Forth Valley College has announced a 30-day consultation process on redundancies and cuts to courses.
The college is among a number across the country which is blaming an overall reduced funding allocation for having to make some tough decisions, as well as the current “challenging financial climate”.
FVC said the consultation follows recent confirmation of the college’s indicative funding allocation comprising of a flat cash settlement and a 10 per cent reduction in credit allocation.
It said this was coupled with inflation currently running at just over 10 per cent, the continuing public sector pay negotiations and increased energy costs.
Senior management said they have had “no option” but to take further essential action to ensure the college remains financially sustainable.
A voluntary severance scheme was launched in March to help shape considerations around final structures.
However last week the college proposed a number of additional key measures as part of the consultation process.
They include:
∙ The removal of some courses to mitigate the reduction in credits - following a full analysis of learning and teaching delivery, whilst also considering the student experience, campus utilisation and course demand.
∙ Restructuring of a number of corporate services teams.
∙ Going forward, the college will only offer evening classes from the Falkirk and Stirling campuses on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. They will no longer offer evening classes at the Alloa Campus due to low demand and increasing energy and operational costs.
∙ A relaunch of the college-wide voluntary severance scheme.
A staff consultation paper was issued which provided further details on the background to any decision making and plans for the future, and a series of principal’s briefings were announced for staff to attend to find out more and ask questions.
Staff have also been offered support and advice should they need more information.
FVC say the proposed structure may allow for some staff to be offered alternative roles within the organisation.
They added that it was understood the measures taken have managed to secure FVC’s financial security.
However, not all staff are expected to escape the cuts.
A spokesperson said: “There may be a small number of staff where alternative employment is not available – this is currently around 13 FTE posts.
“All colleagues who are directly impacted by the consultation have been informed, with a timeline put in place for them to apply for vacancies or voluntary severance.”
The consultation process is due to conclude on 2 June 2023.
If proposals go ahead, the college will also be in contact with any existing applicants for related session 2023/24 courses, to provide support and guidance on alternative options.
New FVC principal and chief executive Kenny MacInnes, said: “It is with regret that one of the first major duties I need to be involved in as principal, is to oversee a consultation process.
“However, our confirmed funding allocation and challenging external environment, means this is a worrying time for the college.
“Senior management have made every effort to minimise the impact on staff, however unfortunately we have been left with no choice but to propose further measures to ensure the financial stability of the college.
“Therefore, this week we have launched a 30-day consultation to minimise the impact of the financial challenges facing the college.
“We have also reopened our voluntary severance scheme for all staff.
“We recognise that any change can be challenging, and there will be concerns over the impact this may have on individuals.
“We are committed to managing this process in consultation with our staff, with an aim to support the security and long-term future of Forth Valley College.”
A total of £46million was due to be spent on the Scottish college and university sector.
However it has now been identified by the Scottish Government as an “essential saving”.
The money, which is distributed by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), had been voted through by MSPs and had originally been pledged by former finance minister John Swinney in the budget last December.
