Scottish TUC Welcomes Publication of Colleges Review Report
The STUC today welcomed the Scottish Executive’s publication of the Review of Scotland’s Colleges (RoSCo) Report. Trade unions are pleased at RoSCo’s strong endorsement of continuing professional development for all staff in the sector and the importance it places on learners, but believe more could be done to improve governance and accountability in the sector.
Mary Senior, STUC Assistant Secretary, said:
“The report makes very positive recommendations for enhancing continuing professional development requirements for all staff in colleges and underlines the contribution that colleges make to the economy and society. However, an opportunity has been missed to make meaningful change to improve governance and accountability in the sector.
“Good practice is evident in the sector but there are also instances of poor financial and staff governance, as well as limited transparency and accountability. Recommendations on sharing good practice are helpful, but the STUC would like to see these recommendations strengthened with a greater role for the Scottish Executive, Scottish Funding Council, and audit and inspection bodies in disseminating and monitoring good practice.
“The STUC is calling on the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning to implement the proposal for all staff in colleges to fulfil a minimum of six days continuing professional development a year and to extend the remit of the existing Professional Development Forum to take responsibility for CPD needs of all staff. We also look forward to working with the Minister and the other stakeholders in the colleges sector to develop an effective Staff Governance Standard.”
ENDS
For further information:
Mary Senior Office: 0141 337 8100
Mobile: 07976 515 039