180712 sb6fc board of governors [f] openattending: phillip berry [assistant principal [finance &...

+ST BRENDAN’S SIXTH FORM COLLEGE Board of Governors

O P E N – M I N U T E S Meeting Held On: Thursday, 12 July 2018

D-Building Room D1/D2 at 16:00 – 19:30 hrs

Governors Present: Margaret Harlock [Chair of Governors], James Devenney, Mackenzie Dowding, Mark Eastaugh, Charlotte Evans, Marie-Claire Harper, Michael Jaffrain [Principal], Paul Kelly, Marcel Mach, Malcolm McDonald, Peter McLean, Tony McNally, Ann-Marie Paddison, [13]; Apologies: Pauline Cowie, Nkumbe Ekaney QC, Mark O’Sullivan [3]; Absent: Monty Erskine [1]; Attending: Phillip Berry [Assistant Principal [Finance & Resources], Marian Curran [Vice Principal](part), Peter J Harrison [Clerk to Governors], Micah Larson [Foundation Governor nominee pending];

Quorum Present: 13/15 [includes required minimum of 4 Foundation Governors] Documents Circulated/Tabled* at Meeting: None

Document [A] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – The Financial and Educational Landscape’ – presentation Document [B] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Student Recruitment Report’ – circulated previously Document [C] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – International Student Recruitment Report’ – circulated previously Document [D] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Student Retention/Attendance Report’ – circulated previously Document [E] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Student Admission Policy 2019/2020’ – circulated previously Document [F] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – College Targets Achievement/Student Retention/Attendance 2018/2019’ – circulated previously Document [G] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Teacher Standards for Sixth Form College Teachers’ – circulated previously Document [H] – ‘ECE Architecture – St Brendan’s Sixth Form College Sports Building/Pitches Development’ – circulated previously Document [ I] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Management Accounts April 2018’ – circulated previously Document [J] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Budget & Financial Plan 2018-2020’ – circulated previously Document [K] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Financial Regulations’ – circulated previously Document [L] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Risk Register‘ [June 2018] – circulated previously Document [M] – ‘Aquinas Group Communication June 2018 – Four Schools Announce they are to form a Multi Academy Trust [MAT]’ – circulated previously Document [N] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Executive Note Instrument and Articles of Government 2015’ – circulated previously Document [O] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Instrument and Articles of Government 2015’ – circulated previously Document [P] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Board of Governors’ Business Diary 2018/2019’ – circulated previously Document [Q] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Board of Governors’ Address List’ – tabled*

Circulation: All Governors, Clerk to Governors, Senior Leadership Team, & [College Website after signature if declared OPEN].

St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Bristol Board of Governors Minutes 12 July 2018 page 2 of 24 pages/pjh

Board of Governors Briefing ‘The Financial and Educational Landscape’

By Michael Jaffrain [Principal] Introduction In recent years the face of the educational landscape, for better or worse, has changed substantially. No longer largely under the control of the former Local Education Authorities, or Public School foundations [Private Independent Schools]. Sixth Form Colleges Background History – Were developed by Government in 1990s to provided post-16 to age 18 education. Originally some 94 in number, that has been reduced following recent changes to an estimated 60. Just two in the South West, with St Brendan’s Sixth Form College being one of them. The greater majority are located in the South East, London, and North West, with Catholic Sixth Form Colleges numbering 14 among that number. The number of Students on roll in Sixth Form Colleges varies between 900 and 4,600. These Colleges collaborate within the Catholic Sixth Form Colleges Association [ACVIC], and with the general Sixth Form Colleges Association [SFCA] Curriculum – Each College tends to develop its own specialism, here are St Brendan’s Sixth Form College it is academic with an emphasis on A-Level and some Applied General courses. In general, the numbers of Students on role in Sixth Form Colleges varies between 900 and 4,600. Staffing Pay and Conditions – Levels of pay for Teachers in Sixth Form Colleges fall below those paid in schools and academies and the RED BOOK covers conditions, hours and days and these also varies between the two sectors. Board of Governors’ role – In the Sixth Form College sector, the Governors have a largely strategic role, with the Principal acting as Chief Executive Officer. The Sixth Form College received grant funding from the Education Skills Funding Agency and is accountable to that body and to the Office For Standards in Education. Whereas, in the schools’ sector, Governors are more likely to be involved in operational matters. Some schools remain under the control of their respective Local Authority but increasingly as Free Schools and Academies are created these are responsible to the local Regional Schools Commissioner [RSC], who actually has very limited powers. With funding coming from the central Department for Education. Schools Some under the control of the Local Authority, and here in Bristol just two secondary schools now still under Local Authority control, with the remainder having become established as Academies or forming Multi Academy Trusts [MATS]. Teachers’ Pay and Conditions are set by national negotiation. There are some restrictions relating to the Panned Admission number [PAN], to


