Minutes of a meeting of the board of Leicester College Corporation
Held on 11 December 2025
Present: Danielle Gillett (Chair) Robert Radford* Lesley Giles Jackie Rossa* Shabir Ismail Sophie Strevens-Robinson Kyle James Lee Soden Vipal Karavadra Sallyann Turner* Zubair Limbada Tom Wilson
In Attendance: Louise Hazel Director of Governance and Policy Della Sewell Director of HR Jane Parkinson Director of Finance (items 1-9) Gail Pringle Head of Inclusion (item 4) Fran Monk Director of Quality Improvement (item 5).
*Joined meeting online via Teams
Declaration of Interest
1.1 The following declarations of interest were made:
1.1.1 Members of the ELT and staff had an interest in item 10
1.1.2 Danielle Gillett and Tom Wilson had an interest in item 12
1.1.3 ELT members had an interest in item 13.
Apologies for absence
2.1 Apologies for absence were received from Chloe Bakewell, Chan Kataria, Debi Donnarumma and Kully Sandhu. Louisa Poole was absent.
Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising
3.1 Members of the Corporation received and approved the minutes of the meeting on 31 October 2024.
3.2 As a matter arising, the Acting Principal provided an update on High Needs funding. Following negotiations, the Council had agreed an allocation of 158 students for 2025/26. This was below the current numbers but represented a significant increase. The College had made clear that any additional numbers above this would need to be fully funded.
3.3 Members of the Corporation received and approved the confidential minutes of the meeting on 31 October 2024.
3.4 Members of the Corporation received and approved the minutes of the Special meeting on 20 November 2024.
3.5 As a matter arising, governors queried why KPMG had increased its fees immediately after the meeting on 20 November. No mention had been made of this at that meeting or the Audit Committee on the day before. It was explained that KPMG had said this was to cover additional work related to going concern. Governors expressed disappointment that this had not been made clear to the Corporation when there was an opportunity to do and requested that the Director of Finance challenge this additional fee; a formal complaint could be made if necessary.
EDI annual report for 2023 / 24 and equality and diversity policy
4.1 The Head of inclusion presented the revised Equality and Diversity Policy. The following points were highlighted:
4.1.1 The policy set out the various roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders.
4.1.2 Impact measures were outlined.
4.2 The Head of Inclusion then presented the EDI Annual Report for 2023/24. The following points were highlighted.
4.2.1 The report demonstrated the College's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and highlighted the positive impact of its EDI initiatives on both students and staff.
4.2.2 Key initiatives during the year included significant support for students, including financial aid, additional learning support and mental health services. Several initiatives had involved staff including a pilot reciprocal mentoring scheme and career development consultations for Black staff. Networks for race equality, LGBTQ+ staff, and disabled staff has continued.
4.2.3 The College participated in national programmes including the Leaders Unlocked Racial Justice programme and various student enrichment activities, cultural events and international work experience programmes.
4.2.4 Future developments included a new Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) panel for 2024/25 involving staff and students which would act as a critical friend in reviewing EIAs for policy and strategy changes.
4.2.5 EDI was being integrated into the Deep Dive process for 2024/25.
4.2.6 Further work would take place on staff training including around inclusive language.
4.2.7 Student inductions were being reviewed to provide more focus on the College’s Values at the outset. Work would also be done to review the complaints process and make it more accessible.
4.3 Governors made the following comments and asked a number of questions including:
4.3.1 There had been a lot of input and positive outcomes. Was there one thing that needed more focus? The consistency of approach and making the most of good practice across the College.
4.3.2 How had the mentoring scheme gone? A pilot, supported by the Black Leadership Group, had been run with each member of the ELT partnered with a member of staff from a minority ethnic background. There had been good conversations and the scheme was being evaluated to see how it could be rolled out further.
4.3.3 Why was the KPI related to the achievement gap green? This was on the basis that there were small gaps and those gaps had reduced.
4.3.4 How did the College compare to others? This was not yet known although participation in Leaders Unlocked involving other colleges would provide access to comparative data.
4.3.5 How confident was the College that the different mechanisms to secure feedback enabled people to give honest feedback that would be acted on? Different approaches were used for different stakeholders. There were lots of ways to gather student feedback including surveys, discussions, Student Liaison Committee; new mechanisms were being introduced this year. Some people were more confident in giving feedback than others. Staff engagement was improving although there remained a small number of staff who could not be convinced that surveys were anonymous.
4.3.6 How would the approach to inclusive language be implemented and students involved? There would need to be work with students to explain inclusive language and what was acceptable. There was also work needed with staff to ensure a consistent approach.
4.3.7 How would the induction process be tailored to make students aware of the College Values? The Values were currently mentioned but there was variability in student perceptions of the induction process. This would be reviewed and tailored to make it relevant to different groups.
