1. 14 AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, Issue 86
January
2011
AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin – 14 January 2011
Regional provider briefing – 7 January
Regional Provider briefings by SFA/YPLA took place on 7 January and AoC London Region
had a London focused event afterwards. Presentations from the sessions and notes of the
question and answer session are attached to this bulletin.
Principals’ forum – 18 January
The Principals’ Forum on 18 January has been organised to continue discussions from the
regional provider briefing on 7 January regarding funding and allocations and will explore a
proposition for London Colleges to take a lead in ensuring provision meets the needs of
London’s learners and employers.
Julian Gravatt, Assistant Chief Executive & Director of Research & Development, AoC will
provide a funding update. There will be a presentation from the Responsive College Unit
(RCU) about the joint AoC/RCU MiDES project that is looking to provide Colleges with a
responsive data service.
AoC London Regional Forum Wednesday 9 March 2011
Principals, Chairs, Governors and Clerks, you are invited to put the next Regional Forum on
9 March in your diaries. This will be at a Central London College from 5.30pm-8pm and will
include a special session to discuss the Code of Governance. Further details will be
circulated in due course but in the meantime if you have any enquiries please do not hesitate
to contact our office.
LSIS update
LSIS held a regional conversation on 5 January chaired by outgoing Chief Executive, David
Collins, and involving LSIS Council members and regional stakeholders. Sue Rimmer
(South Thames College), Paul Wakeling (Havering SFC) and Kate Anderson attended for
London Colleges. The meeting discussed how LSIS funding and support for Colleges and
providers should be focused in future and the possibility of a limited regional pot of money
(£250K) was floated. The key message from the meeting was the need for LSIS support to be
underpinned by impact and sustainability to support capacity building and self-
improvement. It is intended that these regional conversations are held once a term.
Feedback from Job Centre Plus meeting
Ian Ashman and Kate Anderson had a very positive meeting with Patrick Hughes, Director
of JobCentre Plus in London, and two of his colleagues on 5 January. Chris Wright of SFA
was also present. The meeting was arranged to explore how JCP could strengthen their
links with Colleges at regional and local levels. The issue of the changes to eligibility for fee
remission for claimants of inactive benefits was discussed. Patrick outlined the timescale for
transferring IB claimants, of whom there are around 250,000 in London, to ESA. In
subsequent correspondence with Chris Wright and at the provider briefing/funding

2. 14 AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, Issue 86
January
2011
sessions held on 7 January, Ian pressed SFA for transitional protection for IB claimants until
they are seen and made the case for LDD students and for lone parents. Chris has
confirmed that further work is being undertaken nationally to look at the position. Patrick
also urged Colleges to work with the winners of Work Programme contracts once those are
known which should be by the end of March.
Martin Doel has also written to the Secretary of State on the issue of inactive benefit
claimants and Vince Cable’s response is attached. AoC nationally will continue to press
Ministers and officials on the modelling and on the specific cases on lone parents, ESOL for
dependants, etc. Martin is meeting John Hayes and Chris Grayling (DWP Minister) on 25
January.
ESOL- changes in funding proposed by the Government.
In its Skills Strategy the Government proposed that only ESOL students on Job Seekers
Allowance and Employment Support Allowance will be eligible for fee concessions/free
tuition. Potential ESOL students on other benefits will be required to pay fees and take loans
to support their education. In addition, ESOL will be removed from its classification as a
basic skill.
At a recent AoC meeting of Colleges to discuss ESOL, at which the majority of attendees
were London Colleges, it was agreed to circulate this survey through which we hope to
establish the impact of the policy on student numbers, on communities and on employment
prospects. The survey results will be used to support our lobbying of Government and
Parliament about the potential effect of these changes. You will appreciate how important it
is to have statistical information to back our claim that the Government's policies will have
consequences beyond those which Government already anticipate.
We do appreciate that completing the survey will probably require you to ask questions of
students but is very important, for obvious reasons, that we know which benefits students in
your College claim.
We are sending this to Principals and contacts that have shown an interest in the ESOL
issue. However we would encourage you to forward it to your ESOL coordinator.
The survey is due to be returned by 28 January.
Click here to view the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ESOLsurveyJan2011
By the way, for colleagues who have joined a London College since 2008, you may be
interested to know that AoCLR published a report in 2008 about ESOL entitled ‘a common
language: making English work for London’. You may access the report via the AoCLR
webpage.
WorldSkills Update
The countdown on getting involved in all the activities that surround WorldSkills London
2011 has begun in earnest. The application pack to become a showcase organisation at the
WorldSkills London 2011 event in October is also available online from 17 January on the
website at worldskillslondon2011.com/education. Showcasing offers the opportunity to any

