Operational Plan 2014 2015 (April 2014 August 2015) Making Learning Work
Welcome to the 2014 2015 Operational Plan for Forth Valley College Forth Valley College is one of Scotland s leading providers of further and higher education and I am keen to build on this excellent position, delivering real value to our learners and other stakeholders and ensuring we exemplify our mission statement of Making Learning Work. We have adopted an ambitious four year strategy for 20142018 and this document breaks down our strategic objectives into priorities for the first year. The Strategic Plan is available on the College s website and I would recommend that anyone interested in the activities of the College should read it. This Operational Plan acts as a roadmap to the activities of 20142015, providing clarity to our staff, learners and other stakeholders on the priorities for the year. Furthermore our Operational Plan supports and enhances the planning processes of individual College Departments and the personal target setting for our staff, ensuring a cohesive and interdependent approach to College activity and focussing the considerable talents of our staff on a set of common goals. 20142015 promises to be an exciting time in the life of the College and I look forward to working with you all towards achieving our ambitions, ensuring that we are Making Learning Work. Dr Ken Thomson Principal 1
Making Learning Work 2
Strategic Theme 1 Creating a superb environment for learning Lead: Tom Gorman, Director of Estates Developments Strategic Objective Deliver a superb learning environment for the Falkirk campus to match the quality of that already in place in Alloa and Stirling OP1 Seek approval from SFC and progress the Outline Business Case for Falkirk Campus OP2 Undertake a full Internal and external consultation with key stakeholders to maximise community and business awareness and involvement Funding Strategy agreed and approved by Board of Management by June 2014 Outline Business Case completed, approved by Board of Management and submitted to SFC by end 2014 Communication and consultation plan developed, implemented and completed by August 2014 ST5 3
Strategic Objective Utilise building space efficiently, exiting substandard areas and maximising the use of the remaining resource to provide a high quality learning environment and services focused on learners OP3 Migrate all remaining support staff out of the Middlefield building OP4 Transfer all remaining Archive storage out of the Middlefield building OP5 Develop an appropriate revenue and capital work programme ensuring adequate maintenance and maximising funds to ALF OP6 Improve Information Management OP7 Undertake a full review of the existing outsourced FM maintenance contract through internal audit OP8 Improve Security OP9 Improve room utilisation OP10 Deliver on agreed Sustainability objectives OP11 Create flexible learning spaces in Falkirk to build upon successful model of Alloa and Stirling Staff moved by April 2014 Archive plan approved by Departments April 2014 Works completed by June 2014 Approved Revenue/Capital Works 2014/2015 delivered on programme and within budget Complete improved CAD capability to support estates works Ensure all appropriate estates information is available via SharePoint by December 2014 Contract audit and review completed for 2013/2014 Complete and report on full review of access and CCTV arrangements for Falkirk Campus Review of Lone workers policy and procedures Room utilisation at >90% across all campuses during core College hours Improved sustainability performance recorded across all 3 campuses (Outcome Agreement) Flexible learning area designed and in place by August 2014 ST6 ST6 4
Strategic Theme 2 Cultivating a vibrant learning organisation where learners develop skills, achieve qualifications valued by industry and progress seamlessly Lead: Fiona Brown, Head of Curriculum, Quality and Learning Services Strategic Objective Ensure that we review portfolio effectively to offer a curriculum that meets current and future need of stakeholders and supports progression OP12 Fully implement the revised Curriculum Review process piloted in 20132014 OP13 Develop effective processes to engage employers in curriculum review and development Curriculum review process implemented effectively and reported to SDC Evidence of effective employer engagement in curriculum review and development in each curriculum area ST5 OP14 Develop the schoolcollege partnership curriculum in all three local authority areas to increase opportunities for school pupils to achieve vocational qualifications Successful additional schoolcollege partnership provision delivered in each local authority area delivered by June 2015 (Outcome Agreement) Successful completion of Early Adoption project ST5 5