the individual Admission Policy; issues relating to Pupil or Staff disciplinary matters, and International Fee Paying Students may not be enrolled. Basically, such schools are accountable to their Local Authority and to the Office For Standards in Education. Academies /Multi Academy Trusts/ Federations Have no links to the Local Authority. The terms and conditions vary from one to the other. International Fee Paying Students may not be enrolled. No restrictions on Teacher’s pay or conditions with evidence of excessive pay for senior staff being diverted from classroom education and resources. Accountability notionally to the Regional Schools Commissioner [RSC], who has few powers to actually intervene in a meaningful way as recent publicity and performance statistics have revealed. An Academy/MAT cannot revert to being a school under the control of the Local Authority. There are some Sixth Form Academies, and many Academies provide pre-school reception and child Nursery provision in addition to sixth form education as part of their delivery of education. Funding Sixth Form Colleges – The Board of Governors has autonomous use of funding within quite strict guidelines. A Sixth Form College has to provide its own services, marketing, and currently the College pays £20k per annum for the required auditing of its accounts. The College receives grant funding based on the numbers of Students on role in the previous academic year, allowing for factoring against retention and attendance – known as ‘lagged funding’, paid by the Education Skills Funding Agency [ESFA]. The amount of grant funding for a full time A-Level Student doing a typical three A-Level course is £4k in the first year and this falls to £3,500 in year two on the basis that teaching staff and supervision/support is not required for the whole academic year as the examinations take place in May/June. No Pupil Premium is paid to Sixth Form Colleges for pupils with a history socio/economic hardship. Sixth Form Colleges are also alone in education in having to pay Value Added Tax for goods and services. In addition, Students who have a statement of Special Educational Needs or the new Education Health Care Plan [ECHP], which is a legal document that states the diagnosed needs of the Student and the support the College must put in place to meet their needs.to disability or other special needs. The College may be able to draw upon Higher Needs Funding, or additional support from the Local Authority. The College is also allocated £47k per annum for capital expenditure. Schools & Academies – Schools have funding based around pupil numbers, but additional funding streams are also available to enhance the amount of resources available. Schools converting to become Academies are funded ‘up front’ for the first three years irrespective of the numbers of pupils on role. Both Schools and Academies can draw upon additional support from Pupil Premium for the socio-economic deprived pupils and for other purposes. Both types of institution are known to cross-subsidise their sixth form provision with pupil funding age 4-16. Governors’ Questions and Discussion Throughout the presentation Governors asked questions or sought additional information. The Board of Governors thanked Michael Jaffrain [Principal] for his presentation.


ITEM ISSUES RAISED IN DISCUSSION AGREED ACTION

1. Welcome 1.1 Welcome: Margaret Harlock [Chair of Governors] opened the meeting with prayer and welcomed the two newly appointed Student Governors attending for the first time, and Micah Larson whose application for appointment as a Foundation Governor is being processed currently. Introductions were made. 1.2 Apologies: The apologies from Pauline Cowie, Nkumbe Ekaney QC, and Mark Sullivan were noted and accepted. [3] 1.3 Absent: Monty Erskine [1] 1.4 Quorate: The meeting was declared quorate. NOTE: Agenda Order: To facilitate those attending the meeting some items may be taken in a different order than that shown on the agenda. The original order of the Agenda has been maintained for ease of reference in the Minutes record.

2. Declarations of Interest & Disability Access & Diversity

2.1 Declarations of interest 2017/2018: There were no new declarations. Governors & Clerk to Governors

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3. Minutes Previous Meetings

3.1 Confidential Minutes [Thursday, 26 April 2018]: The draft Minutes were agreed to be a true and accurate record of the meeting and were passed for signature. But after discussion it was agreed that in the light of the General Data Protection Regulations [GDPR] the name of the Leader of Religious Studies who had resigned, should be deleted and the Minutes should now be declared as OPEN and passed for publication on the College public website. [NOTE – In the discussion about the inclusion of named individuals, the Clerk to Governors informed the meeting that the previous practice had been only to include non-Governor named individuals who were being commended or praised, as was the case with the Leader of Religious Studies at the previous meeting. In future it was agreed that such individuals would not be named]

Clerk to

Governors


4. Matters Arising [Not Itemised on the Agenda]

4.1 Previous Actions Review [Agenda not itemised] 4.1.1 Security Governors’ Email [Minutes Apr § 4.1.1] – The Assistant Principal [Finance & Resources] advised that with the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulations [GDPR] Governors may utilise their personal email addresses for official email as long as no personal data is included or attached. Such data should only be available on Sharepoint™. The Principal reminded Governors that if they have technical issues relating to their use of College Information Technology they may contact the IT Manager’s office for assistance and support. There is an ‘out of hours’ helpline also available and the Principal will supply the contact details to the Clerk to Governors. 4.1.2 Student Fees 2018/2019 [Minutes Apr § 8.1] – The Principal confirmed this action had now been implemented. 4.1.3 Looked After Children [Minutes Apr § 8.3] – The Principal has commended the Staff as requested. 4.1.4 Governors’ Day 2018 [Minutes Apr § 89.1] – The Principal confirmed he had conveyed the appreciation of Governors to the Staff.