3. 14 AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, Issue 86
January
2011
provider to develop and deliver an innovative skills performance event in and around the
Competition from 5-8 October. Showcasing is open to single organisations and partnerships;
the size of the organisation does not matter and applications will be judged on originality,
creativity and ability to deliver. Involvement in the main Competition is not a pre-requisite
and participants can be young people or adults demonstrating and performing skills beyond
the competition areas. For more information on this and all the other ways to get involved,
including participating in the performances at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, go to
the website.
UK Skills is engaged in a series of initiatives and activities to increase the range and
diversity of competitions, competitors, Squad and Team UK. These include the Pilot
Schools-College programme (Lewisham and Hackney Community College are
participating), and WorldSkills UK information sessions. For further information, email
parisa.shirazi@ukskills.org.uk.
If you have construction trainees or apprentices, why not register for the SkillBuild
competition? Information on this is available on the WorldSkills site under the built-
environment section in competitions. The closing date is 28 January 2011.
London Skills and Employment Observatory
The London Skills and Employment Observatory initiative is a one-stop shop for
information and analysis on London’s labour market – drawing together all the latest
sources of data, research and projections on employment and skills for Greater London.
Innovative and cutting edge, The Observatory project aims to build a shared understanding
of the current nature of the London labour market and engages with the capital’s key
agencies to project future trends and influence future policy on skills and employment
issues. In recent months, The Observatory website has introduced essential areas on the
Work Programme and sectors in London and in 2011 it will launch a new section on young
people research and publish the first of its accessible and relevant Quarterly Labour Market
Reviews. Visit their website to find out more.
City Year London
City Year London offer young people:
Experience in working with children
Leadership training
Access to a range of cross-industry professionals
Travel and expenses
Citizen Service Award
Do you teach or advise young people aged 16-19 who are considering their next steps after
school or college?
Join City Year London at their free Breakfast Information session on Tuesday 25 January,
8.30am-10.30am. If you would like to attend please RSVP by Thursday 20 January to reserve
your place: 0207 014 2680 or Londonrecruitment@cityyear.org.uk.

4. 14 AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, Issue 86
January
2011
Victoria University, Kampala
The Association of Colleges have been contacted by Edulink to help facilitate possible
academic collaboration between Victoria University Kampala, Uganda and UK Colleges.
VUK are looking for partners to help deliver programmes to East African students in the
following areas:
Laboratory Technician
Emergency First Response
Hospitality Management and Tourism
Accounting and finance courses
Procurement
Project Management
Negotiation and Conflict Management
Edulink will be hosting a meeting on Monday, 7 February in the afternoon (time to TBC) for
Colleges who would like to learn more about the possibility, at the Institute of Directors in
London.
Please let John Mountford john_mountford@aoc.co.uk know if you'd like to attend.
Student Success Story of the Fortnight
Triumph for Uxbridge College Public Speakers
Students from Uxbridge College have triumphed
again in a public speaking competition run by
the charity Rotary. In heats for the national
Rotary Youth Speaks competition, the team from
the college in North West London triumphed in
the Senior section with their presentation 'Guns
don't kill people, Rappers Do'. The next round
takes place early in 2011.
Uxbridge College's team members were Ismaila Ngum, Sabyha Khan and Parnieshka
Ramsamy. Ismaila and Sabyha also took part in the competition for the College last year, in
a team which reached the regional finals.
Laraine Smith OBE, Principal of Uxbridge College, said: "This is great news for Uxbridge
College and I am always pleased to see our students building on previous successes. I'm
impressed with the way they've taken a controversial topic and treated it in a thought-
provoking and engaging way, revealing the many ways we might view the subject by using
a skillful line of inquiry, as well as a great sense of humour. If the competition is anything
like the last year's, they are up against tough competition - but I have every reason to believe
they will make worthy opponents."
David Thorpe, President of The Rotary Club of Elthorne-Hillingdon, said: "The team from
Uxbridge College chose an intriguing subject and gave a polished performance against their
opponents, who also did well. Ismaila was very fluent and held the audience's attention and
he was well supported by his team. We were delighted to see Uxbridge College back in the
competition again, and look forward to supporting them along with St Helen's, who were
the winners in the intermediate section."

