Forth Valley College remains focused on re-opening as union stages second online protest

EIS-FELA, which also staged an online protest in April, is raising concerns over an ongoing consultation process which launched in November 2019 as part of Forth Valley College’s Futures Programme, which aims to ensure the college can deliver on their 2030 vision and the changing landscape of education and training.

Back in April the EIS stated the consultation would result in the redundancy of over 30 lecturing jobs at FVC, with the college set to introduce new “instructor-assessor” roles.

However, the FVC management team stated at that time there would be no redundancies as a result of proposals in the consultation and all those at risk – 67 members of staff – will have an offer of employment with salary conservation for four years.

According to FVC the new instructor assessor role will enable the college to provide a more effective learning and teaching delivery model.

At the time Larry Flanagan, EIS general secretary, said: “It is shocking management at Forth Valley College is seeking to make lecturing staff redundant during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is completely indefensible the college is seeking to make hard-working lecturing staff redundant during this crisis.”

Responding to this month’s online protest, FVC stated all 67 members of staff at risk had either been successful in their applications for a voluntary severance scheme or are guaranteed an offer of employment.

Many staff involved in the consultation have already secured a post, however, others have been given the option to delay their individual consultation while the FVC

campuses remain closed due to the COVID-19 crisis.

A FVC spokesperson said: “We have been in discussion on this matter with EIS colleagues since the consultation was announced last November and we appreciate their continued need to protect the interests of their members.

“However, our board of management and senior management team have a duty to protect the long-term future of the college and a responsibility to provide our learners with access to education and training aligned to the needs of their future employers.

“We strongly believe this is the right approach to ensure a sustainable future for the college and we are confident the Instructor Assessor role will bring real

added value to the student learning experience.

“We do, however, understand change can be challenging at any time, particularly in these unprecedented circumstances we now find ourselves in due to the

COVID-19 pandemic. We are therefore doing everything we can to support staff throughout this period and are taking into account their individual circumstances and

preferences in regards to individual consultations.

“We have also been open and transparent throughout the consultation providing regular updates and reasons and justification behind any decisions we have taken.

“Now more than ever, it is vital the college management team and trade union’s current focus should be centred on the safe re-opening of our campuses. This will ensure we continue to deliver the best possible learning experiences for our students and support the country’s recovery.

“We have had excellent support from our union colleagues throughout the current crisis and we hope we can continue with this as we move forward.”