4.2 Matters Arising: None identified.

Principal & Any Governor

5. Governors’ Committee Reports

5.1 Governors’ Audit Committee [200618]: Marie-Claire Harper reported: • Internal Audit Report and Assurance – clean and positive • College Financial Regulations Annual Review – with recommendation that the

Board of Governors adopt the revised version. [Refer Minutes § 9.4 below] • General Data Protection Regulations [GDPR] – The Committee undertook a

review of the progress of the implementation of the procedures introduced to date in line with its terms of reference.

The Board of Governors noted the report. 5.2 Governors’ Ethos Safeguarding Welfare Committee [160518]: Peter McLean reported:

• Safeguarding / Special Education Needs and Disability [SEND] – recent figures indicate that 16.6% of young people aged 16-18 requires support. The College Student Support Team have made 12 health referrals, and the Student feedback indicates a high level of satisfaction with the support being offered. The website offers more details.

Chair of Governors & Next Agenda


Governors’ Committee Reports [Continued…]

• Student Retention – was discussed and the issues noted Learner Voice – encountered some difficulties when the College ‘Moodle’ system failed, and Student feedback data was lost and when asked to complete the Learner Voice survey for a second time only limited numbers of Students did so. For the coming academic year, the data will be input using a survey platform called SNAPSurveys™ this also has the advantage that it provides an analysis of the data and creates reports. The Board of Governors noted the report. 5.3 Governors’ Resources Premises Human Resources Committee [110618]: Tony McNally reported:

• Human Resources policies adopted included: • Relatives Relationships and Related Matters Policy • Employment References Policy • Appraisal Policy and Procedure Teachers • Staff Wellbeing Policy

• Staff Absences – the Committee considered the introduction of the revised procedures covering Staff absences

• Review of Monthly Accounts and College Budget 2018/2019. Student Fees for 2018/2019 reviewed and recommendation to the Board of Governors that the budget should be adopted. [Refer below Minutes § 9.3]

• College Development Plan – the topic has repeatedly been a matter of discussion both at meetings of the Board of Governors and within the Committee. The Committee after very details and careful discussion wishes to make two proposals to be discussed later in the meeting:

• [1] Creation of a Development Team comprising Governors and Staff and possibly external experts to examine the issues related to the strategic plan for the College, whether to expand or otherwise, how and where

• [2] To consider the shorter term plan and priority of the improvement of the Sporting facilities on site in conjunction with the current landfill contract

The Board of Governors noted the report. 5.4 Governors’ Strategy Search Remuneration Committee [210318]: Margaret Harlock reported:

• College Development strategy, issues of transport and Student recruitment • Instrument and Articles revision

Principal & Assistant Principal [Finance & Resources]


Governors’ Committee Reports [Continued…]

• Teacher’s Pay Round 2017 • Catholic Ethos in the College and its curriculum

The Board of Governors noted the report. 5.5 Governors’ Teaching Curriculum Quality Committee [110418]: The Principal reported:

• Committee Briefing from the Mathematics & Science faculty • T-Level curriculum • Student Recruitment/Retention/Attendance – noting the fact that the City of

Bristol is in one of the lowest national ratings for school attendance from Key Stage 1 [Primary] through to Key Stage 11 [Secondary], and that the College inherits this Attendance issue at Key Stage 12-13 in respect of many of the Student intake. Hence the robust measures being taken by the College to address Student Attendance.

• Curriculum changes – for the coming academic year The Board of Governors noted the report.

6. Principal’s Report [ad libitum]

Document [B] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Student Recruitment Report’ – circulated previously Document [C] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – International Student Recruitment Report’ – circulated previously Document [D] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Student Retention/Attendance Report’ – circulated previously

6.1 Student Recruitment 2018/2019: The Principal presented the report detailing the current statistics for applications for September 2018, noting that the conversion of ‘acceptances’ to enrolment can only be confirmed in October 2018 at the census date.

Recruitment 2018/2019 2018/2019 2017/2018 Data date> 28/06/2018 30/06/2017

New Applications 2280 2297

Offers 1962 1990

Total Acceptances 1827 1828

The Principal advised the meeting that the Student access to the Level 3 programme has been

Principal & Next Agenda


Principal’s Report [Continued…]

rebranded ‘Access Level 3’ with appropriate marketing information and the percentage of those Students offered places has been increased from 10% of the intake to 15%. In addition, the easing of the access requirements to Level 3 courses gives the College cautious optimism about the level of enrolment. The College also held a successful ‘Fresh Fest’ event for current applicants, and some 300 potential Students attended. Responding to a question, it was confirmed that the Education & Skills Funding Agency [EFSA] ‘grant aid funding’ is ‘lagged finding’ and paid in the year following the enrolment of the Student number in the previous year. However, due to the impact of meningitis outbreak in Bristol last year which affected enrolment at the College the Education & Skills Funding Agency has confirmed in writing that if the College recruits up to 100 additional Students in September 2018, then the College will be provided with ‘in-year funding’ for the additional number enrolled. The Board of Governors noted the report. 6.2 International Fee-Paying Student Recruitment: The Principal reported seven applicants have paid their initial refundable deposits, with a further 5 Students being processed at various stages. It is likely that 12 international Students will enrol, the highest number since the initiative started and just short of the target number of 15 for this year. The Board of Governors noted the report.

