AoC London Region Bulletin Issue 117

1. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin
29 June 2012 – Issue 117
Dear Colleagues,
There have been several themes running through AoC London’s activities over the last two
weeks. Firstly, we have achieved a number of significant milestones in our normal business
cycle. The AoC National Summer reception took place at the House of Commons earlier this
week at which the AoC publication “On the Right Course” was launched. The Minister John
Hayes both attended and addressed MPs, partner organisations, students and College
Principals and Governors from across the country. The event was well supported by London
Colleges and their MPs. The event was also to welcome the tenure of the new AoC President,
Maggie Galliers from Leicester College, who will replace Fiona MacMillan on 1 August 2012.
Regionally, AoC London held its Annual General Meeting, quarterly Regional Forum and
Summer Reception for London stakeholders and partners, at Barclays, Canary Wharf on 28 June
2012.
Secondly, there has been a lot of activity around the higher level skills agenda. Higher level
skills is one of our ‘Skills for London: Meeting the Challenge’ priorities being taken forward in
conjunction with partners across London. This includes active participation in the Linking
London HE in FE Network, both through our regular working meetings and contribution to the
Linking London Conference on 2nd July. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
also invited AoC to be present at a working seminar today around two major pieces of work
commissioned by BIS – ‘Expanding and Improving Part time Education’ and ‘Understanding
Higher Education in Further Education Colleges’. And, reflecting the growing significance of
the higher level skills agenda for London and, following an inaugural meeting on 20th June
here at Stedham Place, it has been agreed with participating Colleges that AoC London will
support its own HE network for London Colleges.
Thirdly, as you will know, this has been a fantastic time for celebration and congratulations for
many of our member colleges.
Best wishes
Caroline Neville
AoC London HE Coordinators Network meeting on Wednesday 20 June
Following a call out to Vice-Principals and HE Co-ordinators AoC London held the first HE
meeting here at Stedham Place last week. Nick Davy, AoC National HE Manager presented to
the group, giving a full and up to the minute appraisal of where the HE reforms have got to so
far, what is coming up in the near future and the implications for Colleges. HEFCE also
provided AoC London with a short written update for members (please email Evelina Bagusyte
for a copy of Nick Davy’s presentation and HEFCE briefing).
Colleges also had some time to share specific opportunities and challenges around the HE
agenda, and this will inform future topics and agenda for the network. All those present could
see value in an AoC London HE network being developed and following an invitation to the

2. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, 29 June 2012
group for nominations, I can confirm that Lyndon Sly, Head of Higher Education Development
and the Deputy Director of Faculty in Arts, Business, Humanities and Leisure at City of
Westminster College has kindly agreed to chair the group. Our thanks to City of Westminster
College for supporting the new London Network. We will now work on planning future
agendas and activities so please watch this space.
AoC London AGM, Regional Forum and Summer Party on Thursday 28 June 2012
As mentioned in our introduction, our Annual General Meeting, Regional Forum and Summer
Reception was kindly hosted by Barclays on Thursday 28 June 2012.
Papers for the AGM were circulated to all London Principals and Chairs of Governors; if you
are interested in copies of these papers please contact our office.
Members agreed the previous years’ minutes and received an additional verbal report relating
to the Region’s work over the last year. The Budget for the forthcoming year was ratified, as
was the Regional Committee Election results detailed in the paper. The dates for future
meetings were also circulated. If there are any particular dates that make it difficult for you to
attend our Regional Forums, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate as
many of you as possible.
Likewise, we would also like to hear from you on suggestions for future Principals and
Regional Forums. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team with your ideas.
The Regional Forum theme this year was Ofsted and Excellent Governance. Members listened
to presentations from Matthew Coffey, Ofsted, National Director, Learning and Skills, Professor
Martin Earwicker, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, London South Bank University and
Chair of Tower Hamlets College and Claire Clarke, Partner for Mills & Reeve LLP. Copies of
the Presentations are attached to this bulletin. There was time for a question and answer session
and Members were able to highlight a few issues with Matthew Coffey directly.
