Operational Plan

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Making Learning Work

Operational Plan

2014-2015

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Welcome to the 2014 - 2015 Operational Plan

for Forth Valley College

Forth Valley College is one of Scotland’s leading providers of further and higher education and I am keen to build on this excellent

position, delivering real value to our learners and other stakeholders and ensuring we exemplify our mission statement of

“Making Learning Work”.

We have adopted an ambitious four year strategy for 2014-2018 and this document breaks down our strategic objectives into

priorities for the first year. The Strategic Plan is available on the College’s website and I would recommend that anyone interested

in the activities of the College should read it.

This Operational Plan acts as a ‘roadmap’ to the activities of 2014-2015, providing clarity to our staff, learners and other

stakeholders on the priorities for the year.

Furthermore our Operational Plan supports and enhances the planning processes of individual College Departments and the

personal target setting for our staff, ensuring a cohesive and interdependent approach to College activity and focussing the

considerable talents of our staff on a set of common goals.

2014-2015 promises to be an exciting time in the life of the College and I look forward to working with you all towards achieving

our ambitions, ensuring that we are “Making Learning Work”

.

Dr Ken Thomson

Principal

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Making Learning Work

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3 Strategic Theme 1 - Creating a superb environment for learning

Lead: Tom Gorman, Director of Estates Developments

Strategic Objective - Deliver a superb learning environment for the Falkirk campus to match the quality of that already in place in Alloa and Stirling

How Performance Measure Links

OP1 - Seek approval from SFC and progress the Outline Business Case for Falkirk Campus

OP2 - Undertake a full Internal and external consultation with key stakeholders to maximise community and business awareness and involvement

• Funding Strategy agreed and approved by Board of Management by June 2014

• Outline Business Case completed, approved by Board of Management and submitted to SFC by end 2014

• Communication and consultation plan developed, implemented and completed by August 2014

-ST5

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Strategic Objective - Utilise building space efficiently, exiting sub-standard areas and maximising the use of the remaining resource

to provide a high quality learning environment and services focused on learners

• Staff moved by April 2014

• Archive plan approved by Departments April 2014 • Works completed by June 2014

• Approved Revenue/Capital Works 2014/2015 delivered on programme and within budget

• Complete improved CAD capability to support estates works

• Ensure all appropriate estates information is available via SharePoint by December 2014

• Contract audit and review completed for 2013/2014

• Complete and report on full review of access and CCTV arrangements for Falkirk Campus

• Review of Lone workers policy and procedures

• Room utilisation at >90% across all campuses during core College hours • Improved sustainability performance recorded across all 3 campuses

(Outcome Agreement) • Flexible learning area designed and in place by August 2014 -ST4 ST6 ST6 ST4 -ST3 ST3 -OP3 - Migrate all remaining support staff out

of the Middlefield building

OP4 - Transfer all remaining Archive storage out of the Middlefield building

OP5 - Develop an appropriate revenue and capital work programme ensuring adequate maintenance and maximising funds to ALF OP6 - Improve Information Management OP7 - Undertake a full review of the existing outsourced FM maintenance contract through internal audit

OP8 - Improve Security OP9 - Improve room utilisation

OP10 - Deliver on agreed Sustainability objectives OP11 - Create flexible learning spaces in Falkirk to build upon successful model of Alloa and Stirling

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Strategic Theme 2 - Cultivating a vibrant learning organisation

where learners develop skills, achieve qualifications valued by industry

and progress seamlessly

Lead: Fiona Brown, Head of Curriculum, Quality and Learning Services

Strategic Objective - Ensure that we review portfolio effectively to offer a curriculum that meets current and future need of stakeholders and supports progression

• Curriculum review process implemented effectively and reported to SDC

• Evidence of effective employer engagement in curriculum review and development in each curriculum area

• Successful additional school-college partnership provision delivered in each local authority area delivered by June 2015 (Outcome Agreement) • Successful completion of Early Adoption project -ST5 ST5 -OP12 - Fully implement the revised Curriculum

Review process piloted in 2013-2014

OP13 - Develop effective processes to engage employers in curriculum review and development

OP14 - Develop the school-college partnership curriculum in all three local authority areas to increase opportunities for school pupils to achieve vocational qualifications

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Strategic Objective - Provide engaging and high quality learning experiences that deliver on the aims and outcomes of the Learning and Learner Engagement strategies

• Achievement of individual and department objectives related to Learning Strategy

• Learner satisfaction over 90% on all aspects of the learning experience • Documented evidence of impact of:

- Increased use of Moodle, My ePortfolio and Office 365 - Increased use of the Learning Activity Planning Tool