[Charlotte Evans rejoined the meeting 18:07 hrs]

6.3 Student Retention/Attendance 2017/2018: The Principal presented his report: 6.3.1 Student Retention –

Retention 2017/2018 2016/2017 Data date> 28/06/2018 30/06/2017

Starts Day 42 1741 1771

Withdrawn -142 -200

Enrolled [Retained] 1599 1571

Retention 91.8% 88.7%

The Governors were pleased to note that in spite of the poor record of attendance and retention for the schools in the City of Bristol, the College itself, nevertheless, has managed to raise both the Retention and Attendance. The Retention figures also forms




part of the calculation used by the Education & Skills Funding Agency when computing the grant funding due to the College in the following year. 6.3.2 Student Attendance –

Attendance 2017/2018 2016/2017 Data date> 28/06/2018 30/06/2017

Total Attendance 90.30% 89..50%

Male 90.90% 89.90%

Female 89.80% 89.20%

The Principal reminded Governors in response to Governors’ comments that Bristol’s Primary Schools and Secondary Schools and Academies are at the bottom of the National League for pupil attendance, and this attitude in regard to attendance undoubtedly carries through to post-16. The discussion that followed identified possible causes for Student for non-attendance:

• Timetable gaps • Transport to College • Student aspirations • Open days, and interview days, College field trips, although in future these may

be logged as ‘authorised absences’ The Board of Governors noted the report. 6.4 Staff Recruitment/Appointments [Update]: The Principal reported that Staff recruitment has been unusually difficult this year, but he was pleased to report that the College Chaplain has now been appointed and there are no vacancies, with the possible exception of the Leader of Religious Studies. The Principal reminded the meeting that the post of Leader of Religious Studies is a ‘Senior Catholic Post’ [Instrument and Articles of Government (Article § 1 (d)] and it has proven to be a difficult one to fill over a number of years and repeated re-advertisements. It is understood this may reflect a national shortage of suitable candidates, especially at post-16 due to the fact that similar posts in Secondary Schools are very different from the situation prevailing at a post-16 College. The Principal reported that the Diocese of Clifton is aware of the problem and has actually approached the College to suggest that the current acting and temporary Leader of Religious Studies, although not a Catholic might be offered the permanent post. The Clifton Diocesan Department for Schools and

Principal &

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Colleges [CDDFSC] is still considering the position. There was a general discussion about whether it was better to recruit an excellent non-Catholic teacher or to recruit a ‘poor’ Catholic one. In general, the Governors were agreed that the Catholic ethos and values of the College are to be maintained and that this is a ‘key’ post, and one that should be advertised again in the hope of a suitable candidate being identified. The Principal agreed to keep the Governors informed of any developments. The Board of Governors noted the report. 6.5 Mission and Vision for the College [Minutes Apr § 7.1]: The Principal explained that in the absence of the formal appointment of a new Leader of Religious Studies, and in the light of appointment in September of the new College Chaplain, work on this topic had been suspended until the coming academic year. 6.6 Aquinas Group Report [Update]: The Principal reported that the College has continued to provide extensive support to the other schools in the Aquinas Group, offering at the Colleges’ own expense marketing and other support, including holding events here on the College site. As an example, the Principal reported that the Aquinas In Service Education Training [INSET] day had been held on the College site and at the College’s expense with over 230 Staff attending for a very successful day led by an inspiring speaker David Wells, with excellent workshops. Regrettably, the schools had decided not to invite their Support Staff for the day. Governors may also wish to refer to the Aquinas Group communication issued by some of the schools in the Aquinas Group [Refer Minutes § 11.1] The Board of Governors noted the report.

Principal &

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Principal & Future

Agenda


7. College Matters

Document [E] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Student Admission Policy 2019/2020’ – circulated previously Document [F] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – College Targets Achievement/Student Retention/Attendance 2018/2019’ – circulated previously Document [G] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Teacher Standards for Sixth Form College Teachers’ – circulated previously Document [H] – ‘ECE Architecture – St Brendan’s Sixth Form College Sports Building/Pitches Development’ – circulated previously

7.1 Student Admission Policy 2019/2020: The Principal presented the Student Admission Policy 2019/2020 and informed the meeting that there are no planned changes to this policy from that adopted for the academic year 2018/2019.

Next Agenda & Principal


College Matters [Continued…]

Proposal ‘That the Board of Governors

should adopt the “Student Admissions Policy 2019/2020”

as presented’.

Proposed: Mark Eastaugh Seconder: Peter McLean

For: 13 Against: 0

Abstention: 0 The Proposal was adopted. The Principal to implement.