Strategic Objective Provide engaging and high quality learning experiences that deliver on the aims and outcomes of the Learning and Learner Engagement strategies OP15 Developmental objectives relating to priority strands of the Learning Strategy included in all teaching department operational plans and PTSR targets for all teaching staff OP16 Develop and deliver creative and engaging approaches to learning about learning for staff Achievement of individual and department objectives related to Learning Strategy Learner satisfaction over 90% on all aspects of the learning experience Documented evidence of impact of: Increased use of Moodle, My eportfolio and Office 365 Increased use of the Learning Activity Planning Tool Creative approaches to the planning and facilitation of learning Full implementation of peer observation Pilot peer shadowing opportunities for 6 individuals Three new cross college models for sharing good practice in place Positive staff evaluations of staff development experiences ST6 ST6 ST1 Strategic Objective Build upon our current high levels of learner success in attaining qualifications and progressing to positive destinations OP17 Implement effective strategies at college, department, programme and individual level to sustain or increase learner success OP18 Develop a tool for learners to track progress in the development of their essential skills Achieve success, progression and destination targets as set out in the FVC Regional Outcome Agreement (Outcome Agreement) Increase attainment in schoolage learners to the level of national sector performance across all campuses (Outcome Agreement) Tool piloted with one group of learners in each subject area ST6 6
Strategic Theme 3 Instilling an energy and passion for our people, celebrating success and innovation Lead: Andrew Lawson, Associate Principal HR and Student Services Strategic Objective Ensure all College activities reflect the key principles of equality and diversity to achieve an inclusive organisation 7 OP19 Publish equality outcomes and progress towards achievement of these OP20 Develop policies, procedures and processes to achieve the general and specific public sector duties in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Act 2010 (specific duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 OP21 Make reasonable adjustments for learners and staff to meet individual need OP22 To ensure the College ethos of inclusion is promoted to staff and learners via induction and ongoing training Publicise Equality Outcome Plan 20132017 to all staff via SharePoint Increase Equality Data return from staff from 40% to 70% (Outcome Agreement) Equalities targets embedded in Departmental Operational Plans and PTS&R process by August 2014 Review of supporting policies and procedures to support Equalities Outcome Plan 20132017 conducted by August 2014 Prepare Reasonable Adjustment plans for 100% of identified learners and staff Equality & Diversity training provided to all staff and over 90% of all FE and HE learners Online Equalities training provided as part of induction (Cylix) for staff and learners ST2
Strategic Objective Value staff and learners by recognising and celebrating success across the College OP23 Review remuneration and benefits packages to ensure they are sustainable and fair while motivating and rewarding OP24 Evaluate and maintain existing benefit programmes and services OP25 Celebrate staff and learner success Sector comparison analysis undertaken for pay, holidays and hours by end 2014 Positive outcome of analysis used to identify actions that meets business needs and can be supported by existing resources Employee Counselling Service membership promoted to employees every six months Review, monitor and evaluate uptake of benefits initiatives by employees Action plan in place to maximise success at national and international awards with a 25% increase on 2013/14 successes. Implement new and innovative ideas for celebrating learner and staff success Strategic Objective Invest in our organisational development activities to ensure we attract, recruit and retain the best quality individuals OP26 Systematically monitor structures, resources and job roles on a rolling programme OP27 Effective and efficient deployment of resources for a cross college CPD programme OP28 Promote the uptake and use of the Staff Development Activity Form (SDAF) to authorise, capture and record the impact of individual CPD OP29 Conduct an Employee Cultural Engagement Survey and initiatives OP30 Provide a platform for Listening to Employees Review job profiles, piloted across 2 Departments in Year 1 to ensure they are fit for purpose Training Needs Analysis (TNA) Process piloted for 2 support and 2 teaching Departments by December 2014 CPD activity in place for identified Departments SDAF completed and evaluated Tailored strategies for the College s Staff Development Days developed for both Academic and Support groups Develop and disseminate action plan to all staff by May 2014 Listening to Employees platform development commenced based on Listening to Learners success. Short life working group established by August 2014 ST2 8
Strategic Theme 4 Leading as a business that is a champion for governance, financial control and balanced risk taking Lead: Alison Stewart, Director of Finance and Corporate Services Strategic Objective Ensure that we operate best practice in governance through the implementation of, and compliance with, the Further Education Code of Governance OP31 Implement and comply with the key principles of good governance Independent external assurance from internal and external auditors Board approval and adoption of FE Code of Governance Full Regional Board in line with Post16 Education legislation in place for March 2015 9
Strategic Objective Successfully manage the transition of the College to an arms length public body, ensuring compliance with all relevant government policies and procedures OP32 Ensuring compliance with the Scottish Public Finance Manual and Financial Reporting Manual OP33 Ensuring effective management and utilisation of resource budget Unqualified External Audit report SFC returns submitted on time and accepted Appropriate budget setting process in place utilising robust review of CPS, staff utilisation and curriculum review Effective budgeting and reforecasting procedures to meet SFC cash drawdown deadlines Resource budget not exceeded Strategic Objective Manage our resources to deliver continued financial security and longterm sustainability through the achievement of planned cash surpluses and the matching of resources with College Strategic Objectives OP34 Deliver planned operational surpluses Agreed operational surplus transferred to FVC Foundation OP35 Implementing robust financial planning and review processes Successful delivery against original/revised budgets Training for budget holders in new processes by August 2014 ST5 10