AoC London Region also launched its annual publication “What you need to know”. This
publication contains useful statistics and information on London Colleges. It is a valuable
resource for Colleges to promote their activities to external stakeholders. If you would like to
receive some copies please let us know.
The Summer Reception in the Greenwich Room on Floor 31 of Barclays’ offices in Canary
Wharf gave AoC Members the opportunity to network with colleagues and other stakeholders,
enjoying drinks and canapés and taking in spectacular views of London. We are, as ever, very
grateful to Barclays for their sponsorship and hospitality.
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend and make it such as successful event.
UPCOMING EVENTS
A key event to flag up for next week is the 24+ Advanced Learning Loan event on Wednesday 4
July at Park Plaza Victoria Local hotel organised by Skills Funding Agency and Student Loan
company. The draft Agenda is attached to the Bulletin.
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3. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, 29 June 2012
AoC/LSIS/Eversheds Governors' Event Thursday 19 July 2012
Following on from the AoC Governance Summit, and the LSIS Annual Governance Conference
earlier this year, AoC London are pleased to confirm that we will be facilitating a Governors
event on Thursday 19 July, with arrival from 5pm with refreshments, officially starting
business at 5.30pm. Eversheds will be hosting from their offices at 1 Wood Street, London,
EC2V 7VS.
This Regional Session is intended for Chairs, Governors, Principals (as Governors), and Clerks
to help them to engage with the opportunities and challenges arising from the new freedoms
and flexibilities available to Corporations.
This meeting will be led by your agenda, supported by catalysts for discussion. You are asked
to bring the topics or questions that are emerging from your Governing Body in relation to New
Challenges, New Chances.
There will be speakers from BIS and the Skills Funding Agency on policy developments;
Eversheds will provide an extensive presentation on the legal framework and there will be a
case study from Reading College on the Emerging Governance Models, facilitated by Mike
Snell, LSIS Associate.
If you require further information please contact Judith Smyth. Please register your attendance
by emailing: aoclondonregionevents@aoc.co.uk
Play your part in the UK’s biggest national careers and skills event!
This new skills event will be hosted at the NEC Birmingham between 15-17 November 2012 and
aim’s to bring together some of the biggest names in skills and careers, all under one roof.
The event will host a wealth of skills activities -Have a Go, National Skills Competitions,
Spotlight sessions, Showcase line-ups, plus Conferences and Exhibitions. Visitors will also have
access to top employers, colleges, universities, Sector Skills Councils, training providers and
specialist careers and Apprenticeship advice.
To book a stand or to find out more, please contact Paul Carter at Prospects Services Ltd on
01823 362800 or email theskillsshow@prospects.co.uk.
Open Afternoon Information Sessions
You are kindly invited to attend one of the Open Afternoon Information Sessions. This is an
informal setting where you can meet the team (sales, marketing or operations) and ask specific
questions you may have about getting involved. At the same time you will be assisted with
ideas to ensure the great return on investment.
Afternoon tea is provided and there is the chance to view photos and video clips to bring the
event to life. Please join anytime between 2pm and 4pm.
• London, Tuesday 17 July, 2pm-4pm –Thistle Hotel Westminster, Buckingham Palace
Road (nearest tube – Victoria)
• Birmingham, Thursday 12 July, 2pm-4pm – Hotel du Vin, Church Street, Birmingham
City Centre
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4. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, 29 June 2012
For more information or to register your attendance please contact Paul Carter on 01823 362800.
Colleges Week 2012 – 11-18 November 2012
We would like to remind you that Colleges Week 2012 is on 11-18 November 2012. It exists to
help raise awareness and approval of the work of Colleges among unfamiliar audiences.
For more information please contact Ben Verinder, AoC Communications Director.
