Minutes of the Board - 7 July 2025

PART I – OPEN ITEMS

J. Hoyland in the Chair.

25/25. Declarations of Interest

1. C. Sharp declared an interest in Minute Number 29/25 as a candidate for re-appointment to the Board. He left the meeting for the duration of the item.
2. J. Jethwa, E. Musgrove and E. Stroh all declared an interest an interest in Minute Number 29/25 as candidates for appointment to the Board. They all left the meeting for the duration of the item.
3. The Executive Director of Finance declared an interest in Minute Number 38/25. He left the meeting before consideration of the item.
4. The Clerk to the Board declared an interest in Number 38/25. She left the meeting before consideration of the relevant item.
5. The Principal/CEO declared an interest in Number 38/25. He left the meeting before consideration of the relevant item.

26/25. Minutes of Board Meeting Held 31 March 2025 (Appendices, Agenda Item 3)

The Minutes of the meeting held on 31 March 2025, were approved as a correct record.

27/25. Matters Arising

None.

28/25 Chair’s Announcements

The Chair made the following announcements:

1. Chair’s Action – none
2. Link Governor Visit Reports. The Link Governors for Audit & Risk, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Health & Safety had completed visits this Term and had submitted their reports to the Clerk. The Careers & Skills and Safeguarding Links would hold their meetings shortly.
3. College events governors had attended since the last Board meeting -
   1. Star Awards, Clayton Hall, London Road Campus – 05 June 2025
   2. The Addams Family Musical, Theatre Severn – 03 – 05 June 2025
   3. College Fashion & Arts Shows, English Bridge Campus – 13 June 2025
   4. ‘A Night at The Theatre’ - 26 June 2025
   5. Psychology and Sociology Learning Walk – 03 July 2025. Those governors who had attended the Walk expressed their appreciation and that they were assured as to the quality of provision and student experience. Governors had taken the opportunity to speak to students during the Walk and reported back some of the topics discussed including access to the college’s Learning Resource Centres during the summer break, challenges in securing reliable transport to college and access to ICT resources. In response to a question, R. Sartain, as one of the Board’s Nominee’s to the Radbrook Foundation, explained the role of the Foundation in supporting students financially and the P/CEO assured that staff were aware of opportunities to apply to the Foundation and they would signpost the application process to students at the start of the 25/26 year, as part of induction. The Board agreed that all the Walks this year had been well-attended and had provided assurance to governors of the quality of teaching and learning across provision at the college. It agreed that the Learning Walk Programme should continue into 2025/26.

Action: Learning Walk 2025/26 Programme to be set – ITEM FOR S&G 15/10/25

6. HE Awards, St Chads – 04 July 2025

4. The current 16 – 19 Student Governor would be leaving the Board at the end of July 2025. The Board thanked her for her input and support and wished her well going forward. A gift of appreciation and a certificate of achievement would be presented on behalf of the Board.

Action: Clerk conduct exit procedure and present leaving gift and certificate – COMPLETED

5. After an election, the Student Union Executive (SUE) had submitted a Valid Nomination to the Student Governor (16 – 19) position, which would become vacant from 31 July 2025. Ellie Chanda would be appointed as the Student Governor (16 – 19) for a One Year Term from 01 August 2025 to 31 July 2026. She would commence Induction with the support of the outgoing Student Governor and Clerk. The Board Chair formally welcomed them to the meeting and asked them to briefly introduce themselves.

Action: Clerk conduct induction

6. The Board Chair announced that Independent Governor, A Caesar Homden had submitted her resignation and would leave the Board on 31 July 2025. The Board acknowledged this with regret, expressed its appreciation for her support to the Board during her Term and wished her well for the future. 

Action: Clerk conduct exit procedure - COMPLETED

J. Jethwa, E. Musgrove, E. Stroh and C. Sharp all left the meeting at this point.

29/25. Recommendations from Search & Governance Committee 11 June 2025
(Appendix, Agenda Item 6)

The Board received a number of recommendations to strengthen the Board's composition and ensure effective governance moving forward.:

Following a thorough review of their skills and engagement, the Committee had unanimously recommended C. Sharp for a second four-year term as an Appointed Governor, commencing December 1, 2025. Mr Sharp's continued appointment to the Audit Committee was also recommended given his relevant expertise.

