Proposed Merger Consultation Document

March and April 2016

DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN FURTHER EDUCATION IN FOREWORD The Governing Bodies of Central College Nottingham and We believe a single college for Nottingham and the DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN New College Nottingham have agreed to merge the two surrounding areas will help deliver an exciting future. FURTHER EDUCATION IN NOTTINGHAM colleges. This is an exciting opportunity to have one further The merged College will: education college serving Nottingham and the surrounding areas. • Significantly improve the learning opportunities, experience and environment for every student, We see this very much as a merger of equal partners. enabling them to be first choice for employers and Both colleges strongly believe the future needs of universities Nottingham students, employers and communities will be better served by the two colleges merging. We have • Provide capacity to enable further investment into high outlined what we see as the key benefits of merger and quality resources and expertise, demonstrating real now this is your opportunity to have your say. value for public money whilst creating an organisation of first choice In January 2015 the FE Commissioner began a city-wide • Provide employers with an outstanding proposition review of further education in Nottingham. operating a one stop shop for all workforce The following areas were looked at: development including apprenticeships • Contribute to the redevelopment of the Broadmarsh • The curriculum on offer at both colleges area through the development of a Skills Hub, which • The property portfolio of both colleges would offer first-class, industry-standard facilities to learners, employers and our communities, • The financial resources of both colleges contributing to making Nottingham a city of first choice In July 2015 the FE Commissioner delivered his report. • Extend the capacity for development of its key asset The conclusion of his review was that Further Education (staff), sharing best practice, improving career in the city and surrounding areas would be best served by opportunities and talent development and becomes an a single FE institution for Nottingham. In July 2015 both employer that attracts and retains the best talent College Boards passed a resolution to merge and move to due diligence. Our public consultation begins on 7 March and runs to the CONTENTS 15 April 2016. This consultation document provides the background to the Page 3: intended merger between Central College Nottingham and Later in this consultation document you’ll find further Foreword from College Chairs New College Nottingham. detail about how you can take part and express your views about these plans, and view the proposed timeline to which Page 4: both colleges are working. This is an exciting opportunity The rationale for change to shape the future of further education in Nottingham and the surrounding areas, and we strongly urge you to take Page 5: part. We look forward to receiving your views. The vision for a transformed FE sector in Nottingham

Page 6: The case for merger

Page 7: The benefits and impact of this proposal Carole Thorogood David Nelson

Page 8 – 9: Appendix 1 Chair of Governors Chair of Governors Key facts and information about the two colleges Central College New College Nottingham Nottingham Page 10: Appendix 2 Proposed timeline

Page 11: Appendix 3 Indicative list of stakeholders to take part in the consultation

Page 12: Appendix 4 Information to be provided in accordance with The Further Education (Publications and Proposals, England) Regulations 2012

Page 13 - 14: Appendix 5 Responding to this consultation

An electronic version of this consultation document is available at: www.centralnottingham.ac.uk/merger www.ncn.ac.uk/merger

3 THE RATIONALE FOR CHANGE THE VISION FOR A TRANSFORMED FE SECTOR IN NOTTINGHAM

Nottingham and the wider conurbation is presented with a In merging the two colleges we must: number of significant opportunities in the years ahead but OUR GOALS FOR THE MERGED COLLEGE ARE: with these opportunities come a number of challenges too. • Ensure that young people have good access to education and training in the subjects and disciplines VISION STATEMENT As a city we must embrace the opportunities presented that are not only right for them but which are right for by a prospective devolution package for the region, we the local, regional and national labour market We create outstanding opportunities for the future, today must take on the challenge of filling our skills gap and growing our thriving sectors; and we must continue to • Provide education and training that meets the needs MISSION STATEMENT regenerate and redevelop those areas of our city that can of employers and our local economy in the 21st best attract new investment, industry and jobs. We must century We will be a leading college that raises aspirations, builds success, transforms lives and delivers the skilled people also be mindful that there are still areas of our city which that employers need • Develop a coherent curriculum offer, operate need support – where high unemployment and low levels efficiently and embrace commercial partnerships and of skills still remain. CORE VALUES enterprises • We welcome and include everyone in our community and value individuality and diversity The Further Education sector plays a vital role in • Respond effectively to the skills needs of our Nottingham’s future prosperity but with past and potential current and future workforce so that we can support • We believe every student should achieve his or her potential future cuts in funding, we must think more innovatively to businesses to start, develop, grow and prosper make our resources and influence go further. • We value quality, commitment, and excellence in our staff • Support young people and adults to develop their The Government’s expectations of the FE sector have also • We believe the needs of employers should shape our curriculum basic skills in numeracy, literacy and ICT; and help evolved. An emphasis on the delivery of Apprenticeships assist them on their journey to long term meaningful and higher level technical qualifications means that the • We will make a significant positive impact on the local economy employment, improving their life chances for sector must work much more closely with local businesses themselves and their families and employer bodies to ensure it is fully responsive to A merged college will: changing needs and skills gaps. We believe that a single college for Nottingham and • Create a single FE college for Nottingham with an annual Students at both colleges were asked the surrounding areas is the best way to meet these turnover c.£80m about their current experiences and challenges, be more resilient and better able to provide a views on merger. The students said: more coherent offer. • Be better able to adapt and respond to the changing needs of its local area, offering a better service and skills solution to the people of Nottingham and local businesses • College staff are really dedicated, they go the extra mile • Help create the conditions for robust financial health and sustainability; make the best use of public funds, enabling • College gave me a second chance increased investment in learning and training opportunities and the support is very good for local people; and provide the flexibility and capacity to respond to changes in government funding priorities and • Tutors have got real experience of future demands on the sector the course, they’ve worked in the • Offer enhanced opportunities for learners, employers, industry communities and staff; bring about a number of operational benefits • A merged college would mean a wider curriculum with specialist • Pool expertise and best practice to fulfil the city’s ambition courses for an ‘outstanding’ college • Support the city’s inward investment ambitions, attracting • A single college would allow the investment and business from outside the city and bringing development of the new building new people and new job opportunities to Nottingham by Broadmarsh

