Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion Board Meeting Minutes - Thursday 3rd April 2025

Agenda item

Main discussion points

Action/decision

1

Meeting Governance

25/08/1.1

Apologies for absence and declarations of interests

Apologies for absence were received from Mrs Sharron Lusher and Mr Louis Dare (CSG Staff).

A declaration of interest was declared by Mr Mike Theodoulou in relation to the Green Skills Academy.  An associated organisation will shortly be commissioning the College to provide training in Green Skills. 

No further Declarations of Interest were received besides those already held by the Clerk to the Board.

25/08/1.2

Approval of the restricted CSG minutes of the last meeting: 20th February 2025

The Board CONFIRMED the RESTRICTED minutes of the Coleg Sir Gár Board meeting held on Thursday, 20th February 2024, as an accurate record.

25/08/1.3

Matters Relating to Coleg Ceredigion

Approval of the Restricted CC minutes of the last meeting: 20th February 2025

There were no matters relating to Coleg Ceredigion.

The Coleg Ceredigion Board CONFIRMED the RESTRICTED minutes of the Coleg Ceredigion Board meeting held on Thursday, 20th February 2025, as an accurate record

25/08/1.4

Matters arising and action points not covered elsewhere on the agenda.

• CC/CSG Board Rolling Action Plan

There were no matters arising.

All action points within the relevant timescale had been completed.

2

Matters for Discussion and/or Approval

25/09/2.1

Green Skills Academy Update

1. GSA Strategy
2. Website
3. Net Zero Skills Action Plan

The Board RECEIVED a presentation and information from Jemma Parsons (Head of Green Skills Academy).  It was NOTED:

• The purpose:  Promoting Sustainability, Developing Skills and Achieving Net Zero.
• Strategic Priorities: Green Education, Workforce development for a sustainable future, Research and Innovation and Wellbeing and Future Generations Focus.
• A growing skills gap was identified in this sector, especially renewables, which was initially targeted.  PLA funding was then utilised to form this provision, which has developed into the Green Skills Academy.
• Four main areas: upskilling in emerging technologies, skills for organisational net zero strategy, future workforce development and community engagement.
• Since 2021, the provision has widened significantly.  In 2023/2024, £1.3m of PLA funding was delivered nearly 1400 qualifications, with some being:
• 812 IEMA environmental sustainability, 105 retrofit, 49 repair and maintenance of older and traditional buildings, 37 domestic energy assessment, 157 renewables, 30 drone pilot, 113 plant for green infrastructure and 93 access to renewables.
• 2 projects within SPF funding.  The Arches (Gelli Aur Campus) and Green 24.
• The Arches will be the home of the Green Skills Academy, with £510k of funding secured for this project. It will showcase sustainability and provide purpose-built classrooms, aiming to be a regional hub.
• A documentary-style video on the development of the Arches is being developed to share the building’s journey and its use for future learning.
• Public sector IEMA delivered in 2024: 291 with Carmarthenshire County Council, 28 with Dyfed Powys Police, 122 through Coleg Sir Gâr and 28 with UWTSD.
• In 2024/2025 the Academy has already engaged with 764 learners through PLA funding and 400 through SPF transition funding.
• Another employability bid for SPF funding has been submitted to reskill people made unemployed or redundant.
• The Academy is developing a brand-new apprenticeship in energy management starting in August 2025 and will be one of the first colleges in Wales to do this.
• The College is asking learners their thoughts on climate change.  Four climate conversations have been held across the college in the past couple of months, funded by Wales Climate Week, to gain the thoughts of learners on sustainability.  This has been reported back to the Welsh Government and this information will help ensure that provision supports learners.

The Board were very pleased with the progress of the Green Skills Academy and commended all involved.  A question was asked if this was continuing.  It was NOTED that PLA funding will continue to fund, and the College is working with CCC and employers to help continue SPF funding from 2026.