RESOLVED: that C. Sharp be appointed for a Second Term of 4 years from 01 December 2025 to 30 November 2029 (i.e. to run consecutively on the completion of his First Term) and, in view of his skills and experience, be appointed to the Audit Committee.

Action: Clerk – amend governance documentation

The Committee had also interviewed three candidates for Governor opportunities. The candidates had all passed Due Diligence Checks, had met informally with the P/CEO and been recommended for formal interview.

Based on their qualifications, skills, and alignment with the Board's future requirements, the Board resolved as follows -

RESOLVED: That

1. E. Stroh be appointed as a co-opted committee member to the Audit Committee, effective July 8, 2025.
2. E. Musgrove be appointed as a co-opted committee member to the Quality, Standards & Curriculum Committee, effective July 8, 2025.
3. J. Jethwa be appointed as an Appointed Independent Governor for a four-year term and to the Finance & Business Operations Committee, effective July 8, 2025.

Action: Clerk to support newly appointed governor and co-opted committee members in Induction from w/c 14/07/2025.

J. Jethwa, E. Musgrove, E. Stroh and C. Sharp returned to the meeting at this point. The Board Chair formally welcomed them to the meeting and asked them to briefly introduce themselves.

30/25. Recommendation from Finance & Business Operations Committee – 01 July 2025 (Appendices – Agenda Item 07)

The Committee had reviewed the Draft Budget and revised two-year Financial Plan, prior to consideration by the Board (previously circulated) (FBO Min No 31/25 refers).

The Committee, having reviewed the Draft Budget and considered the EDoF’s presentation, had concluded that -

• The Draft Budget was prudent and reflected appropriate planning, including sensitivity analysis
• Through prudent management, Cashflow remain sound.

The EDoF provided an updated briefing to the Board and explained the following key points –

• Core 16-19 funding had increased for 2025-26, due to higher student numbers and funding rate. The anticipated increase in 16-18 enrolments in September 2025, was expected to drive higher 2026 - 2027 income.
• The college’s loans were no longer subject to financial covenants and the budget anticipated exceeding historical financial ratios.
• The proposed budget met financial objectives for maintaining a "Good" Financial Health Grade, generating a minimum EBITDA of at least 6% and maintaining an adjusted current ratio above 1.2.
• The draft budget met the FE Commissioner's (FEC) revised target benchmarks for EBITDA (>6%) and Cash days (>40 days at month-end), but staff pay remained higher at 74% compared to the 70% benchmark. In response to a question, the P/CEO explained that most sixth form colleges staff pay was higher than the benchmark which the Board accepted. It agreed that attracting high quality, experienced staff who supported students and enhanced the reputation of the college, led to growth and continued financial stability and, through its Learning Walk and college engagement activities was assured as to the high quality of staff at the college. Regarding cash days, the EDoF explained that the FEC had suggested the revised benchmark, due in part to the inability of colleges to borrow under reclassification. The Board agreed that, whilst the college should endeavour to meet this benchmark, it considered it overcautious and could restrict the college’s ability to spend on students and the estate.
• Cash generation was not currently sufficient to enable the college to expand the estate to meet expected demand for places over the coming 5 years. Grant or alternative capital funding would be required to meet these goals. However, the college faced challenges accessing renewal funding due to its sixth form designation.
• The Element 2 High Needs capita allocation from Shropshire Council had been reduced without consultation. In response to a question, the VP-S explained that the college would work with the Council to ensure the college received the elements of funding required to support eligible students.
• The Adult Education Budget (AEB) national allocation had decreased for 2025-26 due to increased devolution.
• Higher Education (HE) income was budgeted to remain flat. Advance learner loan fees were reduced due to FCFJ funding. Tuition and exam fees reflected planned provision and the ongoing delivery of electrical testing, including provision for Swiss Overseas students.
• Apprenticeship income was budgeted to grow, with a long-term goal of £5 million annually and a new Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Partnerships role confirmed for September 2025, to enhance quality and capacity. In response to a question, the P/CEO explained that the new structure would support the college’s ambition to enhance quality and capacity for growth.
• Pay and non-pay costs reflect increases in pay awards, NI, and certain operational expenditures, with inflation identified as a key risk.
  Having reviewed the Draft Budget and considered the EDoF’s presentation, the Board concluded that -
• The Draft Budget assumed a significant growth in the income position overall; this represented large growth in core areas, particularly 16-18 funding.
• Through prudent management, Cashflow remain sound.
  and

RESOLVED: That the Draft Budget and revised two-year Financial Plan be approved.