• Deliver improvements to our combined estates through • Students will be able to access careful rationalisation of what is currently in use across our the best of what both colleges campuses; helping us to enhance and improve facilities on currently offer offer to learners • Provide extended opportunities for staff to work with colleagues and share good practice, whilst enhancing their career pathways by working in a larger college • Develop specialisms to meet the needs of Nottingham. These specialisms will include pathways and access to high level technical and professional skills for students and employers

The proposed name for the merged college is .

4 5 THE CASE FOR MERGER THE BENEFITS AND IMPACTS OF THIS PROPOSAL

FOR STUDENTS • Better facilities and resources through improved estates and increased levels of investment in equipment and learning tools by pooling existing resources • Increased curriculum diversity and breadth of offer • Enhanced links to businesses through the creation of a more coherent and accessible FE offer to employers • Greater opportunities for enrichment and support by building on existing college strengths in sport, Student Union activity and learner leadership initiatives • Learning experiences and choices that deliver improved progression in levels of study or into employment • Supporting schools through our Academy Trust FOR STAFF • More opportunities for professional development and peer support • Improved networking and sharing of best practice and resources • Enhanced career or specialism opportunities • Job stability and security through the establishment of a more robust and financially sustainable FE College for Nottingham FOR EMPLOYERS • A single point of contact, ensuring consistency and responsiveness to training needs Both colleges, in their commitment to merge, have • A new Skills Hub for the city centre that will provide • Work-ready students and graduates all in one place agreed a number of ambitions and aims for the single FE modern, state of the art facilities to meet the current College for Nottingham. The merged college will become and future needs of our students, business and • A broader range of apprenticeship and training frameworks a provider of choice for post 16 education by offering the communities. The development of the Skills Hub will • The ability to develop bespoke solutions for businesses, following: facilitate the rationalisation of the existing estates industries and sectors of both colleges, delivering efficiencies, whilst still • High quality and relevant education and training, retaining key specialist facilities and accessibility FOR COMMUNITIES which is located in suitable buildings and with appropriate facilities across the City and wider • Accessible and effective provision for students and • More high quality learning opportunities for local people conurbation, taking full advantage of developments in communities needing basic skills in English, maths, IT • Increased community resources for learning and public transport and infrastructure and employability development through rationalised and improved community-based campuses • A breadth, depth and range of robust vocational • An outstanding provision for 16-25 year-olds with qualifications and employability skills across a wide learning difficulties, enabling students to develop the • Increased capacity to work with local organisations range of employment sectors skills, confidence and independence needed for life and work FOR STRATEGIC PARTNERS/STAKEHOLDERS • A full range of apprenticeship frameworks from entry • The creation of a significant skills partner for economic to higher levels in line with Government ambitions and • Continued development of commercially successful development and regeneration across Nottingham and the regional industry needs partnerships and delivery both in the UK and wider area internationally • A specialist A level study centre • A curriculum that is aligned to strategic local, regional and • Scale and focus to work closely with key stakeholder national economic priorities • An accessible and tailored Higher Education offer that organisations to ensure that the College continues to meets local, regional and national employer needs evolve and make a significant contribution to local and • More capacity to leverage funding to support economic regional economies and to drive growth and prosperity development priorities • Flexible and tailored workforce skills training that for communities and businesses meets needs to improve productivity • Continued pursuit of excellence for students with • High quality qualifications and a supportive talented and high performing, experienced and environment for international students motivated staff; excellent facilities; and progressive education/training and support