A question was asked about the geographical area where businesses resided to be able to work with the Academy.  It was NOTED that although SPF is within Carmarthenshire, everything else is national.

A question was asked if the funding is all public funds, and if funding can be sourced elsewhere.  It was NOTED that the funding is currently from public sources, with the college working to try to gain commercial funding.  It was hoped that the new centre at Gelli Aur will help bring in funding options.

25/09/2.2

Principal’s Report

• Medr Strategic Plan

The Board RECEIVED and CONSIDERED the Principal’s Report.  It was NOTED:

• Overall, the WG has provided the FE Sector with £12m for funding in-year growth (CSG has just over £1M of this money due to over-recruitment beyond target), £15m for the Pay Award, £2m for Mental Health, and an additional £3.5m for EMA.
• There is some new, modest monies available for capital spending within the ALN portfolio - the College is currently looking at this for some minor works.
• The discussions around the WG funding National Insurance is still ongoing.  WG & UK to conclude in May 2025.
• The announcement of £1 learner bus travel costs to be implemented for under-21s from September 2025 as part of a learner travel pilot. There have been many discussions about how this affects different regions, as bus routes and regularity are important features in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.
• There will be a re-invention of the SEREN programme moving forward.  This is under development but will include a vocational strand and be piloted in some schools and FE institutions before rollout.
• The Regional Skills Partnerships have been asked to focus on the First Minister’s priorities, featuring jobs and growth. 50% of RSP funding will be against Growth, and this work will be monitored closely.
• Medr (Complaints & Office for Independent Adjudication (OIA): (Section 127))—New procedures are being consulted regarding the use of the OIA across the tertiary sector.
• The strategic plan was launched this month. The Operational plan is being developed for implementation in May / June 2025.
• Qualifications Wales - Many Principals (including CSG Principal) gave evidence to the Children’s and Young Persons Committee at the Welsh Government on 14-16 Qualifications.  A new Suite of 14-16 qualifications is now imminent with: -
• Wave 1 – main GCSEs – implemented September 2025 with completion in Summer 2027.
• Wave 2 – ‘new’ GCSEs – implemented September 2026 with completion in Summer 2028.
• Wave 3 – VCSEs / Skills Suite / Foundations with implementation September 2027 with completion in Summer 2029.
• The risk identified: What will the 900+ 14 to 16-year-olds that visit the College every week study in the future? Discussions are ongoing about this critical matter.
• NUS Cymru presented information highlighting four areas the NUS is currently working on: funding, transport, trans students, and international students. The NUS President stressed the importance of effective learner engagement and representation and discussed developing and implementing a Learner Engagement Code and Learner Protection Plan.
• The sector is currently engaging in a ‘Tackling Misogyny’ project between Wales and Canada. This follows the development of the MoU signed with Colleges Canada last year. Five Welsh colleges are involved, including Coleg Sir Gár, represented by Tom Snelgrove (Director of Learner Support).
• As the political elections loom, Colegau Cymru is starting to think about: Demonstrating the IMPACT of the sector socially, environmentally and economically, Engage with Medr and Welsh Government in relation to key strategic priorities, Developing and articulating a selection of asks (MANIFESTO), Respond to new challenges and opportunities and Increase financial sustainability whilst managing risk.
• Discussions have been held with Carmarthenshire County Council on
• ALN – positive recent meeting with staff in the county – progressing well.
• Planning together to create a pilot transition programme explicitly aimed at suitable learners (from a safety perspective) from PRUs across Carmarthenshire.
• Effectively have educated 800+ pupils in Carmarthenshire - highest in Wales. The College is looking to work with the Council on a transition programme for these learners.

A question was asked about plans to engage with candidates in relation to the forthcoming assembly elections in Wales.  It was NOTED that there was a two-layer approach. Firstly, Colegau Cymru are and will be lobbying on behalf of the sector, which is backed up by Principals attending cross-party meetings on various topics.  The College meets regularly with members of the Senedd, local authorities to discuss general education issues and plans and projects.