31/25. Principal/CEO’s Report (Confidential Appendix – Agenda item 08)

The P/CEO presented his report (previously circulated).

Having delivered the report, in response to questions, the P/CEO made the following additional observations –

• Funding. The funding rate for 16–18-year-olds had seen a significant increase. Initially, a 3.78% rise had been announced as part of a settlement between the Department for Education (DfE) and the Sixth Form College Association, which also committed to funding future teacher pay awards. A further 1.6% increase was added to support the teacher pay award for 2025-26, raising the base rate to £5,105 per student from £4,843. Funding had also been increased for some courses (e.g., construction and engineering) and for teaching disadvantaged students. In response to a question, the P/CEO observed that he considered this a positive settlement, especially given public finance pressure, and was the most positive financial position for most further education colleges since 2008. Whilst adult funding had been cut by 6% nationally, the college was able to absorb this due to its high proportion of 16-18 provision.
• Comprehensive Spending Review. The government had announced an additional £1.2 billion per year in day-to-day funding for Further Education by 2028-29, representing a 3% real-terms increase. The P/CEO explained that this growth was primarily due to a projected increase in 16–18-year-olds and a commitment to train 60,000 new construction workers to support the building of 1.5 million new homes. Therefore, the college needed to continue growing its 16-18 numbers to invest in construction provision. However, the college needed capital funding to improve the estate to accommodate this growth and continue to support students.
• Pay Award: Sixth form colleges had been able to offer a 4% pay award to teachers and support staff because of the increased funding. If accepted by unions, this would have been implemented from September 1, 2025, as the union's pay claim was for 3.9% at the time of claim. However, a potential obstacle to settlement was the union's desire for a cap on teaching class size and a reduction in weekly teaching hours to a maximum of 20 hours. The VP - P explained that the college’s current teaching hours were 24 and this change would cost the college £3m, or an additional 15% on the teacher pay bill, making it unrealistic to implement.
• Capital Funding. The college continued to miss out of opportunities for investment due to its designation as a sixth form college. For example, the government had recently announced £100m of investment in ten Construction Training Excellence Centres. Despite the college being in the top five nationally based on criteria like achievement rates (91.3% for construction qualifications, placing it seventh nationally and the only grade 1 college in the top ten), its status as a sixth form college had made it ineligible, as funding was currently restricted to general further education colleges. Exclusion based on designation had already cost the college a £1.7m in-year formula-funded FE maintenance grant. In response to a question, the P/CEO observed that the government’s recently published Industrial Strategy mentioned opportunities o£ 375m for post-16 capacity and £1.7b from 2026-27 to 2029-30, for estate maintenance. The best-case scenario was that sixth form colleges would be included in these plans and the college would be eligible to bid for these funds; the worst case was these funds would only be offered to general further education (GFE) colleges, leaving the college potentially missing out on £7-8m over four years. Despite meeting with the local MP and the Skills Minister and DfE officials to press the case for sixth forms to receive equitable treatment, despite visiting the college, the DfE's current argument was that it should redesignate as a GFE to access capital funding.
• Management Changes: Following the Head of Apprenticeship’s retirement, the Director of Employer Engagement, would also take on the leadership of Apprenticeships, reporting to VP - Q, I & A. His goal would be to increase apprenticeship provision and improve the achievement rate from 60%. A new Curriculum Director for Engineering and Motor Vehicle would be recruited. After a review to ensure that the rage of student services offered by the college continued to meet the changing demands of the growing student body, The Agency" was being rebranded to "Student Services", with the Head of Student Progress, taking on the role of Director of Student Services. The current IT Manager title would be changed to Director of IT Services, recognising increased responsibilities due to student body growth, changes in ICT since COVID and the need for robust cyber-security. These changes expanded the SLT and directors from eighteen to twenty. The Senior Curriculum Group was now post-Ofsted inspection planning, focussing on opportunities, risks and targets, with a shared commitment to improving retention and attendance.
• Full-time Applications and Staffing. Applications had reached a record 4,132 at the end of June, up from 4,067 in June 2024. Internal growth was also expected from larger Year 1 cohorts. To accommodate this growth and replace retiring staff, nine new full-time and nine new part-time teachers had been recruited. In response to a question, the P/CEO explained that the college had carefully planned the number of teaching groups and spaces needed to accommodate this growth.
• Vaping and Smoking. Banning vaping at the London Road Campus, formalised this academic year, had been successful. Smoking would be banned from September 1, 2025.
• Retention, Attendance, and Progress Monitoring. Whilst retention had been strong at 93.6%, slightly up from 93.4% the previous year and a significant improvement from two years prior, further improvements were being sought. Attendance had slightly improved at 86.8% compared with 86.4% the previous year. While many students had excellent attendance, work was underway to improve attendance further through whole college system changes and sharing successful course-level measures.
• Progress Predictions:
  • A Level: 72.6% of Year 2 A Level students were predicted to meet their Minimum Target Grade (MTG), against a 70% target.
  • Extended Diploma: Year 2 Extended Diploma predictions were 73.9% for MTG, below the 82% target, with additional work being done to boost performance.
  • Apprenticeships: Overall achievement was predicted at 60%, below the 65% target, dependent on a large cohort of Electrical apprentices completing their End Point Assessment (EPA). The college's assessment centre was at capacity, requiring alternative arrangements including sending apprentices elsewhere for assessment. Improving this rate was a post-Ofsted ambition.
  • GCSE: GCSE grade 4+ prediction was significantly above target, and the college expected another strong year, aiming to improve its national ranking from ninth to among the top.