Olympic and Paralympic games update
Olympic flame makes tutor shine
IT instructor has a special day after running in Glasgow with the Olympic flame. Thanks to his
work training local residents, including unemployed ex-offenders, a Newham College IT
instructor carried the Olympic flame through Glasgow recently.
Andre Bloem, 31, who works at the college’s Learning Line centre in East Ham, had ‘a fantastic
experience’ at 8am on 9 June over the two minutes it took to run 300 metres for the city’s last
torch bearing leg.
Andre spent the night before in Glasgow to ensure he was
at the meeting point by 5am to receive his instructions. He
then shared the Olympic bus with 21 others to get to his
starting point and began his leg by lighting his torch with
the previous runner’s flame. When he finished, a security
team preserved the flame by lighting a Davy lamp with
his torch for the next run outside Glasgow. He said: "The
whole thing was a fantastic and very humbling
experience. When I finished, there were people who
wanted to take photos with me and the torch. They also
asked questions about where I was from and how I
became a torch bearer. There were also many other torch
bearers on the day who had inspiring stories to tell.”
Andre’s wife Kate and her mother Judi also travelled up to
Glasgow to support him. They were very impressed by the
warm welcome of the local residents who lined the streets,
cheering and waving flags as Andre went past with the
torch.
Newham FE College picture
‘My wife and parents have told me that they’re very proud of me. And I’ve been getting texts
from people in South Africa, which is where I’m originally from.’ Andre was selected by the
games organisers, LOCOG and nominated by the Cisco Networking Academy because of his
work providing industry-standard training in the five Olympic London boroughs. Andre trains
secondary school teachers in teaching pupils professional IT skills and also supports
unemployed ex-offenders with their studies and into sustainable jobs.
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5. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, 29 June 2012
He said: ‘I definitely feel that the work I’m doing is contributing to the Olympic legacy.’ Andre
will be part of a special Flame Day celebration put on by Newham College when the torch
passes through East Ham on 21 July.
OTHER NEWS AND UPDATES
College staff and governors recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours 2012: Congratulations!
Martin Doel, Association of Colleges Chief Executive, said: ‘Our heartiest congratulations to
those College staff and governors, past and present, who have been recognised in the Queen's
Birthday Honours list. It is exciting to see so many inspirational figures from the sector being
rewarded in this Jubilee year, and encouraging to consider how well this reflects on the positive
contribution of Colleges to life in the UK.’
Knights Batchelor – Peter Birkett, Chief executive, Barnfield College
CBE – Maxine Room, Principal, Lewisham College
OBE – Dr Alison Jane Birkinshaw, Principal, York College and Chair, Further Education
Reputation Strategy Group
Patricia Denham, Vice Principal and Deputy CEO, South Devon College
David Lawrence, Principal, Easton College
Christopher Morecroft, former AoC President and former Principal, Worcester College
of Technology
Michael Oakes, former Principal, South Downs College
MBE – Patricia Irene Barrett, Governor, Bedford College
Keith Brandwood, Lecturer, Blackburn College
Glyn Catley, Governor, Coleg Llandrillo
Janet Alison Croney, Faculty Director, Richmond Adult Community College
Kay Foggon, Lecturer, Newcastle College
Jean Liddell, Access and Support Officer, South Eastern Regional College
Ian Shaw, former Chair of Governors, Lincoln College
Manju Tank, Teacher, Taunton's College
Doreen White, Social Area Supervisor, Franklin Sixth Form College
BEM (Medallist of the Order of the British Empire) –
Jean Marsden, Admissions and Reception Services manager, John Ruskin College
Cynthia Crossley, Estates Operations Team Leader, Riverside College
Marilynn Carole McGee, Caretaker, Prior Pursglove College
Barry Ryan, former Caretaker, Walford and North Shropshire College
Sobhag Shah, Head Caretaker, Richmond upon Thames College
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6. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, 29 June 2012
Hackney Community College awarded for Celebrating Opportunities of 2012
Hackney Community College (HCC) has picked up another London Education Partnership
Award. This year it’s for raising aspirations through the celebrations of Britain’s 2012 events.
