Improving Greater Manchester – joined up thinking in the Further Education sector

Oldham Colleges working in partnership

Oldham Sixth Form College and The Oldham College took part in a unique event which involved college principals from the Greater Manchester Colleges Group (GMCG), a partnership of 24 further education colleges within Greater Manchester’s ten local authorities.

Invited to this event were key representatives from the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA), who were given a presentation and participated in a discussion forum which highlighted the benefits of the FE sector, and how colleges can support local authorities in achieving their ambitions.

The event was attended by Jayne Clarke, Deputy Principal of Oldham Sixth Form College, Alun Francis, Principal of The Oldham College, Anne Falloon Deputy Principal of The Oldham College, Howard Sykes, Leader of Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, and Charlie Parker, Chief Executive of Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council

The impact that Oldham’s Colleges have on the borough was demonstrated through the independent research on their economic and social impact. Case studies were also presented to delegates on how post 16 education has transformed the lives of individuals, communities, groups and businesses within the Oldham area.

Jayne Clarke, Deputy Principal, said “'This event demonstrated how valuable colleges are to the Greater Manchester area and the ways in which the lives of young people are transformed through their achievements at college. At Oldham Sixth Form College, our Science Centre plans are an excellent example of effective partnership working and of Oldham's strength in addressing key priorities for the town and broader Greater Manchester region'

Alun Francis, Principal of The Oldham College commented, “This excellent event focussed upon partnership working between the colleges in Greater Manchester to meet the economic and developmental needs of the regional economy. Very positive discussions were had between all parties in how we will work collaboratively to engage communities and drive regeneration of the Borough.”

Greater Manchester will receive a single allocation for 16-19 places in Schools and Further Education from 2011-12 (except Academies funding). In addition, Greater Manchester will secure a range of freedoms and flexibilities in relation to apprenticeships. The AGMA Executive Board will be the primary accountable body for post-16 provision, with the role discharged to a new 16-19 sub regional group for Greater Manchester.
Alongside this, from April Greater Manchester is to be given new legal powers to direct how public funding for adult skills is spent. These powers are to be deployed through the Commission for the New Economy being designated as a statutory Employment and Skills Board, making it responsible for developing a skills strategy with local employers.

Howard Sykes, leader of Oldham Borough Council said, “The event was fantastic, it gave a real insight into how Oldham Sixth Form and the Oldham College contribute not only to the local and regional economy, but to the people of Oldham by changing people’s lives. Within Oldham we are fortunate to have two colleges’ recognised nationally as leaders in their fields, who contribute significantly to improving the borough of Oldham.”

Lord Peter Smith, chair of AGMA said: “We welcome the transfer of powers, the new relationship and the identity given to the sub-region, but emphasis needs to be on communities, neighbourhoods and localism that joins up the delivery agenda with other agents in the ‘total place’.

“We are hopeful that this will be a first step to even more successful collaboration between AGMA and GMCG in the future.”