7.2 College Targets Achievement/ Student Retention/ Student Attendance 2018/2019: The Principal proposed the following targets for the coming academic year:

College Targets – Achievement/ Student Retention/ Student Attendance 2018/2019

Value Added Positive

Academic Results Grades A*-E Results in line with National average

Student Retention 95%

Student Attendance 95% There was a full discussion among Governors about the proposed targets. It was recognised that it is important to raise Student aspirations, and while a 100% Attendance was desirable and would help with the academic achievement, it would be unrealistic to set the standard too high. Given the current level of attendance and its historical pattern in Bristol schools, it was suggested that a 93% Target might be stretching enough. Three factors were identified as having a bearing on Attendance:

• A revised Attendance management policy is being introduced

Principal



• Legitimate absence, eg attending University Open Days, Course trips, personal family bereavements and the like, may be designated as ‘authorised absences’

• The introduction of a Student fine in the event that holidays are taken in term time

The meeting came to a general agreement that proposed targets should be implemented. Proposal

‘That the Board of Governors should adopt the

“College Targets Achievement/ Student Retention/ Student Attendance 2018/2019”

as presented’.

Proposed: Peter McLean Seconder: Paul Kelly

For: 13 Against: 0

Abstention: 0 The Proposal was adopted. The Principal to implement.

7.3 Professional Teaching Standards for Sixth Form College Teachers: The Principal explained that this document had been held on the College website for a number of years having been introduced by the Sixth Form College Association [SFCA] setting a standard for teachers in the sector. The intention is that this guidance should now form part of the College’s development of teaching and learning and be linked where appropriate with individual assessment of performance and professional standards. In the discussion that followed, Governors noted that there was no apparent reference to Catholic ethos in learning, which for a Catholic College is something that might be considered. It was accepted that pending the appointment of the Leader of Religious Studies this might be reviewed later. It was also confirmed by the Principal that the application of this guidance will also be used to inform the Staff Continuing Professional Development [CPD]. The guidance has already been issued to the Directors of Faculty for implementation within their domain of responsibility, the intention being to set the standards of teaching and to link this to the individual’s accountability. The Board of Governors noted the report.

Principal


Comfort Break

Start: 17:45hrs

— Adjourned for refreshment break —

Ended: 18:05 hrs

[Marian Curran left the meeting 17:50 hrs]


7.4 College Development Plan [Update] [Minutes Apr § 10.2]: The Chair of the Governors’ Resources Premises and HR Committee reminded Governors about the content of the previous lengthy discussions about the project, and the initial phase embracing the improvement of the sports facilities and involving the landfill project to level the playing fields. The following points were discussed briefly:

Long Term Development –The College architects: ECE Architects have drawn up initial plans using the following principles:

• Developing the access to the College buildings and addressing the issues of circulation throughout the buildings

• Identifying where to locate new accommodation to meet the higher numbers of Students and Staff required

• Relocation of the Reception area to make it central to the entrance of the site when developed

• Developing new Sports facilities • Developing new entry/exit points on Broomhill Road

It was agreed by the Governors’ Resources Premises and HR Committee that further consideration needed to be given to the context of the development and what the future strategic plan is for the College. The following points were points were presented for consideration:

• Post-16 demographic changes in the City of Bristol • City plans for post-16 provision, selection of sites and the impact of competitors’

plans • Transport and access to the existing site • Catholic ethos of this College and the potential impact if there was to be an

increase in Students numbers on the nature of the College



• Whether increased numbers of Students would reduce or enhance the aspiration to be ‘Outstanding’

• The likely impact of the staffing structure • The development is not just a matter of bricks and mortar, or the acquisition of

financial resources • There is the need also to establish the Diocesan vision for Catholic education

and how the College fits in with that mission • The current vital need to improve the provision of the Sporting facilities

Governors’ Resources Premises and HR Committee made two suggestions: [1] That a College Development Plan be created along the lines of the current Risk Management Register, highlighting the key factors and identifying risks colour coded as necessary [2] That the Board of Governors set up a College Development Team comprising Governors, Staff and possibly external experts to take the business forward

There was a lengthy discussion and an open expression of views about the topic. It was noted that a commitment to proceed with the initial planning application did not mean that the College would necessarily proceed with the draft development, as such a decision would come at a later date, if required. The discussion concluded with the two proposals that follow:

7.4.1 Proposal ‘That the Board of Governors

should proceed to prepare a College Development Plan by creating a set of Terms of Reference

for a College Development Team with a view to further discussion in the coming academic year’.

Proposed: Paul Kelly Seconder: Michael Jaffrain

For: 13 Against: 0

Abstention: 0 The Proposal was adopted. The Chair of Governors and Principal to implement

Principal & Chair of

Governors & Next Agenda


College Matters [Continued…] 7.4.2 Proposal.

‘That the Board of Governors should proceed with the planning consent application in respect of the

existing ECE Architects’ brief’.

Proposed: Paul Kelly Seconder: Michael Jaffrain

For: 13 Against: 0

Abstention: 0 The Proposal was adopted. Principal and Assistant Principal [Finance and Resources] to implement

The topic will be given further consideration at the next meeting.