4.4 The Head of Inclusion reported that the College had recently undergone a Matrix reassessment which it had successfully passed and some positive feedback including on the college’s approach to inclusion.
4.5 Members of the Corporation:
4.5.1 Thanked the Head of Inclusion for the report and for her and colleagues’ work.
4.5.2 Noted the EDI Annual Report.
4.5.3 Approved the Equality and Diversity Policy.
Self-assessment report
5.1 The Director of Quality Improvement presented the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) for 2023/24. The following points were highlighted.
5.1.1 The SAR had been discussed by CSQI and changes had been made in response to comments.
5.1.2 The College was self-assessing as Good overall, with Good assessments in all areas except apprenticeships which was Requires Improvement.
5.1.3 Areas for improvement were highlighted and included formative assessment, personal development for adults, attendance and enhancement of QA systems to improve achievement rates.
5.1.4 The areas for improvement would underpin the Quality Improvement Plan, the deep dives and the performance review meetings.
5.2 The Chair of CSQI commented that it was important for the SAR to be accurate and clear about the quality of provision and for governors to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the College. It provided headline data but the detail below would feed into the QIP which would look at the root causes. The SAR was ambitious, valid and accurate. Staff had done a lot of work in a short time to reflect CSQI’s comments.
5.3 Governors asked the following questions:
5.3.1 CSQI had also discussed the future and how government funding and curriculum reform would shape curriculum options and impact on the Strategic Plan. While policy was settling down, there would be incremental change. It was important to get the basis right while policy was developing so that the College was in a strong position to respond.
5.3.2 Would there be some easy wins? There would be some.
5.3.3 How had the overall judgment been arrived at? Ofsted applied rules when it came to making judgments but proportionality was important. The College needed to be above national rates which it was in several areas.
5.4 Members of the Corporation approved the Self-Assessment report for 2023/24.
Operating statement progress report
6.1 The Acting Principal gave an update on progress with the Operating Statement. The following points were highlighted.
6.1.1 There had been good progress in respect of several of the KPIs.
6.1.2 Highlights included good enrolment for 16-18 students, positive outcomes from negotiations around High Needs funding and a successful EBS transformation project which had proved challenging but placed the College in a positive position for the future.
6.1.3 There was still work to do to raise 16-18 achievement rates.
6.1.4 Apprenticeship and particularly HE recruitment had impacted on the financial position.
6.1.5 The ability to make a pay award and the expectations about pay would continue to be an area of concern.
6.1.6 The ability to recruit some staff was also an ongoing issue although one that affected the whole sector.
6.2 Members noted the update on progress with the Operating Statement.
Audit committee annual report
7.1 Chair of the Audit Committee presented the Committee’s annual report. The following points were highlighted.
7.1.1 The approach taken was similar to previous years with internal audit provided by RSM and external audit by KPMG. No formal internal audit opinion was provided but the approach taken enabled the Committee to have more flexibility in its work and use the risk register and risk assurance map to identify areas of focus.
7.1.2 The Committee had a good and diverse range of skills and this helped to provide robust challenge.
7.1.3 2023/24 had been the first year of the new approach to risk management; this would be kept under review. The Committee had received a wide range of reports and reviews from across the College. It had reviewed the risk register at each meeting.
7.1.4 Assurance had been taken from the outcome of the work of internal and external audit, external reviews and management’s monitoring, review and challenge in ensuring the quality of data submitted to regulatory bodies. Auditors also provided insights and information to the Committee.
7.1.5 FE Commissioner reports and other benchmarking reports had been reviewed and provided assurance that the College was following good practice.
7.1.6 There had been a clean audit report with no management recommendations.
7.1.7 In view of the range of reviews and the assurance provided by the internal and external audits and the external reviews, and its own selfassessment, the Committee took that view that it had been given assurance of the adequacy and effectiveness of the College’s systems and arrangements for risk management, control and governance processes and, for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness and the safeguarding of assets.
7.2 Members of the Corporation thanked the Audit Committee for its work and the comprehensive report and noted and received the Audit Committee Annual Report.
Finance statements
8.1 The Director of Finance presented the Financial Statements for year ended 31 July 2024, the Audit Completion Report and the draft letter of representation. The following points were highlighted.
8.1.1 There were no changes to the management accounts since previously presented, other than that they now included pensions adjustments.
8.1.2 The results for the year showed £5.8 million more in income than the previous year. This has been a result of higher recruitment of adult students and apprentices but was mainly due additional funding for 1618 students and the additional DfE grant to fund a pay award.
8.1.3 Staff costs had increased because of the 6.5% pay award; this was not fully funded.
8.1.4 The two covenants for the year had been satisfied. Financial objectives relating to current ratio and cash days had been met; the objective relating to achieving an operating surplus had not been met.
8.1.5 The Audit Completion Report had been revised following a point raised at the F&GP meeting on 4 December relating to a post-balance sheet liability. The auditors had been informed but had confirmed there was no need to include this in the accounts. The Completion Report and the letter of representation had been revised to reflect this change.
