NWRC GB
Governing Body Meeting
Approved Minutes
25 June 2014
01 October 2014
MINUTES OF THE THIRTY EIGHTH MEETING OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE NORTH WEST
REGIONAL COLLEGE HELD IN LIMAVADY CAMPUS ON WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE 2014 COMMENCING
AT 1.00PM
PRESENT:
Mr G Finnegan (Chair)
Mr M Agnew
Dame G Keegan
Mr G Killeen
Mr D Limb
Prof F Monds
Mr S Murphy (Principal and Chief Executive)
Mr M O’Kane
Ms B Smyth
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr C Farrington (DEL) – for item 38.1 only
Ms E Clarke (DEL) – for item 38.1 only
Mr P McKeown (Director of Finance & Estates) for item 38.1 only
Mr D Collins (Equality Commission) - for item 38.1 only
Mr W Laverty – Change Manager (from 5.10pm- 7.20pm)
Mrs E Doherty – GB Secretary
__________________________________________________________________________
The Chair welcomed everyone to the last meeting of the academic year. The training part of the
agenda would complete Action 15.11 of the McConnell Action Plan regarding GB training. The
Chair added his appreciation of members’ time and support to attend the training.
38.1
TRAINING
Risk Management Paper GB 38.1 – tabled
Mr McKeown provided members with a PowerPoint presentation which included GB
responsibilities, the College Risk Register and Sector Risks.
The Director took questions.
The Chair thanked the Director for his presentation.
SELF EVALUATION & QUALITY IMPROVEMENT –
Governing Body Self-Assessment NWRC 2012-2013 Paper GB 38.1.2 –tabled.
Mr Farrington provided members with a PowerPoint presentation on Self-Assessment. The
above Paper was also circulated to members. Suggestions from the training included the
Governing Body considering drawing up an ‘Annual Schedule of Training’ and planning an
Annual Away Day. Self-Assessment to be undertaken again in September 2014.
The Chair thanked Mr Farrington and Ms Clarke for their help in providing the training
which members found informative.
AGREED ACTIONS;
Chair and Secretary to draw up proposal for an Annual Schedule of Training for
Governors.
Chair & Secretary to organise An Away Day for members.
GB to consider inviting the SMT to attend future GB meetings.
Consideration of a biannual stakeholder conference – first during the next Academic
Year.
DEL to undertake Self-Assessment exercise in September 2014.
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NWRC GB
Governing Body Meeting
25 June 2014
Approved Minutes
01 October 2014
EQUALITY TRAINING
PowerPoint Presentation on Equality Legislation – Paper GB 38.1.3 – tabled
Equal Opportunities Review – Paper GB 38.1.3.1 - tabled
Mr Collins provided members with an insight into Equality Legislation and the role of the
Equality Commission. The Chair thanked Mr Collins for providing an interesting session to
members.
38.2
APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Ms E Cavanagh & Mr S McGregor.
38.3
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
No business was conducted under this heading.
38.4
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 30 APRIL 2014 (Ref Paper)
Minutes were taken as read and agreed were an accurate record of the meeting.
PROPOSED BY: Mr M Agnew
SECONDED BY: Mr M O’Kane
38.5
MATTERS ARISING;
A member referred to Item no 37.11.1 The Secretary reported that this matter had been
actioned and agreed to forward on a copy to the member.
Agreed Action: Secretary to forward a copy of the relevant Minute to the member.
38.4.1 MINUTES OF RESERVED BUSINESS HELD ON 30 APRIL 2014 – Paper tabled
Mr W Laverty, Mr D Limb, Mr B Smyth and Mr S Murphy withdrew from the
meeting at this juncture.
The Minutes were taken as read and agreed were an accurate record of the
meeting.
PROPOSED BY; Prof F Monds
SECONDED BY; Dame G Keegan
38.5.1 MATTERS ARISING
No business was conducted under this heading.
38.6
MINUTES OF SPECIAL GB MEETINGS HELD ON 8 MAY, 12 JUNE 2014 –Tabled
The Chair reported that as the meeting on the 8 May had not been called as per
procedure then he deemed the meeting not properly constituted and the Minutes
void.