The award was presented to the College by Oona King (Baroness
King of Bow). She commented that the judges were particularly
impressed by the College’s work to create job opportunities for
students through partnerships – including apprenticeships on the
Olympic Park. Further, that HCC has embraced the values of the
Olympic and Paralympic Games throughout College life.
Read more about the award.
Hackney Community College’s picture
College apprentice becomes ambassador for SME apprentices
College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London Marketing Apprentice, Amy Greene, was
selected to meet London Mayor, Boris Johnson when he visited Coreco (30 May), an
independent mortgage brokerage to find out more about apprenticeships.
The Mayor spoke to Amy and her colleagues at Coreco about the great role SME businesses
have in supporting apprenticeships and paid tribute to Managing Director, Rory Hardy for his
enthusiasm for the programme and his real support for the Apprenticeships.
The Mayor said: ‘London's small and medium
sized employers are the backbone of the
economy and critical to creating jobs and
powering us out of recession. In the last 18
months they have really stepped up to the plate,
delivering thousands of new apprenticeships
across the city. However, there are many more
still out there who are yet to benefit from this
win-win situation and I urge them to find out
about the financial support available and
commit to taking on an apprentice.’
College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London picture
Amy, 19 from Cheshunt, said ‘I tried university and it didn’t work for me. I am now doing an
apprenticeship instead which I enjoy a lot more and feel like I am actually learning whilst
working. It is one of the best decisions I have made and I benefit from the support from Coreco
and the College.’ Head of School, Darren Leftwich, said: ‘The Apprenticeship Programme is
very important to us and working with forward thinking businesses like Coreco helps us
achieve success for the business, College and for Amy.’
To help small firms to take on an apprentice, the Mayor secured £6m from the government to
officer a cash incentive of £1,500 available from the National Apprenticeship Service. In
addition, firms can receive up to 100 per cent funding towards their training costs.
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7. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, 29 June 2012
In London, small and medium sized companies are already responsible for the majority of the
63,700 opportunities that have been created since 2010. The Mayor has set a target to deliver
100,000 apprenticeships by the end of this year.
Recent meetings
Date Event/meeting Attendees Feedback
18 June London Councils: CN The Agenda included:
Young People's • Policy Update – For Decision
Education and Skills • Vision and Strategy – Priority Setting
(YPES) Board • Special educational needs and disability
meeting Green Paper
• Further Education – new challenges, new
chances
• YPES Evaluation and Learner Voice London
20 June AoC London HE AoCLR The Agenda included the following:
coordinators network • HE in FE, Caroline Neville, AoC
meeting • HEFCE update
• London Colleges HE Collaboration
• AoC HE Policy Update, Nick Davy
20 June Meeting Diane CN, JS Catch up meeting
Gilhooley, Eversheds
20 June Barking and CN, JS Cathy Walsh, Principal, hosting a Gala Dinner to
Dagenham College, celebrate the College’s 50th birthday.