6 7 APPENDIX 1 KEY FACTS AND INFORMATION ABOUT THE TWO COLLEGES

Nottingham is served by two well-established Further Both colleges support students, the community and the The map outlines current college campus locations throughout the Greater Nottingham area: Education colleges, Central College Nottingham and New economy of Greater Nottingham and the D2N2 LEP by College Nottingham. Between them they provide learning delivering education and training to students at all levels PINK - CENTRAL and training opportunities to over 40,000 learners, employ and across a broad range of vocational areas. 1. MAID MARIAN WAY 2. WHEELER GATE SALON over 2,000 staff and contributes in excess of £600m per Both colleges have developed strong links with local and 3. LONDON ROAD year into ’s economy. Both colleges 4. TRENT BRIDGE CRICKET GROUND are the product of former mergers and now comprise regional employers to support skills development and 5. HIGHFIELDS numerous campuses and sites across the City and Greater training needs within businesses across the region and 6. NEW BASFORD Nottingham areas. beyond. 7. BASFORD UTD FC 8. BEESTON Students at both colleges come from all backgrounds. Between them, the colleges work with over 3,000 9. CLIFTON M1 Around 15% of the combined student body have a disability. businesses and support around 6,000 apprentices. 10. RUDDINGTON 11. STAPLEFORD M1 Around 30% come from poorer areas of the city with high 7 1 Both colleges have recently been assessed by Ofsted as unemployment and lower educational attainment, and BLUE - CENTRAL ACADEMY TRUST Good colleges. 6 1. ACADEMY around 30% are from an ethnic minority background. An NEW BASFORD FE sector that is truly representative of all of Nottingham’s 2. SOUTH NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ACADEMY

celebrated diversity should be protected and cherished for GREEN - NCN 5 future years. 1. BASFORD HALL 1 2 2. CITY (ADAMS) 3 3. CLARENDON 1 6 4 2 2 4. HIGH PAVEMENT 3 NOTTINGHAM 5. NOTTINGHAM MOTOR COMPANY CITY CENTRE 6. SCHOOL OF ART 4 5 HIGHFIELDS

8 11 STAPLEFORD BEESTON

9 CLIFTON M1 RUDDINGTON 10

8 9 APPENDIX 2 APPENDIX 3 PROPOSED TIMELINE INDICATIVE LIST OF STAKEHOLDERS TO BE CONSULTED

COLLEGES SCHOOLS JULY 2015 College With sixth form provision Both colleges discussed and agreed proposals West Nottinghamshire College to merge, creating one single FE proposition for Stephenson College STAFF AND STUDENTS Nottingham Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies At the two colleges Derby College JULY - OCTOBER 2015 Chesterfield College LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIPS Further discussion and planning regarding the Loughborough College proposal to collaborate and merge, involving Brooksby Melton College D2N2 - (Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire) funding partners and strategic stakeholders North Nottinghamshire College EMPLOYERS EDUCATION AND SKILLS ORGANISATIONS SEPTEMBER 2015 Associated with the two colleges Formation of a Designate Board to oversee the Association of Colleges proposed merger Ofsted EMPLOYER BODIES National Union of Students Sixth Form Colleges’ Association CBI East Midlands OCTOBER 2015 – JANUARY 2016 EMFEC East Midlands Chamber Federation of Small Businesses Designate Board commissioned legal and National Apprenticeship Service Institute of Directors financial due diligence work to fully analyse and Association of Employment and Learning Providers Invest in Nottingham assess both colleges’ assets, liabilities, estates, UNIVERSITIES contracts etc. TRADE UNIONS Nottingham Trent University JANUARY 2016 UNISON De Montfort University University and College Union Formal College Corporation meetings to consider Association of College Management due diligence reports University of Derby Leicester University Association of Teachers and Lecturers FEBRUARY 2016 Loughborough University GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND FUNDING Middlesex University Decision made to reconfirm the decision to merge BODIES LOCAL GOVERNMENT Department for Business Innovation and Skills MARCH/APRIL 2016 Department for Education Nottingham City Council Education Funding Agency Statutory notice published and formal Public Consultation* Nottinghamshire County Council Higher Education Funding Council for England Borough Council Skills Funding Agency Public Consultation Broxtowe Borough Council Ashfield District Council JUNE 2016 Newark and Sherwood Borough Council Gedling Borough Council Public Consultation feedback analysed and report on Bassetlaw District Council outcomes published Mansfield District Council AUGUST 2016 Members of Parliament for the constituencies of: Nottingham North Proposed effective date of merger - 01/08/2016 Nottingham East Nottingham South Rushcliffe Gedling Ashfield *We value your view on our proposal set out in this Mansfield document. We will carefully consider the responses to the Newark consultation exercise and take account of views expressed in Broxtowe any representations received. Sherwood Bassetlaw We will publish a summary of the consultation and make the summary available to any person who requests it.