The Principal thanked the Vice-Chancellor for her support in the political landscape.

A comment was made suggesting that a briefing document on the College’s position in relation to the MIM and other projects be made available to governors so that all Governors and ambassadors of the College have the correct information should they be asked questions.  This was considered a good idea and could incorporate ColegauCymru information and a regional piece.

A question was asked about the financial impact that the learner’s transport change would have.  It was NOTED the College is having close conversations with transport in both Counties and this information will be brought to the next resources meeting.

25/09/2.3

CEO / Principal Position

The Board CONSIDERED the CEO/Principal position within the College following the recent announcement of the standing Principal’s decision to leave the post in January 2026.  It was NOTED:

• The Search and Governance Committee met to discuss the appointment process for the position.
• The S&G Committee felt that a small task and finish group working with the UWTSD and the Director of People and Culture was required to lead on this incorporating Governors with relevant skills and experience. The group is:
• Prof Elwen Evans (Vice-Chancellor, UWTSD)
• Sarah Clark (University Secretary, UWTSD)
• John Edge (Chair)
• Abigail Salini (Vice-Chair)
• Erica Cassin (Board Member)
• Sharron Lusher (Board Member)
• Rebecca Jones (Director of People and Culture)
• Abigail Salini and Erica Cassin have HR skills and experience, and Sharron Lusher has held an FE Principal position and has excellent knowledge of the sector.
• The Board will be kept up to date on developments throughout the appointment process.

25/09/2.7

Inspiring Skill Results

The Board RECEIVED and CONSIDERED information on Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion success at the Skills competitions.  It was NOTED:

• WorldSkills UK (WSUK) is a prestigious series of national skills competitions designed to raise the standards of technical education and vocational training across the UK.
• The WSUK competition cycle follows a structured pathway, beginning with regional and online qualifiers in April and continuing until June. Successful competitors then progress to training and development during the summer months, culminating in the National Finals each November.
• In November 2024, ten learners from Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion proudly represented Wales at the WSUK National Finals held in Manchester, competing across a diverse array of disciplines.
• The College learners won 7 gold medals, 8 silver medals, 8 bronze medals, with 33 highly commended and 2 best in region.
• Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion are once again demonstrating their unwavering commitment to skills excellence, with 82 learner entries submitted for the 2025 cycle of WorldSkills UK competitions.
• This year’s competition cycle presents a particularly exciting milestone, as the WorldSkills UK National Finals will be held in Wales from 25th to 28th November 2025. 

25/09/2.1

Green Skills Academy Update

1. GSA Strategy
2. Website
3. Net Zero Skills Action Plan

The Board RECEIVED a presentation and information from Jemma Parsons (Head of Green Skills Academy).  It was NOTED:

• The purpose:  Promoting Sustainability, Developing Skills and Achieving Net Zero.
• Strategic Priorities: Green Education, Workforce development for a sustainable future, Research and Innovation and Wellbeing and Future Generations Focus.
• A growing skills gap was identified in this sector, especially renewables, which was initially targeted.  PLA funding was then utilised to form this provision, which has developed into the Green Skills Academy.
• Four main areas: upskilling in emerging technologies, skills for organisational net zero strategy, future workforce development and community engagement.
• Since 2021, the provision has widened significantly.  In 2023/2024, £1.3m of PLA funding was delivered nearly 1400 qualifications, with some being:
• 812 IEMA environmental sustainability, 105 retrofit, 49 repair and maintenance of older and traditional buildings, 37 domestic energy assessment, 157 renewables, 30 drone pilot, 113 plant for green infrastructure and 93 access to renewables.
• 2 projects within SPF funding.  The Arches (Gelli Aur Campus) and Green 24.
• The Arches will be the home of the Green Skills Academy, with £510k of funding secured for this project. It will showcase sustainability and provide purpose-built classrooms, aiming to be a regional hub.
• A documentary-style video on the development of the Arches is being developed to share the building’s journey and its use for future learning.
• Public sector IEMA delivered in 2024: 291 with Carmarthenshire County Council, 28 with Dyfed Powys Police, 122 through Coleg Sir Gâr and 28 with UWTSD.
• In 2024/2025 the Academy has already engaged with 764 learners through PLA funding and 400 through SPF transition funding.
• Another employability bid for SPF funding has been submitted to reskill people made unemployed or redundant.
• The Academy is developing a brand-new apprenticeship in energy management starting in August 2025 and will be one of the first colleges in Wales to do this.
• The College is asking learners their thoughts on climate change.  Four climate conversations have been held across the college in the past couple of months, funded by Wales Climate Week, to gain the thoughts of learners on sustainability.  This has been reported back to the Welsh Government and this information will help ensure that provision supports learners.