- Creative approaches to the planning and facilitation of learning • Full implementation of peer observation • Pilot peer shadowing opportunities for 6 individuals • Three new cross college models for sharing good practice in place • Positive staff evaluations of staff development experiences -ST6 ST6 ST1 ST3 ST3 ST3 ST3 OP15 - Developmental objectives relating

to priority strands of the Learning Strategy included in all teaching department operational plans and PTSR targets for all teaching staff

OP16 - Develop and deliver creative and engaging approaches to “learning about learning” for staff

Strategic Objective - Build upon our current high levels of learner success in attaining qualifications and progressing to positive destinations

• Achieve success, progression and destination targets as set out in the FVC Regional Outcome Agreement (Outcome Agreement)

• Increase attainment in school-age learners to the level of national sector performance across all campuses (Outcome Agreement)

• Tool piloted with one group of learners in each subject area

-ST6 OP17 - Implement effective strategies at college,

department, programme and individual level to sustain or increase learner success

OP18 - Develop a tool for learners to track progress in the development of their essential skills

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7 Strategic Theme 3 - Instilling an energy and passion for our people,

celebrating success and innovation

Lead: Andrew Lawson, Associate Principal HR and Student Services

Strategic Objective - Ensure all College activities reflect the key principles of equality and diversity to achieve an inclusive organisation

• Publicise Equality Outcome Plan 2013-2017 to all staff via SharePoint • Increase Equality Data return from staff from 40% to 70% (Outcome Agreement) • Equalities targets embedded in Departmental Operational Plans and

PTS&R process by August 2014

• Review of supporting policies and procedures to support Equalities Outcome Plan 2013-2017 conducted by August 2014 • Prepare Reasonable Adjustment plans for 100% of identified learners and staff • Equality & Diversity training provided to all staff and over 90% of all FE and HE learners • Online Equalities training provided as part of induction (Cylix) for staff and learners -ST2 -OP19 - Publish equality outcomes and progress

towards achievement of these

OP20 - Develop policies, procedures and processes to achieve the general and specific public sector duties in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Act 2010 (specific duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 OP21 - Make reasonable adjustments for learners and staff to meet individual need OP22 - To ensure the College ethos of inclusion is promoted to staff and learners via induction and on-going training

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Strategic Objective - Value staff and learners by recognising and celebrating success across the College

• Sector comparison analysis undertaken for pay, holidays and hours by end 2014 • Positive outcome of analysis used to identify actions that meets

business needs and can be supported by existing resources

• Employee Counselling Service membership promoted to employees every six months

• Review, monitor and evaluate uptake of benefits initiatives by employees • Action plan in place to maximise success at national and international awards with a 25% increase on 2013/14 successes. • Implement new and innovative ideas for celebrating learner and staff success -ST4 -OP23 - Review remuneration and benefits

packages to ensure they are sustainable and fair while motivating and rewarding

OP24 - Evaluate and maintain existing benefit programmes and services

OP25 - Celebrate staff and learner success

Strategic Objective - Invest in our organisational development activities to ensure we attract, recruit and retain the best quality individuals

• Review job profiles, piloted across 2 Departments in Year 1 to ensure they are fit for purpose

• Training Needs Analysis (TNA) Process piloted for 2 support and 2 teaching Departments by December 2014

• CPD activity in place for identified Departments • SDAF completed and evaluated

• Tailored strategies for the College’s ‘Staff Development Days’ developed for both Academic and Support groups

• Develop and disseminate action plan to all staff by May 2014

• Listening to Employees platform development commenced based on Listening to Learners success.

• Short life working group established by August 2014 ST4 -ST4 -ST2 -OP26 - Systematically monitor structures,

resources and job roles on a rolling programme OP27 - Effective and efficient deployment of resources for a cross college CPD programme OP28 - Promote the uptake and use of the Staff Development Activity Form (SDAF) to authorise, capture and record the impact of individual CPD

OP29 - Conduct an Employee Cultural Engagement Survey and initiatives

OP30 - Provide a platform for ‘Listening to Employees’

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9 Strategic Theme 4 - Leading as a business that is a champion for

governance, financial control and balanced risk taking

Lead: Alison Stewart, Director of Finance and Corporate Services

Strategic Objective - Ensure that we operate best practice in governance through the implementation of, and compliance with, the Further Education Code of Governance

• Independent external assurance from internal and external auditors • Board approval and adoption of FE Code of Governance • Full Regional Board in line with Post-16 Education legislation in place for March 2015 -ST3 OP31 - Implement and comply with the key

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Strategic Objective - Successfully manage the transition of the College to an arms length public body, ensuring compliance with

all relevant government policies and procedures

• Unqualified External Audit report

• SFC returns submitted on time and accepted

• Appropriate budget setting process in place utilising robust review of CPS, staff utilisation and curriculum review

• Effective budgeting and reforecasting procedures to meet SFC cash drawdown deadlines • Resource budget not exceeded -OP32 - Ensuring compliance with the

