Dear Rajai,

Re: Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 – Request for Information

Thank you for your enquiry, which has been logged and passed to the relevant department within the University for processing. Please quote reference number FOI 126 should you need to contact the University regarding this request.

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Yours sincerely,

Christine Shaw
Corporate Governance Officer
Oifigear Riaghlaidh Corporra
DDI / Fòn: +44 (0) 1847 889380

University of the Highlands and Islands, Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5SQ
Oilthigh na Gàidhealtachd agus nan Eilean, Slighe Nis, Inbhir Nis IV3 5SQ
Web: www.uhi.ac.uk

Pròiseact crannchuir Coimisean nam Mìle Bliadhna. Na companaidh earranta clàraichte ann an Alba, Àireamh 148203. Àireamh Carthannas Albannach Clàraichte SC022228. Oifis chlàraichte 12b Slighe Nis, Inbhir Nis, Alba, IV3 5SQ
A Millennium Commission lottery project. A limited company registered in Scotland no. 148203. Scottish charity no. SC022228. Registered office: 12B, Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5SQ.

dangos adrannau a ddyfynnir

Dear Rajai,

Re: Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 – Request for Information

I refer to your request for information received on the 15th December 2020, relating to Options appraisal for alignment of colleges within the partnership - request number FOI 126.

Please see the requested papers attached, and associated minute extracts, as follows:

Extract from minutes:
RSC20-21-006 - 1 September 2020
3.8. Options Appraisal: Potential Merger(s) of Academic Partners John Kemp gave the Committee members an update on the options appraisal for potential merger(s) of Academic Partners. The Committee heard that no substantial resource had yet been committed to this, as it was still pending SFC and SG views, but the principals and chairs will be meeting to discuss the proposal.
Members requested that as much inclusive, internal dialogue be conducted as possible with as wide a group as possible (including currently non-participating boards/ Chairs).
HISA welcomed the move and the desire for an evidence-based approach to the options appraisal.
The Committee endorsed the proposed direction of travel and recognised that internal communications to be addressed through an open, aligned dialogue to ensure proper communication across the partnership. The Committee suggested that a focus on curriculum, rather than just governance arrangements, be at the forefront of discussions and encouraged as many discussions as possible take place, and wanted to be engaged in these discussions going forward.
RSC2021-006 RSC alignment paper240820.pdf

Extract from minutes:
RSC20-21-030 - 5 November 2020
9.1. Options appraisal for alignment of colleges within the partnership The Committee noted the update on the alignment of colleges within the partnership options appraisal.
Members heard that HISA were fully supportive and were seeking timely progress and change.
Clarity was sought on the background and interdependencies of the two strands of options appraisals being discussed; J Kemp agreed to provide additional background and context to members outwith the meeting.
RSC20-21-030 paper on alignment 051120.pdf

Extract from minutes:
UC20-087 Court paper on alignment 25 November 2020
Court paper on alignment (25th November meeting) Court minutes 25/11/20 6.2. Academic Internal Alignment proposal Court discussed paper UC20-087 providing an update on progress with an options appraisal exercise to explore possible closer working and development of aligned/shared services between seven UHI colleges as a means of delivering operating efficiencies and greater resilience of service for the benefit of staff and students and seeking University funding to help facilitate the process. Court agreed to support the initiative in accordance with recommendations contained within the paper.
UC20-087 Court paper on alignment 251120.pdf

UC20-21-033 Partnership Council - 4 November 2020 meeting
3.13. *Academic Alignment Partner updates [Discussed under item 2.4]
PC20-21-033 UHI Partnership Council Strategic Investment Options Appraisal 281020.pdf

Extract from minutes:
2.4. *SFC Review and RSB Evaluation
The Committee noted the SFC review of financial sustainability and coherent provision. The second phase response will include the committee’s views on the changes proposed in the phase one review as well as the outcome of the discussions on the potential collaboration with SRUC as well as internal partner alignments.
On the review of UHI as a regional strategic body (RSB), the members noted the evaluation and heard that the university executive had recommended that it respond positively to the report and assure the SFC that it intends to progress at pace with the change programme that covers the recommendations made. It is also the intention to update the SFC on the options appraisal that is being considered by some academic partners.
Action: Ensure appropriate coordination of options appraisals (SRUC and internal partnership alignments) – Fiona Larg.
PC20-21-020 SFC Review of Coherence and Sustainability - draft.pdf

Please note that the University of the Highlands and Islands operates as a collegiate federal partnership comprising of thirteen independent further and higher education colleges, specialist colleges and research institutions. A list of contact details for our partner organisations is available at http://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/campuses and further information about the University is available online at http://www.uhi.ac.uk/en

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Finally, should you wish to discuss the contents of this response then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,
Christine Shaw

Corporate Governance Officer
Oifigear Riaghlaidh Corporra

University of the Highlands and Islands, Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5SQ
Oilthigh na Gàidhealtachd agus nan Eilean, Slighe Nis, Inbhir Nis IV3 5SQ
DDI / Fòn: +44 (0) 1847 889380 Lìn | Web: www.uhi.ac.uk

Pròiseact crannchuir Coimisean nam Mìle Bliadhna. Na companaidh earranta clàraichte ann an Alba, Àireamh 148203. Àireamh Carthannas Albannach Clàraichte SC022228. Oifis chlàraichte 12b Slighe Nis, Inbhir Nis, Alba, IV3 5SQ
A Millennium Commission lottery project. A limited company registered in Scotland no. 148203. Scottish charity no. SC022228. Registered office: 12B, Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5SQ.

dangos adrannau a ddyfynnir