The Board were very pleased with the progress of the Green Skills Academy and commended all involved.  A question was asked if this was continuing.  It was NOTED that PLA funding will continue to fund, and the College is working with CCC and employers to help continue SPF funding from 2026.

A question was asked about the geographical area where businesses resided to be able to work with the Academy.  It was NOTED that although SPF is within Carmarthenshire, everything else is national.

A question was asked if the funding is all public funds, and if funding can be sourced elsewhere.  It was NOTED that the funding is currently from public sources, with the college working to try to gain commercial funding.  It was hoped that the new centre at Gelli Aur will help bring in funding options.

25/09/2.2

Principal’s Report

• Medr Strategic Plan

The Board RECEIVED and CONSIDERED the Principal’s Report.  It was NOTED:

• Overall, the WG has provided the FE Sector with £12m for funding in-year growth (CSG has just over £1M of this money due to over-recruitment beyond target), £15m for the Pay Award, £2m for Mental Health, and an additional £3.5m for EMA.
• There is some new, modest monies available for capital spending within the ALN portfolio - the College is currently looking at this for some minor works.
• The discussions around the WG funding National Insurance is still ongoing.  WG & UK to conclude in May 2025.
• The announcement of £1 learner bus travel costs to be implemented for under-21s from September 2025 as part of a learner travel pilot. There have been many discussions about how this affects different regions, as bus routes and regularity are important features in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.
• There will be a re-invention of the SEREN programme moving forward.  This is under development but will include a vocational strand and be piloted in some schools and FE institutions before rollout.
• The Regional Skills Partnerships have been asked to focus on the First Minister’s priorities, featuring jobs and growth. 50% of RSP funding will be against Growth, and this work will be monitored closely.
• Medr (Complaints & Office for Independent Adjudication (OIA): (Section 127))—New procedures are being consulted regarding the use of the OIA across the tertiary sector.
• The strategic plan was launched this month. The Operational plan is being developed for implementation in May / June 2025.
• Qualifications Wales - Many Principals (including CSG Principal) gave evidence to the Children’s and Young Persons Committee at the Welsh Government on 14-16 Qualifications.  A new Suite of 14-16 qualifications is now imminent with: -
• Wave 1 – main GCSEs – implemented September 2025 with completion in Summer 2027.
• Wave 2 – ‘new’ GCSEs – implemented September 2026 with completion in Summer 2028.
• Wave 3 – VCSEs / Skills Suite / Foundations with implementation September 2027 with completion in Summer 2029.
• The risk identified: What will the 900+ 14 to 16-year-olds that visit the College every week study in the future? Discussions are ongoing about this critical matter.
• NUS Cymru presented information highlighting four areas the NUS is currently working on: funding, transport, trans students, and international students. The NUS President stressed the importance of effective learner engagement and representation and discussed developing and implementing a Learner Engagement Code and Learner Protection Plan.
• The sector is currently engaging in a ‘Tackling Misogyny’ project between Wales and Canada. This follows the development of the MoU signed with Colleges Canada last year. Five Welsh colleges are involved, including Coleg Sir Gár, represented by Tom Snelgrove (Director of Learner Support).
• As the political elections loom, Colegau Cymru is starting to think about: Demonstrating the IMPACT of the sector socially, environmentally and economically, Engage with Medr and Welsh Government in relation to key strategic priorities, Developing and articulating a selection of asks (MANIFESTO), Respond to new challenges and opportunities and Increase financial sustainability whilst managing risk.
• Discussions have been held with Carmarthenshire County Council on
• ALN – positive recent meeting with staff in the county – progressing well.
• Planning together to create a pilot transition programme explicitly aimed at suitable learners (from a safety perspective) from PRUs across Carmarthenshire.
• Effectively have educated 800+ pupils in Carmarthenshire - highest in Wales. The College is looking to work with the Council on a transition programme for these learners.

