:
Tresham
Moulton College
Northampton College
Milton Keynes College
South Leicestershire College
New College Stamford
7.2 Its strategy for FE partnership operates at three levels (local, regional and subject based) and seeks to grow opportunities for progression from FE to HE by encouraging the delivery of higher level skills in colleges, improving IAG and examining business needs. This expertise in partnership and collaborative provision is a strength that can add significant value to the proposal. The University‟s FE partners, whilst each having different strategies for HE, have been working with the University in a partnership forum during the last twelve months to cement relationships, strategically plan curriculum and drive forward a higher level skills strategy for the county. This unique collaborative forum provides an opportunity for Principals and senior University staff to meet and review the needs of the county for HE provision and review and plan the business objectives of each institution in the delivery of HE in FE. The specific objectives of this group are taken forward at an operational level by each of the partners (led by the University). In working to achieve cross sector collaboration in employer engagement, staff development, information sharing and relationship marketing have been explored across the two sectors‟ Business Support teams.
7.3 The strength of the partnership is demonstrated in a number of specific activities, including:
A Lifelong Learning Network
Train to Gain
High Level Skills Partnership (mentioned above)
Sustainable Communities Lifelong Learning Network. The University engages with the Network to develop links with FECs to promote progression and develop pathways. It leads on the Health and Social Care element and has more recently (in collaboration with FECs and Foundation Degree Forward) created a regional Leadership and Management Foundation Degree specifically for employer markets to meet the needs of the Network‟s Leadership and Management Theme
38 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
7.4 The University works closely with Tresham and the following illustrates the range and depth of collaboration between Tresham and UN and other HEIs:
Shared strategic planning documents (regular review meetings at directorate level - Pro Vice Chancellor / Director of External Partnerships.)
Partnership steered by a variety of strategic and planning groups
University of Northampton – Educational Partnerships and Lifelong Learning Committee for FECs, Director of External Partnerships
University of Northampton – the “Tresham Group” (special group to support academic and curriculum planning in relation to North Northamptonshire and University Challenge Centre)
University of Northampton – Partnership Strategic Forum (to oversee the implementation of the „the Northamptonshire Higher Level Skills Strategy‟ produced jointly by the University of Northampton, Moulton College, Northampton College and Tresham).
University of Bedfordshire – Polhill planning group with other FECs, Director of External Partnerships
De Montfort University – Planning groups with Director of External Partnerships
Creation of a Higher Education Office at Tresham.
Shared staff development opportunities
University of Northampton
University of Bedfordshire
Shared use of staff expertise and joint teaching, particularly on Management and Teacher Training programmes
Annual HE in FE Conference (University of Northampton - Higher Level Skills Strategy for 2008/09 Conference)
Partnership approach to employer facing provision (University of Northampton - Higher Level Skills Strategy)
Higher Education Board of Studies with representation from all University partners (Tresham)
Protocols between UN/TI for delivery 7.5 The University‟s Collaborative Provision Handbook (and its appendices) set out the policies and procedures for the Quality Assurance of Collaborative Activities for Taught Provision – these can be made available if required.
39 North Northamptonshire University Challenge Bid Statement of Intent submitted by the University of Northampton
7.6 Planning groups that monitor both strategic aims and targets are developing. The Memorandum of Cooperation between the University and Tresham has been rewritten and is now subject to consultation. The Management Group convened by the University and Tresham‟s Higher Education Board of Studies will be the vehicle for developing strategy, monitoring targets and developing provision within a coherent framework and reporting to their respective constituencies and “accountable bodies”.
7.7 The Management Group will be chaired by the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) and include appropriate University staff as befits the agenda. The Director of OPELL and the Director of Learning and Teaching will formally serve as full members of this group. Tresham‟s Director of External Partnerships and Director of Learner Services will be full members of the group. Dependent on business to be transacted, Heads of School at Tresham and appropriate cross college managers will attend from time to time.
7.8 Appropriate Guidance and Information arrangements are provided between the University of Northampton Student Services Department and Partner Colleges in order to support UN students studying at Partner Colleges in their current life experience and to achieve their course objectives.
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