Publication of Purpose and Principles
Today (Wednesday 28 June 2023), the Scottish Government published a new ‘blueprint’ for the future of post-school education, research and skills, called Purpose and Principles for post-school education, research and skills. This accepts a number of the recommendations in the recent Withers review, which called for major change in the skills delivery system to improve outcomes for learners and employers, as well as other reports on educational reform.
Responding to the publication, Chief Executive of Colleges Scotland, Shona Struthers, said:
“Colleges already give people, at every stage in life, an opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, values, and attributes to fulfil their potential and to make a meaningful contribution to society.
“The current structure is not sustainable, and Purpose and Principles sets out some areas of change which might help to bring stability to Scotland’s 26 colleges.
“Stability, and creating a sustainable future for colleges is vital, as students deserve to learn in colleges that are thriving, ambitious and strongly connected to industry, and re-enforce to businesses that colleges are the go-to place for skills training and high-quality qualifications.
“Colleges should play a leading and active role in their regions in terms of skills planning, as well as delivery, so that Scotland’s economy and communities can thrive – this must be in close connection to what employers need and with industry being good partners in supporting their local colleges.
“Colleges are swiftly adapting under pressure to new ways of working, finding efficiencies and are trying to find new markets, but the core purpose of a college is to provide world-class education and training, which is extremely challenging without sustainable funding.
“There have recently been a range of reviews and publications which seem to be setting a direction of travel for the Scottish Government. College leaders will keep engaging with Scottish Government to elevate and enhance the critical role colleges play within Scotland.”
Responding to the publication, Chief Executive of Colleges Scotland, Shona Struthers, said:
“Colleges already give people, at every stage in life, an opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, values, and attributes to fulfil their potential and to make a meaningful contribution to society.
“The current structure is not sustainable, and Purpose and Principles sets out some areas of change which might help to bring stability to Scotland’s 26 colleges.
“Stability, and creating a sustainable future for colleges is vital, as students deserve to learn in colleges that are thriving, ambitious and strongly connected to industry, and re-enforce to businesses that colleges are the go-to place for skills training and high-quality qualifications.
“Colleges should play a leading and active role in their regions in terms of skills planning, as well as delivery, so that Scotland’s economy and communities can thrive – this must be in close connection to what employers need and with industry being good partners in supporting their local colleges.
“Colleges are swiftly adapting under pressure to new ways of working, finding efficiencies and are trying to find new markets, but the core purpose of a college is to provide world-class education and training, which is extremely challenging without sustainable funding.
“There have recently been a range of reviews and publications which seem to be setting a direction of travel for the Scottish Government. College leaders will keep engaging with Scottish Government to elevate and enhance the critical role colleges play within Scotland.”