A question was asked about plans to engage with candidates in relation to the forthcoming assembly elections in Wales.  It was NOTED that there was a two-layer approach. Firstly, Colegau Cymru are and will be lobbying on behalf of the sector, which is backed up by Principals attending cross-party meetings on various topics.  The College meets regularly with members of the Senedd, local authorities to discuss general education issues and plans and projects.

The Principal thanked the Vice-Chancellor for her support in the political landscape.

A comment was made suggesting that a briefing document on the College’s position in relation to the MIM and other projects be made available to governors so that all Governors and ambassadors of the College have the correct information should they be asked questions.  This was considered a good idea and could incorporate ColegauCymru information and a regional piece.

A question was asked about the financial impact that the learner’s transport change would have.  It was NOTED the College is having close conversations with transport in both Counties and this information will be brought to the next resources meeting.

25/09/2.3

CEO / Principal Position

The Board CONSIDERED the CEO/Principal position within the College following the recent announcement of the standing Principal’s decision to leave the post in January 2026.  It was NOTED:

• The Search and Governance Committee met to discuss the appointment process for the position.
• The S&G Committee felt that a small task and finish group working with the UWTSD and the Director of People and Culture was required to lead on this incorporating Governors with relevant skills and experience. The group is:
• Prof Elwen Evans (Vice-Chancellor, UWTSD)
• Sarah Clark (University Secretary, UWTSD)
• John Edge (Chair)
• Abigail Salini (Vice-Chair)
• Erica Cassin (Board Member)
• Sharron Lusher (Board Member)
• Rebecca Jones (Director of People and Culture)
• Abigail Salini and Erica Cassin have HR skills and experience, and Sharron Lusher has held an FE Principal position and has excellent knowledge of the sector.
• The Board will be kept up to date on developments throughout the appointment process.

25/09/2.7

Inspiring Skill Results

The Board RECEIVED and CONSIDERED information on Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion success at the Skills competitions.  It was NOTED:

• WorldSkills UK (WSUK) is a prestigious series of national skills competitions designed to raise the standards of technical education and vocational training across the UK.
• The WSUK competition cycle follows a structured pathway, beginning with regional and online qualifiers in April and continuing until June. Successful competitors then progress to training and development during the summer months, culminating in the National Finals each November.
• In November 2024, ten learners from Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion proudly represented Wales at the WSUK National Finals held in Manchester, competing across a diverse array of disciplines.
• The College learners won 7 gold medals, 8 silver medals, 8 bronze medals, with 33 highly commended and 2 best in region.
• Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion are once again demonstrating their unwavering commitment to skills excellence, with 82 learner entries submitted for the 2025 cycle of WorldSkills UK competitions.
• This year’s competition cycle presents a particularly exciting milestone, as the WorldSkills UK National Finals will be held in Wales from 25th to 28th November 2025. 