10 11 APPENDIX 4 HAVE YOUR SAY Governors at both colleges would be very grateful if you could read our Consultation Document The proposed merger is a merger of two equal colleges. The and respond to the questions below. two colleges have decided to follow the simplest and most cost effective merger process which means that one college Please send your completed form to the address below by 5.00pm on 15 April 2016: corporation will need to dissolve and transfer its property, Ian James, Clerk to the Designate Board rights and liabilities to the other college corporation which will Central College Nottingham, Mere Way, Ruddington Fields Business Park, Nottingham NG11 6JZ immediately change its name to that of the new college. Based on professional advice on minimising risk and cost, both colleges Alternatively, you may complete this form online at www.centralnottingham.ac.uk/merger or www.ncn.ac.uk/merger have agreed that the corporation of Central College Nottingham or email your responses to [email protected] * will be the one to dissolve. The Statutory Notice is therefore included below: IF YOU WOULD LIKE A REPLY, PLEASE SUPPLY YOUR PREFERRED CONTACT DETAILS:*

INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE YOUR NAME WITH THE FURTHER EDUCATION (PUBLICATION OF PROPOSALS, ENGLAND) REGULATIONS 2012 PREFERRED CONTACT (email/postal address) STATUTORY NOTICE FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION ACT 1992 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Corporation of Central PLEASE SELECT THE CATEGORY WHICH BEST DESCRIBES YOU College Nottingham, in accordance with the Further Education Corporations (Publication of Proposals) (England) Regulations LEARNER COLLEGE STAFF SCHOOL LOCAL GOVERNMENT 2012, SI 2012 No. 1157, of the proposal for the transfer of the PARENT FE OR 6TH FORM COLLEGE LOCAL BUSINESS LOCAL COMMUNITY property, rights and liabilities to the Corporation of New College EMPLOYER HE INSTITUTION GOVERNMENT BODY OTHER Nottingham and the subsequent dissolution of the Further Education Corporation of Central College Nottingham. DO YOU AGREE THE PROPOSED MERGER OF OUR TWO COLLEGES PROVIDES THE BEST Central College Nottingham is a General Further Education College which delivers vocational education and skills training SOLUTION AND WILL ENSURE THE BEST FUTURE PROVISION OF FURTHER EDUCATION FOR from entry level through to degree level courses for school GREATER NOTTINGHAM? leavers, apprentices and adults. The college enrols around 20,000 students each year at over ten sites across Greater YES NO UNSURE Nottingham and works with around 1,200 local businesses providing employee training. IF YOU ANSWERED YES WHAT ADVANTAGES DO YOU SEE FROM THE MERGER OF OUR TWO COLLEGES? Dissolution of the Corporation of Central College Nottingham is proposed in order that it may merge with New College Nottingham. This will allow the combined organisation to harness the equal strength of both institutions, their resources, expertise and quality, and their equally strong reputations and standing with employers, stakeholders and their communities. Utilising these, it will be strongly placed to offer an increased range of outstanding educational and training opportunities to individuals and employers, and to do so in an efficient way that provides good value to paying students and clients, to funding IF YOU ANSWERED NO organisations and to tax payers. The proposed name of the WHAT DISADVANTAGES DO YOU SEE OF OUR PROPOSED MERGER AND WHAT ALTERNATIVE merged college is Nottingham College. ARRANGEMENTS WOULD YOU SUGGEST? The date proposed for the dissolution of the Corporation of Central College Nottingham is 1 August 2016. The Corporation of New College Nottingham is separately proposing to the Secretary of State a change of name for the Corporation. All students at Central College Nottingham who have not completed their courses of study by the date of the proposed dissolution will continue with the merged College to complete their studies. IF YOU ANSWERED UNSURE PLEASE TELL US WHY

CONTINUED > 12 13 WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS REGARDING THE PROPOSED VISION, MISSION AND VALUES OF THE DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN FURTHER EDUCATION IN NOTTINGHAM PROPOSED MERGED COLLEGE?

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS REGARDING THE NAME FOR THE PROPOSED COLLEGE?

THE PROPOSED NAME IS NOTTINGHAM COLLEGE.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NAME OF THE PROPOSED COLLEGE?

PLEASE INCLUDE ANY OTHER COMMENTS YOU WOULD LIKE US TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT

*PRIVACY STATEMENT Your data will only be used in relation to the merger consultation process and will not be used for any other purpose. Any responses will be anonymised in the consultation results documentation. Under your rights of the Data Protection Act 1998, the information you have provided will only be processed and retained for the specified purpose. Please see https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public

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