Latest news with #ScottishFundingCouncil
The Courier
3 days ago
- Business
- The Courier
EXCLUSIVE: Dundee University submits £100m rescue plea to government
Dundee University has submitted its formal request for a bumper £100 million cash bail-out to help reduced job losses and secure a stable future, The Courier can reveal. The request was received by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) after weeks of discussions between the university, funding body and government. It includes £40 million over two years and access to a liquidity facility of between £40m-£60m to support day-to-day spending. Together, that means the government could be putting together a rescue package of £100m. This is all on top of a previous loan of £22m already provided in March. Insiders suggest some of this cash could come in the form of commercial loans from lenders, though negotiations on access to lending facilities have stalled. The money will help to reduce the total number of redundancies and work towards a more stable financial footing over the next two years. And while the sum is considerable, sources say that ensuring the region's educational future is secure is at the top of the government's priority list. It comes after First Minister John Swinney was quizzed on the drawn-out negotiations at Holyrood on Thursday. 'The figure shouldn't be a surprise,' one insider said. 'The university have been engaging with the funding council and ministers on the level of support. This step was really just a formality.' In an email to staff, interim principal Shane O'Neill confirmed the request for support. He said: 'This additional support is necessary as we continue to make our recovery. 'We are making a substantial ask, which is reflective of the level of support needed around the proposals for a reduction in our staffing of up to 300 FTE via a voluntary severance scheme. 'The SFC will now consider the request we have made and we will provide further updates in due course. 'While those discussions continue I am not in a position to give substantive details but I will share more information as and when I can.' Interim court chair Tricia Bey previously told MSPs that without the cash the university would likely have run out of money by the end of June. Dundee-based Labour MSP Michael Marra said the SNP government should now 'follow through' on its commitment to provide the financial support required. The MSP said: 'The financial costings of the government's target of 300 redundancies has now been completed. 'It has taken far too long and ministers must now ensure immediate action so university staff can begin to plan their lives again. 'The voluntary severance scheme can, should, indeed must be launched in the next week. 'That will help to slow the financial bleeding that has gone unchecked for seven months since the scale of the crisis was made known to the public.' The Scottish Funding Council confirmed it had received the university's request.
The Courier
4 days ago
- Business
- The Courier
John Swinney responds to challenge over Dundee University rescue delay
John Swinney was challenged over when a rescue deal will be struck with Dundee University as it nears one month since an alternative recovery plan was published. The crisis-hit institution proposed to make 300 jobs redundant through a voluntary severance scheme to plug a £35 million deficit. On Thursday in Holyrood, the first minister said his government is yet to be approached as talks continue between officials, the university and the Scottish Funding Council. Mr Swinney responded to pressure over delays by saying he could not interfere in the drawn-out negotiations. It's feared the final bill required to bail out the struggling institution is likely to exceed £40 million. The Scottish Government has already provided £22 million in lifeline cash. North East Fife Lib Dem Willie Rennie, who challenged the first minister in Holyrood, said one employee had 'tears in her eyes' as she told him about the toll the jobs crisis has taken on her. 'This has been agonising for university staff,' he said. 'A cloud has been hanging over them since November. 'They simply cannot understand why we still have no financial agreement.' Dundee-based Labour MSP Michael Marra said one staff member told him: 'The endless delays and broken promises from management and government are leaving us all in despair.' The first minister was challenged to assure staff that the voluntary redundancy scheme would be open by the end of next week. Mr Swinney said: 'I can't give that commitment, because that would be me dictating to an independent institution.' The SNP leader said he had heard about the struggles of worried staff at meetings held in his own Perthshire constituency. He told MSPs: 'We are ready to consider any requests that are made to us. 'I'm encouraged by the university's commitment to minimise job losses, but it is vital the university consults on its revised plan. 'The University of Dundee is an autonomous institution. 'It has to take the initiative to come to the funding council and the government.' Mr Swinney insisted the university crisis will continue to have his 'most active engagement'. Dundee University initially proposed to axe 700 jobs before this was later scaled back. Staff went on strike this week in protest against compulsory redundancies in a leading forensic research hub at the institution.