Scottish Public Finance Manual and Financial Reporting Manual

OP33 - Ensuring effective management and utilisation of resource budget

Strategic Objective - Manage our resources to deliver continued financial security and long-term sustainability through the achievement of planned cash surpluses and the matching of resources with College Strategic Objectives

• Agreed operational surplus transferred to FVC Foundation • Successful delivery against original/revised budgets • Training for budget holders in new processes by August 2014 -ST5 ST3 OP34 - Deliver planned operational surpluses OP35 - Implementing robust financial planning and review processes

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Strategic Objective - Build and develop mutually successful client relationships with business, employers, learners and key stakeholders

• All Departments evidencing new Business Development process from start of 2014/2015 academic year

• Staff CPD programme to enhance understanding and awareness of College activities and procedures in place by 2014/2015 • Develop KPI’s for collaboration based projects with key stakeholders by June 2014 • Communications and marketing plan approved and operational -ST3 -ST6 OP36 - Develop effective engagement

mechanisms with each client group

OP37 - Effective marketing and communications plan - maximising the branding of the College and selling our services

Strategic Theme 5 - Enhancing our position as the business and

community partner of choice

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Strategic Objective - Enhance our understanding and awareness of our key sectors, our local economy and national and

international environments to meet the needs of our clients and identify new business opportunities

OP38 - Develop and build on existing links with key industry bodies across specific sectors and key national bodies

OP39 - Develop area/campus approach to business development

OP40 - Implement the international review

• Key sectors/bodies identified • Curriculum review process operational and reflecting industry needs • Action Plans for each local area prepared - Alloa – December 2014 - Falkirk – March 2015 - Stirling – March2015 • International Plan developed, resourced and commenced by September 2014 -ST2 ST2 ST3

Strategic Objective - Contribute to the College’s long term financial sustainability

• Contribution levels increased across MAs, commercial and international in line with approved budget (Outcome Agreement) • Other funding sources in line with College strategic objectives

identified and pursued (Outcome Agreement)

ST4 ST4 OP41 - Maintain business and generate new

business

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13 Strategic Theme 6 - Delivering a whole system approach.

Simply effective, efficient and consistent

Lead: David Allison, Director of Information Services

Strategic Objective - Deliver an information infrastructure to meet the developing needs of a vibrant organisation

• Internet bandwidth between the College and the outside world increased from 100 Mb to 1Gb and standardised speed to desktop devices across all campuses

• Improved wireless coverage at Falkirk from 75% to 90%

• Additional laptop trolleys provided across 3 campuses, and the use of loaned mobile devices for students piloted.

• Provision of flexible IT at our Falkirk campus increased through the creation of IT enabled break-out area(s).

• College Communication Plan published

• Awareness of College activity maximised through “show and tell” events and tours to 10 key strategic partner organisations

• Desktop video conferencing, instant messaging and desktop sharing implemented by August 2014 • Use of SMS to support our services to learners enhanced ST1 -ST1 ST1 ST5 -OP43 - Enhance consistency of performance

and speed of IT provision

OP44 - Enhance our learner and staff capacity to access IT flexibly

OP45 - Enhance our communication processes and systems

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Strategic Objective - Efficient and effective use of IT

• New IT helpdesk launched by August 2014

• Performance indicators to identify critical areas introduced

• Increased visibility to staff by providing access to Service dashboard and IT FAQ’s

• IT Helpdesk information utilised to identify and implement preventative measures where possible

-OP46 - Enhance the transparency, service and

support provided by the College’s IT Helpdesk

Strategic Objective - Deliver a programme of continuous improvement to enhance our information systems

• Develop and implement effective dashboard reporting across the College and to the Board of Management - piloted June, implemented December 2014

• Integrate Moodle and SUN Financial datasets within core MIS to allow integrated reporting

• Integrate and update Business Development processes, including development of an employer portal in 2014/2015

• Develop an Information Management Strategy to ensure best use of resource and data security

• Build upon the success of the online Bursary process first year, implementing feedback from learners and applying these lessons to update the Online Application system for the beginning of academic year 2014/2015. • Improve access for students to their data through a single access point • Utilise College communication channels to proactively support

students on issues such as attendance

ST4 -ST5 ST4 -OP47 - Continue to enhance and integrate our

MIS systems to ensure effective and prompt use of College information

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©

Forth Valley College 2014

All information was correct at time of publishing, but may be subject to change.

Contact Us

Forth Valley College - Alloa Campus Devon Road, Alloa, FK10 1PX Tel: (01259) 215121

Forth Valley College - Falkirk Campus Grangemouth Road, Falkirk, FK2 9AD Tel: (01324) 403000

Forth Valley College - Stirling Campus Drip Road, Stirling, FK8 1SE

Tel: (01786) 406080