Principal & Assistant Principal

[Finance and Resources] &

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8. Policy Reviews

8.1 None:

9. College/Financial Matters

Document [ I] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Management Accounts April 2018’ – circulated previously Document [J] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Budget & Financial Plan 2018-2020’ – circulated previously Document [K] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Financial Regulations’ – circulated previously

9.1 HMRC/College Tribunal VAT Claim Report [Update] [Minutes Apr § 10.1]: The Assistant Principal [Finance & Resources] reported that the Lower Tier judgement has been made wholly in favour of the College but contrary to expectations it appears that HM Revenue and Customs has made an application for leave to appeal. There is no information in respect of the status of this application. 9.2 Management Accounts April 2018: The Assistant Principal [Finance & Resources] outlined the key points in the accounts:

• Overall deficit at 30 April 2018 is -£299k,that is £69k worse than the planned budget

• The projected income from the landfill project has now been deferred to the following year

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College Financial Matters [Continued…]

• Recruitment of International Fee Paying Students is below the target of 15 leading to a shortfall of £33k

• Staff costs have been favourable with £152k having been saved as temporary Staff are released in the summer months

• Cash flow is strong • Likely that the College’s financial health will be rated as ‘GOOD’

The Board of Governors noted the report. 9.3 Budget and Financial Plan 2018-2020: The Assistant Principal [Finance & Resources] presented the Budget and Financial Plan 2018-2020 and explained that the outcome for 2017/2018 is a forecast budget deficit of -£161k [before the FRS102 Pension Charges are taken into the account], which is slightly worse than the planned deficit of -£134k at the start of the year. The chief facts leading to this outcome can be summarised:

• No income from the planned Landfill Project in that year • Lower International Student fees • Legal fees associated with the VAT Tribunal

The loss of income or additional expenditure was offset by savings in Staff costs, the release of temporary Staff during the summer vacation, and the payment of the pension deficit charges in the previous year 2016/2017, although these were included in the budget for 2017/2018. Turning attention to the Budget 2018/2019, the Assistant Principal [Finance & Resources] explained that an operating surplus of £109k [again before the FRS102 Pension Charges are taken into the account]. The following chief assumptions and principles are underpinning this prediction:

• Inflation rate 2% • The assumed in year growth funding of the 100 Students, and the Education

Skills Funding Agency [ESFA] funding allocation • Successful completion of the Landfill project • Detailed Staff costings • Teachers’ Pension Scheme [TPS] employer’s contribution of 16.48% • Local Government Pension Scheme [LGPS] employers’ contribution rates at

14.9% rising to 15.4% • VAT Lower Tier Tribunal being upheld

There was some discussion about the details as Governors questioned and sought clarification of some points. Governors were agreed that the Assistant Principal [Finance & Resources] was to be


College Financial Matters [Continued…]

commended for his industry and application to this complex issue of College finance. The Chair of the Governors’ Resources Premises HR Committee, explained that the Committee had examined in greater detail how the planned budget and financial plan for 2018-2020 should be presented, and the Committee was agreed that it would recommend the Board of Governors to adopt this budget.


adopt the “Budget and Financial Plan 2018-2020”

as presented.’

Proposed: Tony McNally Seconder: James Devenney

For: 11 Against: 0

Abstention: 2 [Under 18 years] The Proposal was adopted. The Principal and the Assistant Principal [Finance & Resources] to implement. 9.4 College Financial Regulations: The Assistant Principal [Finance & Resources] presenting the document explained that the only amendments were of minor importance relating to technical changes, and to the fact that the College has changed its banker. For information the Education Skills Funding Agency [ESFA] funding agreement has been attached.


adopt the “Financial Regulations”

as presented.’

Proposed: James Devenney Seconder: Tony McNally

For: 11 Against: 0

Abstention: 2 [Under 18 years] The Proposal was adopted. The Assistant Principal [Finance & Resources] to implement.

Assistant Principal [Finance & Resources]



10. Risk Management Review

Document [L] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Risk Register‘ [June 2018] – circulated previously

10.1 Risk Management Review: The Chair of the Governors’ Resources Premises Human Resources Committee provided a verbal report to update Governors on the RED/AMBER risks identified in the Risk Register relating specifically to the Board of Governors. There are no RED residual risks and one AMBER:

10.1.1 Risk item [§ 3.2 original risk evaluation – RED] – ‘Failure to deliver College's objectives and mission, poor communication, lack of 'buy-in' from Staff on mission and vision, lack of incentives’. Residual Risk AMBER no change 10.1.2 Governors’ Committees – reported that in their regular assessments of the allocated risks there were no changes to report.

The Board of Governors noted the report.

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11. Correspondence

Document [M] – ‘Aquinas Group Communication June 2018 – Four Schools Announce they are to form a Multi Academy Trust [MAT]’ – circulated previously

11.1 Aquinas Group Communication June 2018 – The Principal reported that, disappointingly, there had been no prior consultation undertaken by the four schools involved, with other five schools in the Aquinas Group, all of whom have an existing agreement to collaborate together. The decision to simply make the announcement by issuing the email on 8 June 2018 raises concerns about the level of trust and sharing within the nine schools in the Aquinas Group, compounded by the fact that it is understood the decision to form a Multi Academy Trust [MAT] was with the approval of the Clifton Diocesan Department for Schools and Colleges [CDDSC], again without prior consultation with those involved. In the discussion that followed Governors raised the following issues:

• What hope is there for trust and collaboration with schools or individuals who operate in this manner?