8.2 The Chair noted that F&GP had discussed the Financial Statements and had highlighted the need to raise the post-balance sheet item to auditors.
8.3 Governors asked the following questions:
8.3.1 Whether the post-balance sheet item was a late development. It was and was affecting other colleges. The item in question was confidential at this stage.
8.3.2 Was this item ongoing? It was and would impact on this year. F&GP would be kept informed.
8.4 Members of the Corporation:
8.4.1 Approved the financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2024
8.4.2 Noted the Audit Completion report.
8.4.3 Approved the letter of representation for signature.
Finance report (period 3) and autumn reforecast
9.1 The Director of Finance presented the finance report (period 3) and autumn reforecast. The following points were highlighted.
9.1.1 The year to date result was an EBITDA surplus after restructuring costs of £970k compared to the budgeted surplus of £1,044k.
9.1.2 16-18 learner responsive learner numbers were above allocation by around 200 students, although there had been under recruitment to T level courses. This was expected to result in additional in year income and a cautious estimate of £550k had been included in the autumn reforecast.
9.1.3 Initial indications were that the College was on track to achieve its Adult Skills Fund (ASF) allocation.
9.1.4 Apprenticeship starts were slightly below target. An allowance of £100k for underperformance against the budget had been included in the autumn reforecast.
9.1.5 HE recruitment was below target and was expected to result in a decrease in tuition fee income of £395k.
9.1.6 An autumn reforecast had been undertaken. Key movements were outlined including growth funding for 16-18, reduced income for apprenticeships and HE, additional high needs funding and pay cost increases including a pay award and national minimum wage increase. Overall, the expected EBITDA surplus after restructuring costs had decreased by £255k, from a surplus of £2,277k to a surplus of £2,022k.
9.1.7 The College would meet its bank covenants and achieve a ‘good’ financial health rating, following the autumn reforecast.
9.2 The Chair confirmed that F&GP had reviewed the finance report in detail. It was still early in the year and so some of the assumptions were untested. The College wanted to achieve a good financial health rating, meet covenants and achieve a positive cash position. F&GP had been content that the accounts reflected the current position but noted there were assumptions which would be further tested at the spring reforecast.
9.3 Governors made a number of comments and asked the following questions:
9.3.1 The position looked positive, particularly when compared to this point last year. However, the additional liability could wipe out the surplus so the potential impact needed to be identified. Agreed.
9.3.2 How prudent was the budget; did it include positive assumptions about all the potential income? It was realistic but verging on cautious.
9.3.3 If there were additional hits, it would be important to take swift action which is what had happened over the past few years.
9.3.4 The Government was looking at more specialisation and collaboration between FE and HE; how did the College make sure its offer complemented the local offer? There were regular conversations with partners including FE and HE. Local colleges were agreeing to work collaboratively more to support any devolution plans.
9.4 Members of the Corporation noted the period 3 finance report.
9.5 Following discussion of the pay award (item 10), members approved the autumn reforecast.
All staff and students left the meeting
Robert Radford left the meeting
Pay awards - Confidential
staff and students left the meeting
Modern slavery transparency statement
11.1 The Director of Governance and Policy presented the Modern Slavery Act Transparency Statement. The following points were highlighted.
11.1.1 The College was required to publish a Transparency Statement.
11.1.2 There had been no reports of slavery or trafficking during the past year. The College had kept in touch with the local authority and other services.
11.1.3 Two new policies were referenced. Work would continue to review processes to ensure any issues were highlighted and reported.
11.1.4 The safeguarding training now included specific reference to modern slavery and human trafficking and alerted staff to the potential safeguarding risks.
Danielle Gillett and Tom Wilson left the meeting
Election of chair and vice chair
12.1 The Director of Governance and Policy introduced the supporting statements from the candidates for the positions of Chair and Vice Chair.
12.1.1 Danielle Gillett was standing for Chair.
12.1.2 Tom Wilson was standing for Vice Chair.
12.2 Members of the Corporation commented that they were supportive of both candidates. Both were to be commended on how they had fulfilled the roles. Given the current leadership position and the potential for change, continuity was important.
12.3 Members of the Corporation approved the appointment of Danielle Gillett as Chair and Tom Wilson as Vice Chair from 1 April 2025 for two year terms of office.
Danielle Gillett and Tom Wilson rejoined the meeting
Shabir Ismail, Sophie Strevens-Robinson and Kyle James left the meeting.
Leadership arrangements - Confidential
Pay Gaps
14.1 Members of the Corporation received and noted the Pay Gaps report.
Items from audit committee: Risk management update
15.1 Members of the Corporation received and noted the Risk Management Update.
Dates of future meetings #
30 January 2025
3 April 2025
6/7 June 2025 (Away Days)
3 July 2025