Elaine Smith MSP has called on the Cabinet Secretary for Education to meet with her to discuss concerns over the exclusion of Coatbridge College from the plans for a new federation of colleges in Lanarkshire.
Cumbernauld, Motherwell and South Lanarkshire College have released a joint statement, preparing to enter into a new federation of colleges in Lanarkshire, which would share services but retain current senior staffing structures.
The plans have proceeded without the involvement of Coatbridge College, whose principal favours a new structure, in which all four colleges would be supported by one regional management team.’
In a statement yesterday to Parliament on Further Education governance reports, Cabinet Secretary Mike Russell, announced that a new Lanarkshire region would comprise of the four colleges for the purposes of the planning and funding of further education provision.
Speaking in Parliament, Elaine said:
“Given the tight timescale that has been announced for the regionalisation, does the cabinet secretary share my concern that Coatbridge College was excluded from the recent joint statement by the management of the other three colleges on the creation of a Lanarkshire federation? Most importantly, what is the likely impact of the situation on my constituents with regard to course provision, travel and jobs?”
Elaine said:
“I am pleased that the Cabinet Secretary has agreed to meet with me to discuss the situation in Lanarkshire as it is deeply worrying that Coatbridge College seems to have been excluded from discussions and decisions on the way forward for FE in our region.”
“Coatbridge College is an integral part of our local community and plays a particularly important role at this time of high youth unemployment in offering skills and qualifications to our young people.”
“Given the scale of the cuts being imposed on the further education sector by the Scottish Government, new arrangements for Lanarkshire must ensure that the needs of students and frontline staff are protected.”
“I am calling for all of the Colleges involved in the new structure for Lanarkshire to work together, in consultation with the trade unions and student bodies, to ensure the best outcome to protect jobs and course provision. I trust the Cabinet Secretary can help make this happen.”