50th Birthday Gala
Dinner
22 June AoC London JS The Agenda included the following:
Marketing • Marketing Managers’ Network events
Committee meeting • AoC National update
• Londoncolleges.com update
• Skills Show/Prospects presentation
25 June AoC Summer CN, JS Reception at the House of Commons, hosted
Reception by Stephen Lloyd MP
27 June HE in FE: Partner CN The Agenda included the following:
Perspectives, Linking • Update on the UK Quality code, J. Bohrer,
London Assistant director, QAA
• AoC update, Nick Davy
27 June AoC Create CN Catch up meeting
Directorate KIT
27 June Meeting Sue Betts, CN Catch up meeting
Linking London
28 June Meeting with David CN College visit: Barnet and Southgate College
Byrne, Principal of
Barnet and Southgate
College
28 June AGM, Regional AoCLR The Agendas included the following:
Forum and Summer • Annual Report
Party • Regional Committee Election
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8. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, 29 June 2012
• Ofsted: Guidelines on the new inspection
framework and Excellent Governance in
the Colleges
29 June AoCLR CIS/MIS EB The Agenda included:
managers' network • Education Cloud project
meeting • Update from the Information Authority
29 June NAMSS Regional JS The Agenda included updates from:
meeting • Martyn Wilkinson, EMQC Ltd - New
Matrix Standards
• Chris Rowe, Navigational Learning
• Graham Robb and Malcolm Whitelaw,
YJB/AoC
• Ryan McCann – Talent Job Brokerage
• Feedback from National NAMSS Regional
Forum
29 June HE Seminar – 'HE in CN The Agenda included the following topics:
FE colleges' and • ‘HE in FE colleges’ presentation
'Expanding & • ‘Expanding and Improving part-time HE’
Improving part-time presentation
HE' presentations
Future meetings
Date Event/meeting Attendees Agenda
2 July Linking London 6th CN The Agenda includes:
Annual Conference: • Better marketing equals better recruitment,
'Students should be Hannah Skeggs, David Lane
at the heart of the • Information, Advice and Guidance:
system. Reality or Understanding and advising on progression,
myth?' Kieron Broadhead
• Higher Education in Further Education, Nick
Davy, Ian Sterling
• Higher Vocational Education, Caroline
Neville
• Widening participation and fair access,
Victoria Waite, Tony Hudson
3 July London Strategic JS The Agenda includes:
Migration • English language and routes to employment
Partnership analysis. Tim Riley, CESI and James Lee,
GLA
• Creating English language learning
opportunities – feasibility study. James Lee,
GLA
4 July Skills Funding CN The Agenda includes:
Agency/Student • Policy Introduction and Overview
Loan Company • Learner Journey
event • Operating Model (Information, Advice and
Guidance and Course Offer, Application and
Application Assessment, Learner Starts and
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9. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, 29 June 2012
Confirmation of Learning, Payment,
Changes of Circumstance,
Repayment
• Allocation Methodology and Budget
Management
• Discussions in groups
6 July GLA workshop on JS The Agenda includes: Discussion groups –
Lifetime • Strong civic and social networks;
Neighborhoods • Well connected and walkable communities
• Thriving local economies.
9 July Meeting with CN College visit: South Thames College
Godfrey Allen,
Chair and Sue
Rimmer, Principal
of South Thames
College
10 July Market Maker 2012 EB Details of the event to be confirmed
Launch: Lewisham
College event
10 July AoC/Youth Justice JS The Agenda includes:
Board Protocol Update on progress of the 3 work streams on
Working Group Protocol, Risk and Communications regarding
developing a YOT/College protocol.
11 July City and Islington JS, EB It is a launch event to celebrate the opening of the
College Alumni and College’s alumni service and former students’
Friends Event achievements.
Events and Dates for the Diary
• AoC/LSIS/Eversheds Governors' Event, Wednesday 19 July 2012. For more information
regarding the venue and Agenda please contact Judith Smyth.
• AoC Annual Conference and Exhibition 2012, Tuesday 20 – Thursday 22 November,
The ICC, Birmingham. For more information please visit the AoC Events website.
Policy and other documents
GLA news
Stunning Olympic Rings on Tower Bridge mark final countdown to 2012 Games
Assembly calls for ban on high calorie Olympic sponsorship
Mayor of London Presents…A Summer Like No Other!
Assembly launches investigation into cyclist safety in London
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10. AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, 29 June 2012
If you wish to contact the AoC London office to give feedback on this Bulletin, to request
additional information where we have offered it, or to provide suggested content for future
issues, please email Evelina Bagusyte.
Caroline Neville Judith Smyth
Regional Director Deputy Director
caroline.neville@aoc.co.uk judith.smyth@aoc.co.uk
Evelina Bagusyte Cyheme Bilouta
Regional Co-ordinator Team Administrator (part-time)
evelina.bagusyte@aoc.co.uk cyheme.bilouta@aoc.co.uk
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