25/09/2.1

Green Skills Academy Update

1. GSA Strategy
2. Website
3. Net Zero Skills Action Plan

The Board RECEIVED a presentation and information from Jemma Parsons (Head of Green Skills Academy).  It was NOTED:

• The purpose:  Promoting Sustainability, Developing Skills and Achieving Net Zero.
• Strategic Priorities: Green Education, Workforce development for a sustainable future, Research and Innovation and Wellbeing and Future Generations Focus.
• A growing skills gap was identified in this sector, especially renewables, which was initially targeted.  PLA funding was then utilised to form this provision, which has developed into the Green Skills Academy.
• Four main areas: upskilling in emerging technologies, skills for organisational net zero strategy, future workforce development and community engagement.
• Since 2021, the provision has widened significantly.  In 2023/2024, £1.3m of PLA funding was delivered nearly 1400 qualifications, with some being:
• 812 IEMA environmental sustainability, 105 retrofit, 49 repair and maintenance of older and traditional buildings, 37 domestic energy assessment, 157 renewables, 30 drone pilot, 113 plant for green infrastructure and 93 access to renewables.
• 2 projects within SPF funding.  The Arches (Gelli Aur Campus) and Green 24.
• The Arches will be the home of the Green Skills Academy, with £510k of funding secured for this project. It will showcase sustainability and provide purpose-built classrooms, aiming to be a regional hub.
• A documentary-style video on the development of the Arches is being developed to share the building’s journey and its use for future learning.
• Public sector IEMA delivered in 2024: 291 with Carmarthenshire County Council, 28 with Dyfed Powys Police, 122 through Coleg Sir Gâr and 28 with UWTSD.
• In 2024/2025 the Academy has already engaged with 764 learners through PLA funding and 400 through SPF transition funding.
• Another employability bid for SPF funding has been submitted to reskill people made unemployed or redundant.
• The Academy is developing a brand-new apprenticeship in energy management starting in August 2025 and will be one of the first colleges in Wales to do this.
• The College is asking learners their thoughts on climate change.  Four climate conversations have been held across the college in the past couple of months, funded by Wales Climate Week, to gain the thoughts of learners on sustainability.  This has been reported back to the Welsh Government and this information will help ensure that provision supports learners.

The Board were very pleased with the progress of the Green Skills Academy and commended all involved.  A question was asked if this was continuing.  It was NOTED that PLA funding will continue to fund, and the College is working with CCC and employers to help continue SPF funding from 2026.

A question was asked about the geographical area where businesses resided to be able to work with the Academy.  It was NOTED that although SPF is within Carmarthenshire, everything else is national.

A question was asked if the funding is all public funds, and if funding can be sourced elsewhere.  It was NOTED that the funding is currently from public sources, with the college working to try to gain commercial funding.  It was hoped that the new centre at Gelli Aur will help bring in funding options.

3

Matters for Approval*

25/10/3.1

There were no matters for approval.

4

Matters for Information**

25/11/4.1

Committee Report of the Learners & Standards Committee meeting held on 30 January 2025

25/11/4.2

Committee Report of the Resources, Resilience & Partnerships Committee meeting held on 6 February 2025

25/11/4.3

Committee Report of the Audit & Risk Management Committee meeting held on 20 February 2025

25/11/4.4

Committee Report of the Search and Governance Committee meeting held on 20 March 2025

25/11/4.5

EXTRACTS from the Minutes of the UWTSD Council meeting held on Thursday 11 July 2024 (i) UWTSD Council (ii) Restricted UWTSD Council  (iii) Joint Council

25/11/4.6

EXTRACTS from the Minutes of the

UWTSD Council meeting held on Tuesday 26 September 2024

(i) UWTSD Council

(ii) Restricted UWTSD Council

25/11/4.7

EXTRACTS from the Minutes of the

UWTSD Council meeting held on Thursday 28 November 2024

(i) UWTSD Council

(ii) Restricted UWTSD Council

25/11/4.8

Board Skills Data

1. Board Skills and Experience Data 2025 Overview

25/11/4.9

June Board Meeting Cardigan

1. 24/25 Calendar of Meetings

5

Any Other Business

6

Declarations of Interest

25/13/6.1

To confirm any conflicts of interest that may have arisen during the meeting.

