Chair’s Report
Academic Year 2010-11 was yet another very busy and successful year for the College and its staff. The College exceeded its learning activity target set by the Scottish Funding Council, student enrolments remained high with the College educating nearly 21,000 individuals, and the number of students who have achieved a positive outcome for their course increased for both full-time and part-time learners.
The Board of Management continued to support the College's Senior Management Team in what were some difficult decisions for the short to medium term in managing reduced funding while seeking to continue the positive impact Aberdeen College has throughout the communities of the North East.
Actions, such as restructuring, voluntary severance and the review of business processes, taken throughout the academic year positioned the College well to respond to the upcoming Government reforms in relation to the governance and funding of colleges.
Continued development of the College's estates and facilities, such as the opening of a new construction facility at Altens, and the redevelopment of the Gallowgate Basement, continues to ensure that learners in the North East can benefit from not only a wide range of vocational training and further education but also have the opportunity to study in modern, up-to-date facilities.
Another area of focus during 2010-11 was the enhancement of partnerships with other public sector organisations (for example, Banff and Buchan College, Robert Gordon University, the University of Aberdeen and both Local Authorities). These partnerships continue to improve and increase progression opportunities for learners, and also allow the identification of opportunities to increase efficiency and remove duplication in the delivery of public services in the North East.
With its growing collaborations with both local universities and Banff and Buchan College, engagement activities with employers and the creation of the Business Solutions and Lifelong Learning Department, Aberdeen College will continue to play a key part in ensuring the future economic prosperity of the North East by providing comprehensive high quality further education. The College is also continuing to ensure a supply of graduands with relevant qualifications and essential skills to support business development and growth in the region.
Despite the many challenges faced throughout 2010-11, and those yet to occur, the commitment demonstrated by College staff, management and Board Members ensures that Aberdeen College will continue to demonstrate excellence in the delivery of further education in the North East.
Ken Millroy
Chair of the Board of Management