The Minutes of the Special Meeting of 12 June 2014 were agreed as an accurate record of
the meeting.
The appointment of Mr Leo Murphy as Principal and CEO was ratified.
PROPOSED BY; Mr M Agnew
SECONDED BY; Prof F Monds
The Chair thanked Mr Agnew and his colleagues for their contributions in managing the
recruitment process.
38.7
MATTERS ARISING FROM SPECIAL GB MEETINGS HELD ON 12 JUNE 2014
No business was conducted under this heading.
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NWRC GB
38.8
38.9
Governing Body Meeting
Approved Minutes
25 June 2014
01 October 2014
DECLARATION OF ANY OTHER BUSINESS
A member requested the Chair to issue a formal response to the UCU letter of 30 January
2014. The Chair reported he would discuss this under Item 38.16.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT (Ref: EC DRAFT MINUTES 03 JUNE 2014)
The Committee Chair reported that the Committee were pleased that the Governing Body
had welcomed the idea of a Maths Centre. Members expressed their interest in having
sight of the Business Plan as soon as it is available. The Principal agreed to this.
AGREED ACTION;
The Principal to provide the Education Committee members with a copy of the Business
Plan as soon as it is available.
30.8 FINANCIAL PLANNING
The Chair (GF) reported that further to their meeting on 23 June the Committee Chairs
have requested that the SMT do more analysis and information gathering on the paper.
After discussion it was agreed that the paper would be reviewed in relation to income
generation, sensitivity analysis and sector-wide benchmarking on KPI’s and a more
comprehensive review of all costs – management, support and teaching. A number of
principles were agreed, these to be written into the paper.
The Chair thanked the SMT for their work to date and updates will be provided at the
September meeting.
PROPOSED BY ; Mr G Finnegan
SECONDED BY; Mr M Agnew
The Principal updated members on Item 30.12, Foundation Degrees and was happy to
report that Foundation Degrees in Engineering and Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
have been approved by the University for September 2014 intakes. 50 extra MaSN places
have been allocated linked to Foundation Degrees in STEM subjects.
The Chair wished to record the Governing Body’s thanks to the Engineering Team for their
work in achieving the approval for the September start for the Foundation Degrees.
PROPOSED BY: Prof F Monds
SECONDED BY: Dame G Keegan
38.10 AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT (Ref: DRAFT MINUTES AC MINUTES 16 JUNE
2014)
Prof Monds presented the paper to members.
30.11 PROPOSED UPDATES TO INTERNAL AUDIT KPIS
The proposed changes to the initial KPI’s were agreed.
PROPOSED BY; Mr M Agnew
SECONDED BY; Ms B Smyth
The Minutes were taken as read and an accurate record. Members agreed to adopt the
draft minutes of the Committee.
PROPOSED BY: Prof F Monds
SECONDED BY: Ms B Smyth
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NWRC GB
Governing Body Meeting
Approved Minutes
25 June 2014
01 October 2014
38.11 FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT (Tabled F&GP MINUTES
OF 16 JUNE 2014, MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS UP TO 31 MAY 2014)
The Committee Chair reported on the business of the Committee as outlined in the draft
minutes of the recent meeting.
The Committee Chair referred members to the Management Accounts as at 31 May 2014
which was showing a small surplus. The College is now looking at a projected gain as at July
2014.
32.9 The Committee Chair reported on the Estates item, the City Factory dilapidations.
Discussions followed and it was agreed that the GB approve the agreed settlement
for this item.
PROPOSED BY; Mr M Agnew
SECONDED BY; Mr D L limb
The Committee Chair reported on item 4.0 re the CCTV upgrade to the college.
Discussion followed this upgrade was approved.
PROPOSED BY; Mr M Agnew
SECONDED BY: Ms B Smyth
32.11 BUDGET 2014/2015 -2016/2017
Use of draft figures was approved, with the any required adjustments to be made in
due course.
PROPOSED BY Mr M Agnew
SECONDED BY; Mr D Limb
Members approved the Contract items over £100K matter.
PROPOSED BY; Mr M Agnew
SECONDED BY; Ms B Smyth
The Committee Chair highlighted to members the significant decrease in debtors
from the March figures.
