Background
The Committee undertook work on the central elements of its remit on an ongoing basis.
Further and Higher Education in 2020
Scottish Funding Council (SFC) Review of Coherent Provision and Sustainability
A link to the Scottish Funding Councils Review of Coherent Provision and Sustainability is here
18 November 2020
The Committee heard evidence from the Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science and the Chief Executive of the SFC on the review and funding.
You can view a video of the meeting here
Submissions
The following submissions were received ahead of the meeting on 18 November 2020
Further and Higher Education in 2016/ 2018
In late 2016, the Committee undertook an inquiry into the performance and role of key education and skills bodies, including the Scottish Funding Council and Skills Development Scotland. Read more about the Committee's inquiry into the performance of key education and skills bodies.
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills - 29 June 2016
The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills gave evidence to the Committee on 29 June 2016. In advance of this meeting, the Convener wrote to the Cabinet Secretary asking for a written statement on the Scottish Government's plans for Education and Skills policy in Session 5.
Meetings and visits in Stirling - 30/31 August 2016
To inform the further planned evidence sessions in September and October the Committee undertook a number of meetings and visits in Stirling.
Stakeholder evidence - 7 September 2016
The Committee received written and oral evidence from stakeholders and experts.
Oral Evidence
Read the Official Report of the meeting on 7 September 2016
Written Evidence
SPICe Briefing
Scottish Government evidence - 2 November 2016
Read the Official Report of the meeting on 2 November 2016
Visit to the Scottish Maritime Academy, January 2018
The Convener wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills seeking further information on issues raised during the evidence session on 2 November. The Cabinet Secretary responded on 1 December 2016.
The Public Audit and Post-Legislative Committee recently took evidence on two reports by the Auditor General - "Higher education in Scottish Universities" and "Scotland's Colleges 2016". The Convener of Public Audit has written to the Convener to advise of their invitation to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills to give evidence on these reports on 2 February 2017.
The Scottish Government wrote to Paul Little, Principal of City of Glasgow College regarding a factual briefing on the matters raised by a recent Herald article - "College power struggle as officials clash over funding (4 January 2017)".
The Convener wrote to the Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science following the Committee Meeting on the 1st February regarding clarification on the Further Education strategic forum.
The Committee received a letter from the Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science regarding the Office for National Statistics' classification of Higher Education Institutions in Scotland.
The Committee received a letter from the Scottish Funding Council regarding the impact of college mergers in Scotland.
The Committee received correspondence from the chair of the governing bodies of Scottish Higher Education Institutions regarding the Scottish Code of Good Higher Education Governance
Please find below a SPICe Mini-briefing on the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) annual statistics on drop-out rates amongst undergraduate students.
The Committee received a letter from the Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science regarding changes to student support.