• The effect of the decision is to leave some of the Primary Schools in the Aquinas Group ‘out on a limb’ and without the planned support and collaboration

• In the case of St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, where the College has expended considerable resource and with assistance from its Staff in support of the partners in the Aquinas Group, offered its premises for many joint events, it is questionable now how that support can be valued, and in particular given the


Correspondence [Continued…]

‘gap’ between a Sixth Form College with its expertise for education post-16 to the remaining Primary Schools facing increasing difficulties at Key Stage ½

• In the light of this event should the College break its association with the Aquinas Group as it now serves no useful educational purpose

The Governors gave serious consideration also to the question of whether to make representation to Diocese, or even directly to Bishop Declan Lang. The Principal explained that there is a meeting of the Aquinas Group tomorrow morning and that it might be expedient to review any proposed action following that meeting. The Board of Governors noted the communication and it was agreed that further consideration me given to the matter at a later date. Principal and Chair of Governors will speak together about the matter, and the Board of Governors will discuss the issues at the next meeting.



12. Board of Governors’ Operations

Document [N] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Executive Note Instrument and Articles of Government 2015’ – circulated previously Document [O] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Instrument and Articles of Government 2015’ – circulated previously Document [P] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Board of Governors’ Business Diary 2018/2019’ – circulated previously Document [Q] – ‘St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Board of Governors’ Address List’ – tabled*

12.1 Instrument and Articles of Government 2015 [Update] [Minutes Apr § 13.1]: The Chair of Governors reminded the meeting about the lengthy history concerning the introduction of the Instrument and Articles 2015, and the delay caused by the fact that the College was involved in the West of England Area Based Review and the Board of Governors was faced with contemplating making an application to become an Academy. The Chair of Governors explained that the Governors’ Strategy Search Remuneration Committee had undertaken a close review of the content of the new Instrument and Articles of Government 2015 [I&A] and had identified a number of technical inconsistencies in respect of the operation of the College. As agreed with the Clifton Diocesan Department for Schools and Colleges, the recommendation from the Committee is that the Board of Governors should now adopt the new I&A and take up the technical matters later. The specific items referred to are shown as footnotes within the body of the document. The Chair of Governors referred briefly to each of these, and in some instances, there was a short discussion and an explanation was provided.

Governors’ Strategy Search

Remuneration Committee & Next Agenda


Board of Governors’ Operations [Continued…]

Proposal

‘That the Board of Governors adopt the

“Instrument and Articles of Government as revised” and presented.’

Proposed: Tony McNally Seconder: James Devenney

For: 13 Against: 0

Abstention: 0

The Proposal was adopted. The Clerk to Governors was instructed to write to the Clifton Diocesan Department for Schools and Colleges to confirm the new Instrument and Articles of Government had been adopted. 12.2 Foundation Governor Search [Update] [Minutes Apr § 13.2]: The Chair of Governors reported that there are still two vacancies for Foundation Governors, after considering the two recent appointments, those of Nkumbe Ekaney QC and Malcom McDonald, and the one nominee pending Micah Larson. The Governors’ Strategy Search Remuneration Committee has been interviewing a number of other potential candidates for nomination to the Bishop and is pursuing enquiries in respect suitable individuals with the required skills and professional experience. The Board of Governors noted the position. 12.3 Governors’ Briefing Next Meeting: It was suggested that a suitable topic might be: ‘What it means to be a Governor?’ with the idea of developing the training of the Governors, possibly by inviting a suitably qualified speaker. In addition, the Chair of the Governors’ Ethos Safeguarding Welfare Committee suggested that the revised guidance: ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ – to be released in September 2018 might also provide a suitable topic. The Chair of Governors and the Principle will consult before a decision is made.

[Margaret Harlock [Chair of Governors] left the room 19:15 hrs]

12.4 Nomination/ Election of Chair of Governors: The Clerk to Governors explained that it is good practice to appoint the officers of the Board of Governors for the coming academic year at this point to ensure a smooth take up of duty as the new academic starts.

Clerk to Governors

Next Agenda





The Clerk to Governors invited nominations for the position of Chair of Governors. There was a brief discussion and the Clerk to Governors was able to confirm that Margaret Harlock was prepared to continue in office for one further year if called upon to do so. The Clerk to Governors to write the formal letter of appointment.

Proposal ‘That the Board of Governors appoint Sr Margaret Harlock as the Chair of Governors

for the year ending 31 August 2019.’

Proposed: Tony McNally Seconder: Michael Jaffrain

For: 12 Against: 0

Abstention: 1 The Proposal was adopted.