The Principal reported that following a recommendation from the F&GPC meeting
on 16 June, he was happy to report that following a meeting with the Department
on 24 June regarding the reduced budget, the College will receive an additional
£470K.
The GB Chair noted that at the meeting held on 23 June the Committee Chairs
agreed to write to the Minister for an opportunity to meet and discuss their
concerns regarding the budget.
The GB Chair thanked the Committee Chair for his report.
38.12 STAFFING COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT (Ref: DRAFT MINUTES OF SC 03 JUNE 2014)
The Committee Chair reported on the business of the Committee as outlined in the draft
minutes of the recent meeting. The Committee Chair recommended to Governing Body
approval for the request from one employee to take a career break and another employee
to take a career break extension.
PROPOSED BY; Prof M Monds
SECONDED BY; Ms B Smyth
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NWRC GB
Governing Body Meeting
Approved Minutes
25 June 2014
01 October 2014
SPECIAL STAFFING COMMITTEE REPORT
The Committee Chair reported that a Special Staffing Committee had been held earlier in
the day to discuss a further 3 items:Increase in hours - as per Staffing Committee June Meeting - The Director reported that
following the recommendation from the June Staffing Committee meeting advice was
sought from the Director of Curriculum on this issue. The Director reported that the
increase in hours was not approved by the Committee.
For the next item Mr W Lafferty, Mrs E Doherty, Ms B Smyth and Mr D Limb left the
meeting.
Increase in hours: - Change Manager
GB Secretary
These increases in hours were approved.
PROPOSED BY; Mr M Agnew
SECONDED BY; Mrs C McFarland
Members Mr W Laverty, Mrs E Doherty, Ms B Smyth and Mr D Limb re-joined the meeting.
Discussion took place regarding item 36.10 and it was agreed that this be discussed and
agreed at a late date.
McConnell Action Plan.
The Change Manager reported that out of the 79 actionable items in the McConnell Action
Plan, 3 remain outstanding. The others are complete or are ongoing items which are on
schedule.
One of the outstanding items is the HR Strategy – refer 38.15, below.
The Chair reported that the Department’s view, notwithstanding the 3 items, is that they
no longer need to monitor the College in relation to McConnell and they are satisfied with
the manner in which the College has dealt with the McConnell Action Plan.
Discussion took place and it was agreed that the GB keep its review of the McConnell
Action Plan open until the September meeting, when we would expect the results of the
Staff Survey to be ready. All of this will be part of the ongoing work of the CIT.
PROPOSED BY; Mr M Agnew
SECONDED BY; Mr S Murphy
The Minutes were taken as read and an accurate record. Members agreed to adopt the
draft minutes of the Committee and agree the recommendation therein.
Proposed by: Mr G Finnegan
Seconded by: Prof F Monds
AGREED ACTION
Update to be given on McConnell Action Plan at the next GB meeting.
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NWRC GB
Governing Body Meeting
Approved Minutes
25 June 2014
01 October 2014
38.13 CIT REPORT (Ref Paper 38.13)
The Chair referred to the above paper which included an up to date Membership list. The
CIT Chair noted that if any member of staff wished to become involved they should make
contact with a Working Group Leader or any Working Group Member. CIT members
received information on the different quality frameworks and it is hoped that a decision
will be made on the chosen framework early in the new academic year.
38.14. ANNUAL SAFEGUARDING REPORT - (Ref Paper GB 38.15)
The Principal referred to the Report and members noted it.
38.15 HR STRATEGY 2013/2016 – (Ref Paper GB 37.15)
The Principal reported that the HR Strategy had been out for consultation and
amendments made. Discussion took place and it was agreed to allow more time for
consideration of how the wider staff and representatives could be encouraged to take
ownership of the Strategy and for the results of the Staff Survey to be considered in
relation to the strategy.
AGREED ACTIONS;
 Item 2.1 Vision – values to be expanded with descriptors.
 Chair to provide the Director with suggested amendments to the Paper.
 Chair of Staffing Committee to meet with Director for update on discussions
at GB meeting.