No further Declarations of Interest were received during the meeting.

7

Date of the next meeting

25/14/7.1

Date of the next meeting

Thursday 26th June 2025

Meeting Governance

25/01/1.1

Apologies for absence and declarations of interests

No apologies for absence were received.

No further Declarations of Interest were received besides those already held by the Clerk to the Board.

25/01/1.2

Approval of the restricted CSG minutes of the last meeting: 12th December 2024

25/01/1.3

Matters arising and action points not covered elsewhere on the agenda.

• CC/CSG Board Rolling Action Plan

There were no matters arising.

All action points within the relevant timescale had been completed.

Matters for Discussion and/or Approval

25/02/2.2

Principal’s Report

• Medr Strategic Plan

The Board RECEIVED and CONSIDERED the Principal’s Report.  It was NOTED:

• Overall, the WG has provided the FE Sector with £12m for funding in-year growth (CSG has just over £1M of this money due to over-recruitment beyond target), £15m for the Pay Award, £2m for Mental Health, and an additional £3.5m for EMA.
• There is some new, modest monies available for capital spending within the ALN portfolio - the College is currently looking at this for some minor works.
• The discussions around the WG funding National Insurance is still ongoing.  WG & UK to conclude in May 2025.
• The announcement of £1 learner bus travel costs to be implemented for under-21s from September 2025 as part of a learner travel pilot. There have been many discussions about how this affects different regions, as bus routes and regularity are important features in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.
• There will be a re-invention of the SEREN programme moving forward.   This is under development but will include a vocational strand and be piloted in some schools and FE institutions before rollout.
• The Regional Skills Partnerships have been asked to focus on the First Minister’s priorities, featuring jobs and growth. 50% of RSP funding will be against Growth, and this work will be monitored closely.
• Medr (Complaints & Office for Independent Adjudication (OIA): (Section 127))—New procedures are being consulted regarding the use of the OIA across the tertiary sector.
• The strategic plan was launched this month. The Operational plan is being developed for implementation in May / June 2025.
• Qualifications Wales - Many Principals (including CSG Principal) gave evidence to the Children’s and Young Persons Committee at the Welsh Government on 14-16 Qualifications.  A new Suite of 14-16 qualifications is now imminent with: -
• Wave 1 – main GCSEs – implemented September 2025 with completion in Summer 2027.
• Wave 2 – ‘new’ GCSEs – implemented September 2026 with completion in Summer 2028.
• Wave 3 – VCSEs / Skills Suite / Foundations with implementation September 2027 with completion in Summer 2029.
• The risk identified: What will the 900+ 14 to 16-year-olds that visit the College every week study in the future? Discussions are ongoing about this critical matter.
• NUS Cymru presented information highlighting four areas the NUS is currently working on: funding, transport, trans students, and international students. The NUS President stressed the importance of effective learner engagement and representation and discussed developing and implementing a Learner Engagement Code and Learner Protection Plan.
• The sector is currently engaging in a ‘Tackling Misogyny’ project between Wales and Canada. This follows the development of the MoU signed with Colleges Canada last year. Five Welsh colleges are involved, including Coleg Sir Gâr, represented by Tom Snelgrove (Director of Learner Support).
• As the political elections loom, Colegau Cymru is starting to think about: Demonstrating the IMPACT of the sector socially, environmentally and economically, Engage with Medr and Welsh Government in relation to key strategic priorities, Developing and articulating a selection of asks (MANIFESTO), Respond to new challenges and opportunities and Increase financial sustainability whilst managing risk.

A question was asked about plans to engage with candidates in relation to the forthcoming assembly elections in Wales.  It was NOTED that there was a two-layer approach. Firstly, Colegau Cymru are and will be lobbying on behalf of the sector, which is backed up by Principals attending cross-party meetings on various topics.  The College meets regularly with members of the Senedd, local authorities to discuss general education issues and plans and projects.