Strategic Theme 5 Enhancing our position as the business and community partner of choice Lead: Colette Filippi, Associate Principal Business Development Strategic Objective Build and develop mutually successful client relationships with business, employers, learners and key stakeholders OP36 Develop effective engagement mechanisms with each client group OP37 Effective marketing and communications plan maximising the branding of the College and selling our services All Departments evidencing new Business Development process from start of 2014/2015 academic year Staff CPD programme to enhance understanding and awareness of College activities and procedures in place by 2014/2015 Develop KPI s for collaboration based projects with key stakeholders by June 2014 Communications and marketing plan approved and operational ST6 11
Strategic Objective Enhance our understanding and awareness of our key sectors, our local economy and national and international environments to meet the needs of our clients and identify new business opportunities OP38 Develop and build on existing links with key industry bodies across specific sectors and key national bodies OP39 Develop area/campus approach to business development OP40 Implement the international review Key sectors/bodies identified Curriculum review process operational and reflecting industry needs Action Plans for each local area prepared Alloa December 2014 Falkirk March 2015 Stirling March2015 International Plan developed, resourced and commenced by September 2014 ST2 ST2 Strategic Objective Contribute to the College s long term financial sustainability OP41 Maintain business and generate new business OP42 Source and gain other funding Contribution levels increased across MAs, commercial and international in line with approved budget (Outcome Agreement) Other funding sources in line with College strategic objectives identified and pursued (Outcome Agreement) 12
Strategic Theme 6 Delivering a whole system approach. Simply effective, efficient and consistent Lead: David Allison, Director of Information Services Strategic Objective Deliver an information infrastructure to meet the developing needs of a vibrant organisation OP43 Enhance consistency of performance and speed of IT provision Internet bandwidth between the College and the outside world increased from 100 Mb to 1Gb and standardised speed to desktop devices across all campuses Improved wireless coverage at Falkirk from 75% to 90% ST1 13 OP44 Enhance our learner and staff capacity to access IT flexibly OP45 Enhance our communication processes and systems Additional laptop trolleys provided across 3 campuses, and the use of loaned mobile devices for students piloted. Provision of flexible IT at our Falkirk campus increased through the creation of IT enabled breakout area(s). College Communication Plan published Awareness of College activity maximised through show and tell events and tours to 10 key strategic partner organisations Desktop video conferencing, instant messaging and desktop sharing implemented by August 2014 Use of SMS to support our services to learners enhanced ST1 ST1 ST5
Strategic Objective Efficient and effective use of IT OP46 Enhance the transparency, service and support provided by the College s IT Helpdesk New IT helpdesk launched by August 2014 Performance indicators to identify critical areas introduced Increased visibility to staff by providing access to Service dashboard and IT FAQ s IT Helpdesk information utilised to identify and implement preventative measures where possible Strategic Objective Deliver a programme of continuous improvement to enhance our information systems OP47 Continue to enhance and integrate our MIS systems to ensure effective and prompt use of College information OP48 Enhance systems for our learners Develop and implement effective dashboard reporting across the College and to the Board of Management piloted June, implemented December 2014 Integrate Moodle and SUN Financial datasets within core MIS to allow integrated reporting Integrate and update Business Development processes, including development of an employer portal in 2014/2015 Develop an Information Management Strategy to ensure best use of resource and data security Build upon the success of the online Bursary process first year, implementing feedback from learners and applying these lessons to update the Online Application system for the beginning of academic year 2014/2015. Improve access for students to their data through a single access point Utilise College communication channels to proactively support students on issues such as attendance ST5 14
Contact Us Forth Valley College Alloa Campus Devon Road, Alloa, FK10 1PX Tel: (01259) 215121 Forth Valley College Falkirk Campus Grangemouth Road, Falkirk, FK2 9AD Tel: (01324) 403000 Forth Valley College Stirling Campus Drip Road, Stirling, FK8 1SE Tel: (01786) 406080 www.forthvalley.ac.uk Forth Valley College 2014 All information was correct at time of publishing, but may be subject to change.