The Courier
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
EXCLUSIVE: Dundee University still to strike rescue deal with government
Dundee University chiefs are yet to strike a rescue deal with the government over funding their alternative recovery plan published almost a month ago, The Courier can reveal. Discussions are still being held between officials, the Scottish Funding Council and the university for the deal which is likely to exceed £40 million. Some £22 million has already been provided but insiders say the reduction in job losses will mean more financial support is required. The university's alternative plan proposes around 300 job losses through voluntary severance, a significant reduction of the original figure of 700. Intense talks are under way on the exact level of financial support which will be requested. The university's governing court is expected to discuss the proposals further next week. The 'ask' will then be made formally to the Scottish Funding Council and the government – who will then have to decide whether to stump up the cash. But more than a month since the alternative recovery plan was published, opposition politicians have questioned the delay. Dundee-based Labour MSP Michael Marra said: 'SNP Ministers set the specific target of job losses and asked the university to cost it. 'That work should have been completed weeks ago but I know the government are already aware of the costs of what they asked for. 'They must move now to expedite this grinding mess of a process.' The Labour MSP – his party's finance spokesman – said the situation could 'not be more urgent' for the city. He added: 'The education secretary was clear that the government was open to providing further funding via the SFC, and the first minister said directly that the original recovery plan was completely unacceptable. 'They must now be as good as their word and get a plan finalised immediately.' His concerns are shared by North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie, who serves as the Liberal Democrat education spokesman. He said the continued assurances the issue was being dealt with at the highest reach of government meant there was 'no excuse' for unnecessary delay. 'Staff at the university have been left to face mounting uncertainty for months, which has only been exacerbated by the lack of a clear response from ministers. 'So far there is little evidence of the determination which [First Minister] John Swinney promised. 'The government must stick to its word and the clear indication that it would step up with further support. They need to provide a response without prevarication. 'The longer the government's indecision continues, the greater the anxiety for staff, and the greater the damage to confidence in the institution will be.' A spokeswoman for the Scottish Funding Council said it was working closely with the university as it finalises the financial details. She said: 'While we recognise that staff will understandably be anxious, equally this is a complex process, and the necessary time is needed to ensure due diligence is carried out. 'The funding council is engaging intensively with the University of Dundee, and it is expected that there will be an announcement on funding requirements in the near future.' SNP universities minister Graeme Dey told The Courier the situation was being treated with 'urgency'. He said: 'We continue to hold regular meetings with the Scottish Funding Council, Dundee University and trade unions. 'The deputy first minister is also chairing a cross-Ministerial group to consider what further action the Scottish Government may be able to take. 'Work is continuing with the Scottish Funding Council on the further development of an alternative financial recovery plan.'
The Herald Scotland
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Can new apprenticeships help boost Scottish education?
What are Foundation Apprenticeships and how do they work? Introduced in 2015 with an initial cohort of around 350 young people, Foundation Apprenticeships are qualifications for school pupils that combine traditional academic learning with extended periods of workplace learning. Many Foundation Apprenticeships are also delivered in partnership with colleges, with courses typically incorporating NC or NPA qualifications and SVQ units. According to Skills Development Scotland, the courses are intended to 'help young people gain valuable, real-world work experience and access work-based learning while they're still at school.' During the first few years of the FA programme courses were only available at SCQF level 6, which is broadly equivalent to the achievement of a Higher; however, courses at levels 4 and 5 have also been developed, and have proven popular amongst young people. Typically, a Foundation Apprenticeship lasts for two years and has no formal exam, with students instead assessed on an going basis and often in real-world contexts. At SCQF level 6, available FA programmes include Civil Engineering, Creative and Digital Media, Food and Drink Technologies, Social Services and Healthcare, and more. At levels 4 and 5, courses are available in the areas of Automotive, Construction and Hospitality. When were they introduced and how many are completed? Foundation Apprenticeships were introduced in 2015 with a cohort of around 350 young people. Initially offered only at SCQF level 6, a pilot programme has since explored the expansion of the FA qualification to levels 4 and 5. According to a 2023 report for the Scottish Funding Council and Skills Development Scotland, the success rates for full achievement of Level 6 Foundation Apprenticeships was very low in its first year – just 37.3% - but increased over the next three years and reached 47.9% in 2019. Students who achieve some sort of recognition of their learning, but do not pass the full apprenticeship are recorded under the heading 'partial achievement'. When these young people are included, the 2019 combined success rate stands at around 80 percent. Data for those enrolled in 2020 reveals a decline in both the full and partial achievement rates, and an increase in the number of participants who managed 'no achievement' – however, the full impact of Covid on this cohort remains unclear. At levels 4 and 5, pilots for which were held between 2019 and 2021, the number of young people managing full achievement of the FA is higher, but so is the proportion recorded as entirely unsuccessful. At present, the Scottish Government states that it funds around 5000 Foundation Apprenticeships a year, but in each of the last three academic years fewer than 1300 school leavers had secured the qualification. A 2022 report into Foundation Apprenticeships by Education Scotland found that 'full programme attainment rates vary significantly between local authorities and providers, and across subject frameworks.' It added that 'too many young people do not attain the full programme, and receive only component or partial elements of the award.' Unfortunately, up to date information in this area has not been made available, so it is impossible to know the current full and partial completion rates for the programme. So the data suggests that improvements are required? Absolutely – and the 2022 Education Scotland report (which was based on a review carried out between March 2020 and November 2021) reached the same conclusion. The document noted a range of