The Principal thanked the Vice-Chancellor for her support in the political landscape.

A comment was made suggesting that a briefing document on the College’s position in relation to the MIM and other projects be made available to governors so that all Governors and ambassadors of the College have the correct information should they be asked questions.  This was considered a good idea and could incorporate ColegauCymru information and a regional piece.

A question was asked about the financial impact that the learner’s transport change would have.  It was NOTED the College is having close conversations with transport in both Counties and this information will be brought to the next resources meeting.

25/02/2.3

CEO / Principal Position

The Board CONSIDERED the CEO/Principal position within the College following the recent announcement of the standing Principal’s decision to leave the post in January 2026.  It was NOTED:

• The Search and Governance Committee met to discuss the appointment process for the position.
• The S&G Committee felt that a small task and finish group working with the UWTSD and the Director of People and Culture was required to lead on this incorporating Governors with relevant skills and experience. The group is:
• Prof Elwen Evans (Vice-Chancellor, UWTSD)
• Sarah Clark (University Secretary, UWTSD)
• John Edge (Chair)
• Abigail Salini (Vice-Chair)
• Erica Cassin (Board Member)
• Sharron Lusher (Board Member)
• Rebecca Jones (Director of People and Culture)
• Abigail Salini and Erica Cassin have HR skills and experience, and Sharron Lusher has held an FE Principal position and has excellent knowledge of the sector.
• The Board will be kept up to date on developments throughout the appointment process.

25/02/2.7

Inspiring Skill Results

The Board RECEIVED and CONSIDERED information on Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion success at the Skills competitions.  It was NOTED:

• WorldSkills UK (WSUK) is a prestigious series of national skills competitions designed to raise the standards of technical education and vocational training across the UK.
• The WSUK competition cycle follows a structured pathway, beginning with regional and online qualifiers in April and continuing until June. Successful competitors then progress to training and development during the summer months, culminating in the National Finals each November.
• In November 2024, ten learners from Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion proudly represented Wales at the WSUK National Finals held in Manchester, competing across a diverse array of disciplines.
• The College learners won 7 gold medals, 8 silver medals, 8 bronze medals, with 33 highly commended and 2 best in region.
• Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion are once again demonstrating their unwavering commitment to skills excellence, with 82 learner entries submitted for the 2025 cycle of WorldSkills UK competitions.
• This year’s competition cycle presents a particularly exciting milestone, as the WorldSkills UK National Finals will be held in Wales from 25th to 28th November 2025. 
•  

Matters for Approval*

Matters for Information**

25/04/4.1

Committee Report of the Learners & Standards Committee meeting held on 30 January 2025

25/04/4.2

Committee Report of the Resources, Resilience & Partnerships Committee meeting held on 6 February 2025

25/04/4.3

Committee Report of the Audit & Risk Management Committee meeting held on 20 February 2025

25/04/4.4

Committee Report of the Search and Governance Committee meeting held on 20 March 2025

25/04/4.5

EXTRACTS from the Minutes of the UWTSD Council meeting held on Thursday 11 July 2024

(i) UWTSD Council (ii) Restricted UWTSD Council  (iii) Joint Council

25/04/4.6

EXTRACTS from the Minutes of the UWTSD Council meeting held on Tuesday 26 September 2024 (i) UWTSD Council (ii) Restricted UWTSD Council

25/04/4.7

EXTRACTS from the Minutes of the UWTSD Council meeting held on Thursday 28 November 2024 (i) UWTSD Council (ii) Restricted UWTSD Council

25/04/4.8

Board Skills Data

1. Board Skills and Experience Data 2025 Overview

25/04/4.9

June Board Meeting Cardigan

1. 24/25 Calendar of Meetings

Any Other Business

25/05/5.1

Declarations of Interest

25/06/6.1

To confirm any conflicts of interest that may have arisen during the meeting.

Date of the next meeting

25/07/7.1

Date of the next meeting

Thursday 26th June 2025