1. Changes at UCO

2. Overview Government Policy Implications for us
Securing the future success of UCO

3. Government Policy: The changing HE landscape

4. White Paper Executive Summary:
“Our reforms are designed to deliver a more responsive HE sector in which funding follows the decisions of learners and successful institutions are freed to thrive; in which there is a new focus on the student experience and quality of teaching and which further education colleges and other alternative providers are encouraged to offer a diverse range of higher education provision”

5. What are the implications for us?

6. Increased competition
Growth of HE in FE
Far greater competition between existing Universities
Already being less open/helpful
Private providers, overseas Universities
Removal of barriers
Easier to get University title
Not necessary to teach degrees to be able to award them

7. Dismantling of quota system from 2012 onwards – BIGGEST threat
In 2012, 1 in 4 places to be freed from number controls
65,000 places open to competition at AAB+
Universities forced to compete against each other
20,000 removed on a pro-rata basis and made available under the Core/Margin bidding process
Allows the shift to FE and private providers
Over subsequent years both of these numbers to be significantly increased

8. Impact of AAB+ and Core/Margin
University A
University B

9. Government Policy impact
This is the start of a year on year reduction as the Government transfers numbers from HE to the FE and private sectors

10. Securing the future success of UCO
Can we use this transfer of HE to FE to safeguard UCO?
Answer: Yes, by working with The Oldham College
Collaborate rather than compete
Through partnership working we have helped The Oldham College to secure student numbers under the Core & Margin process
These numbers will replace some of those that will have been lost at UCO due to Core & Margin and so reduces the impact on Oldham

11. Securing the future success of UCO through The Oldham College
The Oldham College can apply for additional numbers in the future and so grow UCO
They can offer a broader curriculum and this can be designed to dovetail onto their own curriculum
They have set their fee at £5,980 in line with the Government agenda
They can get economies of scale on the UCO site
By working with The Oldham College we not only secure UCO but there is an opportunity to grow it
The Oldham College is very positive about the opportunity

12. Securing the future of UCO
On 1st August 2012, we will transfer UCO to The Oldham College
This will safeguard UCO and facilitate future growth
The University of Huddersfield will validate the degrees
All current students and all students enrolling at UCO for the next 4 years will receive University of Huddersfield degrees

13. Implications for students
The impact on students will be minimal
Continue to study at UCO
Same curriculum, same resources
Will still get a University of Huddersfield degree

14. Implications for staff
This will be a TUPE transfer and consultation with the unions has started
Staff associated with UCO will automatically become employees of The Oldham College on the same terms and conditions.
Continuity of service and all terms and conditions will be preserved.
All staff affected will receive a letter explaining the TUPE process

15. Summary
This represents the best opportunity to safeguard the future of UCO and facilitate growth under Government policy
Both The Oldham College and the University of Huddersfield are highly committed to making it work and will ensure a smooth transition for staff and students.