5. 14 AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, Issue 86
January
2011
The competition heats were run by the combined Rotary Clubs of Hillingdon (Elthorne-
Hillingdon, Pinner, Ruislip-Northwood & Uxbridge) at Swakeleys School in Hillingdon.
Trophies were presented by the Deputy Mayor of Hillingdon Councillor Mary O'Connor.
20th Adult Learners’ Week Awards
Nominations for adult learning awards are due to close at 5pm Friday 28 January 2011. This
means you only have a few weeks left in which to get your nominations in for individual
learners or projects.
Nominating not only recognises the outstanding work done by individual learners and
projects, but also showcases the work of your organisation, and helps NIACE demonstrate
to government the enormous value of adult learning in terms of individuals, families and
communities.
Anyone in your organisation can nominate any individual or project completing some
learning between January 2010 and January 2011. “Learning” does not have to be accredited
or formal.
Guidance notes available on http://www.alw.org.uk/learning-awards/individuals/how-
to-nominate) for any questions you have about eligibility. Forms can be found on:
http://www.alw.org.uk/learning-awards/individuals/how-to-nominate. Nominations can
be submitted online, as pdf or word document or as a hard copy.
Enterprise in FE survey
The Association of Colleges, with 157 Group and SSAT have commissioned Enterprise UK,
the national campaign for entrepreneurship, to conduct research aimed at establishing a
clearer picture of enterprise and entrepreneurship in Colleges. This will consist in the first
instance of a large-scale survey of all Colleges in England. This will be followed by in-depth
observational work at a small number of Colleges. The final report will be published in
March 2011.
The survey will take no longer than 20-25 minutes to complete. We really believe that
establishing a clear picture is important to support improvement and understanding across
the sector. This takes place in the context of significant government interest in creating a
culture of enterprise within Colleges – clearly spurred on by reduced availability of public
funds but also by the need to better support entrepreneurs and the self-employed.
The research will gather examples of effective practice and establish how AoC and 157 can
best support the sector in delivering its offer to learners and communities.
We recognise that your time is limited, but we will share a full research report to all those
who take part. This should help you understand your provision in relation to the sector and
identify potential areas for improvement.
The survey is located here: http://surveys.enterpriseuk.org/enterprise-
FE1/aoc_survey6.htm
The deadline for the survey is 6pm – Monday 31 January 2010.

6. 14 AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, Issue 86
January
2011
If you would like to know more about the project, please contact Teresa Frith (Skills Policy
Manager) at AoC (teresa_frith@aoc.co.uk).
Recent meetings
Date Event/Meeting Attendees Outcome-Follow-up
05 Jan LSIS Regional KA The meeting aimed to provide council
Council Strategic members with an opportunity to consult
Meeting with their constituents in the region.
05 Jan Patrick Hughes, Job KA, Ian Meeting to consider how Job Centre Plus
Centre Plus Ashman can work with London Colleges.
07 Jan SFA Investment KA Opportunity to consider how the SFA
Strategy and intends to work with Colleges and
YPLA 16-19 Funding training providers to implement the Skills
Statement for Sustainable Growth. Also an
Regional Provider opportunity to focus on the main funding
Meeting changes and how YPLA will implement
the Funding Statement covering 16-19
education and training alongside new
Statutory Guidance.
07 Jan Opportunity for KA, JS, RB This proved to be a successful and timely
London Colleges to event and allowed Principals to question
discuss Regional officials after the sessions. The notes and
Provider briefings presentation are attached to this bulletin.
12 Jan Vicky Davies, KA,JS Meeting to discuss how they can help
London Skills Colleges provide for the labour market
Observatory
12 Jan Dianna Neal and K, JS Meeting to discuss the impact of the new
Nicola Lowis from skills policy landscape. Key issues
London Councils include:
Access to learning for
disadvantaged groups
ESOL funding
Enterprise & entrepreneurship
Implication for informal adult and
community leaning
12 Jan Eric Mtungwazi, KA, Ian Meeting with Eric Mtungwazi from City
City Year London Ashman Year London, a charity providing
volunteering opportunities for people
aged 18-25yrs. The discussion considered
how the charity can work with London
Colleges and further information is
provided in this bulletin.
13 Jan London KA London management for World Skills
Management Group 2011 meeting