32/25. Strategic Discussion – OFSTED Inspection Outcome (Appendix, Agenda Item 9)

The P/CEO gave a short presentation (previously circulated) on the comments shared by the Inspection Team as part of the post-inspection feedback meeting that had not been included in the judgement letter.

• Inspectors’ feedback included –
  • Clear evidence of alignment in values and purpose across the college.
  • Students’ exceptional behaviour during the Inspection period.
  • Impressed with the high level of engagement in the student, parent, stakeholder and staff surveys and the quality of the feedback through the OFSTED Inspection survey.
  • The strength of the college’s leadership, including the skilled and engaged Board.
  • The clear evidence of the ‘student centred’ culture throughout the college.

The SLT were asked to share their ‘take aways’ from the feedback from the Inspection, including –

• Staff felt empowered and confident to take the college forward and were excited to implement further improvements. This was confirmed by the staff governors.
• The college could now embed and then move onto developing further teaching.
• Whilst the Apprenticeship Inspector had seen areas of strength, including the extra level of support and development of apprentices at the college, this was not yet applied consistently across the whole offer area. The had feedback provided an opportunity for the college to restructure to drive this area forward.

The Board again thanked the P/CEO and SLT and all staff for their hard work and commitment and offered its congratulations for the well-deserved Inspection Outcome which endorsed the Board’s belief in the college. The P/CEO would pass on the governor feedback in his end of year presentation to all staff.

33/25. Draft Annual Accountability Statement (Confidential Appendix, Agenda item 10)

The college was required to develop an Annual Accountability Statement (AAS), approved by the Board, to send to the Department for Education (DfE) to form Part 2 of the annual funding agreement for the Adult Skills Budget. The Statement was required to be published by the college on its website and by the DfE and used to inform the Annual Strategic Conversation.
The Board reviewed a Briefing Paper and the Draft Statement (previously circulated) which

• Explained the context of the AAS
• What the AAS was required by the DfE to include
• Changes for 2025-26, with the college’s response where appropriate
• Risks
• Key considerations

Having reviewed the Report, the Board considered that the Draft AAS presented provided assurance that –

1. It addressed the published requirements
2. It appropriately reflected the work of the college in meeting local, regional and national needs
3. There was no material changes required since the Local Needs Duty review in 2023-24
4. It added additional value to the college beyond the 2021-26 Strategic Plan and the single year operational plans

RESOLVED: That the Draft Annual Accountability Statement be approved.

34/25. Letter from Department for Education – Governance Matters (Appendix – Agenda item 11)

The Board considered a report (previously circulated) -

1. Presenting details of a letter received from the Department for Education (DfE) to the Board Chair for the Board’s review.
2. Setting out the governance implications for the Board regarding:
   • Changes to the Board’s Instrument & Articles of Government.
   • Effective governance management going forward.

The Search & Governance Committee had delegated authority to review issues on all matters relating to the effectiveness of governance and accountability and make recommendations on any aspects of its corporate governance and issues relating to good governance. This includes considering the approval of governance-related policies and procedures. The Committee would be reviewing the Instrument & Articles and Standing Orders as part of it its work during 2025/26.