38.16 CHAIRMAN’S BUSINESS
COLLEGES NORTHERN IRELAND (CNI) STRATEGY AND BOARD RESTRUCTURING
The Chair reported that he is a representative on the College NI (CNI) Board. The Board
has proposed the following changes:
That CNI will have four key strategic priorities:
 Shape FE Sector
 Promote the FE Sector of Colleges
 Advocate on behalf of the Sector including lobbying government departments.
 Foster collaboration
CNI Board Membership.
Membership is currently made up of 6 chairs and 6 Directors from each College.
 The CNI Board proposed that the Board be restructured to:
6 members from the Colleges – 1 from each College, being either a Chair or a CEO –
the new Board to have 3 Chief Executives and 3 GB Chairs, together with 3 nonexecutive independent members; and
 A Chairperson (independent and remunerated position).
The CNI Board has approved these changes to the board and requests each College to
approve same together with the four strategic priorities.
The Chair answered questions from members.
Following discussion the members were happy to approve these changes.
SECTOR WIDE DIRECTOR/DEPUTY DIRECTOR APPRAISAL SCHEME
The Chair reported that a proposal has come through the CNI to have one appraisal based
on a single sector wide approach for each College. This proposal was also approved.
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NWRC GB
Governing Body Meeting
Approved Minutes
25 June 2014
01 October 2014
DEL COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Chair reported that Mr Laverty, Mr Cole (DEL) and Ms M McIvor (DEL) attended a
recent DEL Assembly Committee Meeting. The Chair was happy to report that the
Department no longer needed to monitor the College in relation to the McConnell Action
Plan.
The Chair thanked Mr Laverty for all his work.
GOVERNING BODY CHANGES – APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS OF MEMBERS
The Chair reported that Ms Joan Doherty has tendered her resignation as a Governor. Joan
has been a Governor of NWRC since its inception and NWIFHE before that and has made a
significant contribution throughout that time. The Chair wished to note his thanks to her
for her time and commitment.
Governor, Bill McBride has also resigned and The Chair on behalf of the Board would like to
express his sincere thanks to Bill for his contribution to the Board and Committees of the
College.
Two new members have been appointed by the Board Mr Brian Burns, VP Operations,
Seagate, Springtown and Mr Padraig Canavan, founder Chief Executive of Singularity. The
Chair reported that this is a great endorsement for the College to have these 2 new
members on board.
The Chair added that 2 further Governor Vacancies exist (WELB) and it is hoped that these
will be in filled in September. A further vacancy for a co-opted member has yet to be filled.
The Committees will be reshuffled in the near future to match skills with requirements.
AGREED ACTIONS:
Chair to look at membership of individual Committees.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM UCU
Mr D Limb, Ms B Smyth left the meeting before this item was discussed.
The Chair summarised the actions to date. Members were happy with the approach taken.
After discussion it was agreed that the Chair prepare a written response to UCU, engaging
with the committee chairs and Ms McFarland in drawing up the response.
AGREED ACTION; The Chair to formally reply in writing to UCU.
38.17 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT (Ref: paper GB37.17)
The Principal referred to his Report and updated members on the ‘Good News Stories’.
Members noted the report.
38.18 SECRETARY’S BUSINESS
There were no items to discuss under this item.
38.19 CORRESPONDENCE
The Chair reported on two items of correspondence.
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NWRC GB
Governing Body Meeting
25 June 2014
Approved Minutes
01 October 2014
38.20 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
As this was the last Governing Body meeting before Mr Murphy’s retirement the
Chair took the opportunity to thank Mr Murphy for his contribution to the College and to
the NWIFE before that. He wished to acknowledge the achievements of the College under
Seamus’ leadership.
Mr Murphy noted that he had seen major changes in his time with the College and in
particular to student learning and in the curriculum.
A member wished to highlight that the incremental payments have not been paid yet to
staff and requested that the College take a more pro-active role with this issue.
It was reported that the College had already made a case to the Department in relation to
this. The Chair accepted the concern regarding the delay with the payments.
Date of next meeting: The Chair requested that the next meeting be rescheduled to
Wednesday 01 October, Strand Road Campus. This was agreed.
This being all the business the Chair closed the meeting, thanked all for their support and
contributions and the meeting ended at 7.55PM.
Signed ________________________________________________Chair
Date: 01 October 2014
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