strengths and successes from the initial years of the programme, pointing out that 'almost all' senior phase pupils had the opportunity to apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship, and that effective and equitable recruitment strategies are found across the country. Strong and collaborative relationships between schools and partner organisations were also highlighted, although the report did state that this has not been achieved universally. The content of lessons and activities were praised in the report, as was the model of ongoing assessment that underpins the programme. The authors also noted that attainment and progression rates had been improving. However, a significant number of issues were also raised throughout the report. Challenges included 'stubborn' patterns of gender stereotyping, a lack of awareness amongst 'teachers, parents, carers and young people', limitations imposed by 'technical incompatibility between school and college systems', the lack of any 'clear structure' for evaluating and improving the programme, and more. Of particular concern – if not huge surprise – is the observation that some Scottish teenagers, whose education has been hugely influenced by the structures and demands of traditional exams, are 'insufficiently prepared for undertaking competency based assessment' of the type required in the much-discussed 'real world'. Case study: Aberdeenshire The Foundation Apprenticeship programme across the area is managed by a specialist central team, and at school level the courses are properly timetabled alongside all other senior phase subjects, although more than 60 percent of provision is delivered through colleges and other providers. Officials link this partnership approach, alongside improvements in their mentoring model and the use of a one-year delivery model, to the council's ability to massively increase uptake of Foundation Apprenticeship opportunities for students. In 2018/19, fewer than 30 young people across 17 Aberdeenshire secondary schools chose to begin a Foundation Apprenticeship; for the current academic year, the number was 800, but this number was limited by available funding. The council says that there was sufficient demand for 1000 new programmes this year had the money been available. One of the ways in which schools measure pupil attainment is through something called Insight data, which awards points for the different qualifications achieved by pupils. Across the whole local authority, pupils who gain at least one Foundation Apprenticeship attract an average of 70 percent more points, which is far too large an increase to be accounted for by the new qualifications alone. Officials believe the figure reflects a positive impact on wider attainment rates and link this to observed improvements in pupils' levels of engagement. When surveyed, 19 percent of Level 6 Foundation Apprentices said that it programme had helped improve their attendance, while for those working at levels 4 and 5 the figure was almost twice as high at 35 percent. A majority at both levels reported having felt more engaged in their overall learning. Foundation Apprentices were more likely to go on to higher education, and the numbers going into Modern Apprenticeships after school was nearly four times higher than for those who had not participated in the programme.
Press and Journal
16-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Exclusive: Joint plea to government reveals north-east ambition 'stifled' by missing £30 million
The future health of the north-east economy is being put at risk by a lack of funding from politicians in Edinburgh, according to a wake-up call warning from leading figures. The direct plea – in a joint letter to the SNP Government – comes as training providers and employers grapple with a looming crisis for the future workforce unless opportunities are unlocked in new industries. Among the signatories is Neil Cowie, principal of the Nescol college – with bases in Aberdeen, Peterhead and Fraserburgh – which is having to turn potential students away due to a lack of available places. The college calculates it has been underfunded by around £30m over a decade. The letter, seen by the P&J, states: 'What might we have done, how many lives could we have changed, with an additional £30m over the past decade? 'How many futures can we transform in the years ahead if we are funded appropriately?' It adds: 'There is huge ambition in this corner of the country that you know so well, matched by powerful and effective collaboration. We have a wealth of great opportunities and a vision for how those can be embraced. 'Those aspirations are being stifled by a funding system that is significantly disadvantaging the people and employers of the north-east.' The appeal warns says that with the government's help thousands more people in the region will have the opportunity to pursue careers in sectors including the energy transition. Other industries that could benefit from increased college funding include life sciences, digital, hospitality, and health and social care. More than a third (35%) of all school leavers in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire chose Nescol as their next destination, underlining its importance to the region. That rises to up to 60% of school leavers in the region's priority neighbourhoods, those which fall within the most deprived. We revealed last month that Nescol's indicative budget settlement for 2025-26 shows a rise of just over 3%. They were among the colleges to push the Scottish Funding Council to change how allocations are calculated. But college chiefs say the changes 'completely ignored' a funding issue which has existed since Aberdeen College merged with Banff and Buchan College in 2013. The previously separate Fraserburgh-based college used to get a 'rurality premium' to run more courses in areas with lower numbers. But funding changes which took place the year the colleges merged means it now loses out on around £3m a year. The letter states the proposed uplift in Nescol's budget in the year ahead represents less than 0.5% of its annual turnover and will be 'vastly outstripped by growing cost pressures'. It has been signed by representatives from Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, youth employment group Developing the Young Workforce North East, energy safety and skills body Opito and charities CFine and Aberdeen Foyer. A spokeswoman for the Scottish Funding Council said the recent changes aim to address the sector's concerns about funding comparability between learners on similar courses at different colleges and 'issues of transparency'. She added: 'Nescol benefits from the change to the funding model and, taking into account the overall increase in the college teaching budget, will see an increase of 3.1% compared to a sector increase of 2.6%. 'We will continue to evolve the methodology further and are committed to engaging with the sector through this process. Nescol will see further benefits from the changes to the model as they are fully implemented over the next few years.' A Scottish Government spokesman said: 'Nescol was allocated a 3.08% increase in their 2024-25 funding, higher than the sector average. 'We are aware of the vital role that Nescol has in providing education opportunities across that region and will consider the points raised in the letter to the minister and respond in due course.'