7. 14 AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, Issue 86
January
2011
meeting
13 Jan Nadine Collins, KA One to one with Nadine Collins from
LDA LDA
13 Jan Heather Nevin, KA One to one with Heather Nevin from
Eversheds Eversheds
14 Jan Philippa Langton, KA Regular one to one
LDA
Future meetings
Date Event/Meeting Attendees Agenda
18 Jan Strategic Group for KA The agenda covers:
Sport meeting
National developments and Government
funding:
FESCo / School Sport Partnership
funding
Inclusive School Games
People Places Play
Sport in the FE sector developments:
BCS Governance Review
Affiliation proposals
Links between AoC Portfolio
Group, BCS Board and Regional
Groups
Issues in London Colleges
18 Jan AoCLR Principals’ KA, JS, RB & This meeting has been organised to
Forum London continue discussions from the regional
Principals provider briefing on 7 January regarding
funding and allocations. Julian Gravatt,
Assistant Chief Executive & Director of
Research & Development, AoC and
Stephen Evans, Director of Skill and
Employment, London Development
Agency are both presenting.
20 Jan 14-19 Education in JS Areas of discussion include:
Colleges: What does
the future hold? The Education White Paper
The Review of 14-19 Vocational
Education
Diplomas - how will they survive?
A levels - what lies ahead?
Foundation Learning - making
this work for the most vulnerable
learners
25 Jan Mike Pettifer, YPLA KA, Mike Regular meeting
and Chris Wright, Pettifer &

8. 14 AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, Issue 86
January
2011
SFA Chris
25 Jan Philippa Langton , KA Regular one to one
SFA
27 Jan Stephen Evans, LDA KA Regular one to one
27 Jan Geoff Pine and Gary KA First meeting with Gary Chin, new
Chin Principal of Greenwich Community
College.
Events and Dates for the Diary
 AoCLR Principals’ Forum, Tuesday 18 January from 4.30-6pm. Palestra, London.
Please contact the AoCLR office for more information.
 Are you QCF Ready? A Guidance and Information Conference for Colleges,
Wednesday 19 January 2011. Woburn House Conference Centre, London. Details
can be found at: https://www.aoccreateevents.co.uk/qcf2011
 14-19 Education in Colleges, What does the future hold? Thursday 20 January 2011
Prospero House. The first in a series of AoC 14-19 events for Colleges. Learn the full
impact of what the Education White Paper and the Wolf Review will mean for the
young people who currently attend College. For further information, to book online
or for sponsorship/exhibition opportunities, please visit:
www.aoccreateevents.co.uk/14-19education2010
 Countdown to the Games: The definitive conference about London 2012 for Further
and Higher Education. Podium Conference and Exhibition, Tuesday 8 February
2011, ExCel Centre, London. For more information visit:
www.podium.ac.uk/conferences
 Improving Public Information in FE Event: Tuesday 1 March, Westminster Kingsway
College, Vincent Square Campus, London. For more information click here.
 Exploring the Role of Training Providers and Employers in Local Enterprise
Partnerships and Skills: Tuesday 1 March, Westminster Kingsway College, Vincent
Square Campus, London. Details can be found at
www.aoccreateevents.co.uk/lep2011
 AoC College Pensions Conference: Tuesday 15 March at the CBI Centre, London.
Details and registration can be found at: www.aoccreateevents.co.uk/pensions2011.
 AoC 14-19 Delivery Structures Conference: Thursday 24 March at etc.venues
Paddington, London. Details can be found at: www.aoccreateevents.co.uk/14-
19/2011

9. 14 AoC London Region Members’ Bulletin, Issue 86
January
2011
Policy and other documents
The Intelligence e-Group Despatch
If you would like to view the latest issues of the Intelligence e-Group Despatch please follow
this link. The Despatch is produced by Mike Cooper, from Education Development which
works in partnership with AOSEC, LSC South East, LSN and City & Guilds Institute/Centre
for Skills Development to provide a regular free electronic newsletter updating colleagues
on latest developments in post-compulsory learning and skills and much more. For your
free subscription to the Intelligence e-Group Despatch, e-mail Mike Cooper, giving brief
details of your organisation and role.
GLA news
Mayor gives go-ahead to Battersea Power Station redevelopment
Met outlines where axe could fall to meet budget cuts
On your marks, get set for 2011!
What will the Mayor’s budget plans mean for Londoners?
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 Rebecca Breen.
Kate Anderson Judith Smyth
Regional Director Executive Manager
kate.anderson@aoc.co.uk judith.smyth@aoc.co.uk
Rebecca Breen Simran Sobhraj
Regional Coordinator London Region and FE Procurement Administrator
rebecca.breen@aoc.co.uk Simran.sobhrai@aoc.co.uk