Having reviewed the report, the Board –

RESOLVED: That

1. the following amendments to the Corporation’s Instruments & Articles be approved –
   Instrument 4 –
   Amendment of the following -
   Instrument 4. Appointment of the members of the Corporation
   (1) Subject to paragraph (2) The Corporation is the appointing authority in relation to the appointment of its members
   (2) If the number of members falls below the number needed for a quorum, the Secretary of State is the appointing authority in relation to the appointment of those members needed for a quorum.

Instrument 13
Proceedings of meetings
Removal of the following --
(7) A student member who is under the age of 18 shall not vote at a meeting of the Corporation, or any of its committees, on any question concerning any proposal—

1. for the expenditure of money by the Corporation; or
2. under which the Corporation, or any members of the Corporation, would enter into any contract, or would incur any debt or liability, whether immediate, contingent or otherwise.

1. Authority be delegated to the Clerk (in consultation with the Board Chair and P/CEO) to make further minor amendments to the Instrument & Articles with regards to renumbering, cross-referencing and name changes.

ACTION: Instrument & Articles be amended and S&G Committee Workplan be updated - COMPLETED

35/25. Risk (Appendix, Agenda Item 12)

To support informed discussion, any changes in risk movement were highlighted in risk reports the committees received.

Having been advised of this, the Board reviewed those risks specific to the Board and agreed that the risks have been appropriately identified and the management actions reported were effectively mitigating these risks.

In response to a question, the P/CEO explained that he considered the three main risks to the college were –

1. the threat of cyber attacks on the college. To receive assurance on the college’s mitigations, the Audit Committee had received a risk briefing (to which all other governors had been invited) prior to its last meeting. The Quality, Standards & Curriculum Committee had also reviewed at its previous meeting, the college’s developing A.i. Policy.
2. The upcoming national curriculum review
3. The ability of the college to fund and manage the necessary expansion and improvement of the estate.

36/25. Governance Pack (Appendices)

Committee chairs presented a precis of the following meetings (previously circulated), to ensure that all governors were aware of the key issues discussed at each committee.

Committee Meetings with Recommendations for the Board

Finance & Business Operations Committee – 06 June 2025

The Committee had discussed the college's continued strong financial health, proactive estates management and robust policy frameworks, while remaining vigilant about long-term capacity and funding risks. There were also a number of recommendations from the Committee –

RESOLVED: That the following be approved:

1. Draft Fee, Fee Remission and Refund Policy 2025 – 2026
2. Subcontractor Management, Retained Funding Policy 2025 – 2026

TO ACTION: Policies to be placed on InfoPoint. COMPLETED

Audit Committee – 18 June 2025

The Committee had focused on reviewing the college's performance with respect to risk management and control procedures. There were also a number of recommendations from the Committee –

RESOLVED: That the following be approved:

1. Financial Statement Auditor Audit Plan and Report
2. Strategic Risk Register 2024 - 2025

Quality, Standards & Curriculum Committee – 22 April 2024

The Committee had focused on monitoring student progress, ensuring quality in education provision, and addressing student support and safeguarding. There was also a mater it wished to bring to the Board’s attention -

RESOLVED: That the following be acknowledged:
1. A.I Policy

Draft Board and Committee Meeting Calendar 2025/26

RESOLVED: That the Draft Board and Committee Meeting Calendar 2024/25 (previously circulated), be approved:

ACTION: Calendar dates to inform meeting preparation programme and to be inserted into Governance Calendar. COMPLETED

Committee Meetings with no Recommendations for the Board

A precis of the following meeting was presented to the Board -
1. Finance & Business Operations Committee – 08 April 2025. The Committee had focused on the college's strong financial position, ongoing strategic estates development, and proactive risk management in anticipation of future growth.

37/25. Date of Next Meeting

Monday, 06 October 2025 from 5.30 p.m. in the H.E. Centre, London Road Campus.

The Principal/CEO, EDoF and Clerk to the Board, Staff and Student Governors and all members of SLT, except for the VP - P, left the meeting at this point.

In accordance with Instrument 12, a Board member was appointed to act as Clerk to the Committee during their absence.

38/25. Confidential Minutes of Board Meeting Held 31 March 2025 (Appendices, Agenda Item 14)

The Confidential Minutes of the meeting held on 31 March 2025, were approved as a correct record.

The meeting concluded at 7.31 p.m.