[Margaret Harlock [Chair of Governors] rejoined the meeting 19:20 hrs] [Marie-Claire Harper [Vice Chair of Governors] left the room at 19:20 hrs]

12.5 Nomination/ Election of Vice Chair of Governors: The Clerk to Governors invited nominations for the position of Vice Chair of Governors. There was a brief discussion and the Clerk to Governors was able to confirm that Marie-Claire Harper was prepared to continue in office for one further year if called upon to do so but had restated that she did not wish to be considered for the office of Chair of Governors.

Proposal ‘That the Board of Governors appoint Marie-Claire Harper

as the Vice Chair of Governors for the year ending 31 August 2019.’

Proposed: Peter McClean Seconder: James Devenney

For: 12 Against: 0

Abstention: 1 The Proposal was adopted. The Clerk to Governors to write the formal letter of appointment.

Clerk to Governors

Clerk to Governors



[Marie-Claire Harper [Vice Chair of Governors] rejoined the meeting 19:24 hrs] 12.6 Board of Governors’ Business Diary 2018/2019: The Clerk to Governors explained that College Diary for the coming year has been co-ordinated with the panned dates of meetings and other events foreseen that may clash to the business of Governors. However, this document is as always, a ‘living document’ and one subject to change as time passes. The Clerk to Governors drew the attention of the meeting to the fact that the planned start time of a number of meetings, notably that of the Board of Governors has been brought forward to 16:00 hrs. Governors expressed their satisfaction with this proposal. The Board of Governors adopted the Board of Governors’ Business Diary 2018/2019.

12.7 General Data Protection Champion [Update][Minutes Apr § 13.3]: Following the last meeting of the Board of Governors and in the light of the subsequent discussion with the Assistant Principal [Finance & Resources] the nominated Data Protection Officer [DPO] it was agreed that there was no requirement for the Board of Governors to have a nominated Governor to act as GDPR Champion in spite of the recommendation made by the Clifton Diocesan Department for Schools and Colleges in a recent briefing as the function would be better carried out by the appointed College Auditors and the Governors Audit Committee. After a brief discussion the meeting agreed to rescind its earlier decision made at the last meeting to appoint Mark Eastaugh as Governors’ GDPR Champion. The Clerk to Governors was instructed to note the record accordingly. The Assistant Principal [Finance & Resources] is considering issuing a briefing guideline in respect of the GDPR for Governors in the autumn. 12.8 Governors’ Staff Redundancy Appeal Panel: The Clerk to Governors reported that following the re-organisation of the duties of the Senior Management Team in April, and the conduct of the interviews for the new posts, a member of Staff was served with a Notice of Compulsory Redundancy having been unsuccessful in selection at interview. On receipt of the Notice of Appeal within the required timescale, the Governors’ Staff Redundancy Appeal Panel hearing took place, and having heard the evidence from both the employer and the appellant employee, decided to dismiss the appeal on the grounds explained in the outcome letter issued to both parties. 12.9 Board of Governors’ Address List: The Clerk to Governors explained that the prepared copies of the Governors’ Address List had been withheld from the circulation on grounds of possible infringement of the General Data Protection Regulations. Tabling the prepared list Governors were asked to confirm the details in their respective personal entry and to confirm whether they are using their personal email address or the official @stbrn.ac.uk email address assigned to them and return

All Governors

Clerk to Governors


All Governors



the list to the Clerk to Governors. The Clerk also advised the meeting that he is now utilising the Bcc option when issuing emails to groups of Governors in order to preserve data integrity between the recipients. The Clerk to Governors added that he felt it was important that Governors should communicate and collaborate outside of formal meetings, and possibly with their consent share their contact details. The Clerk to Governors will retain the formal record and share this with the College for administrative purposes as required. There was general verbal consent around the table that the contact information should be available to all Governors.

Clerk to Governors

13. Any Other Business [Not Notified]

13.1 None:

14. Next Meeting & Diary Dates

14.1 Board of Governors – meeting – Thursday, 27 September 2018 at 16:00 hrs Governors’ Committees:

Audit Committee – Wednesday, 21 November 2018 at 16:00 Ethos Safeguarding Welfare Committee – Wednesday, 10 October 2018 at 16:00 Resources Premises Human Resources Committee – Mon, 26 November 2018 at 16:00 Strategy, Search & Remuneration Committee – Wed, 12 September 2018 at 16:30 Teaching Curriculum Quality Committee – Wednesday, 14 November 2018 at 16:30 Diocesan Education Mass 2018 – Tuesday, 25 June 2019 at 19:00 Clifton Governors’ Day 2019 – To be agreed Governors’ Diocesan Conference 2018 – To be advised

[NOTE – In future meetings of the Board of Governors will be planned to take place in D-Building. The meetings of the Governors’ Committees take place in B-Building Room B 207. In both instances, please sign in as usual at Reception B-Building]

Clerk/ All Governors

Next Agenda


Notes None

Minutes Prepared Prepared – Tuesday, 17 July 2018 Peter J Harrison [Clerk to Governors]

Minutes Agreed

Minutes Approved Date Thursday, 27 September 2018

Signature ________________________________________Chair of Governors