Jobs axe looming at Stafford College
Jobs could be at risk at Stafford College after bosses announced a review was under way ahead of expected funding cuts.
Staff were informed yesterday that the college was now analysing the way it is operated in the face of an anticipated drop in funding from September, and that some posts were under review.
A 30-day consultation period is under way for employees and unions to have their say.
No redundancies have been announced at this stage but a college spokesman confirmed more details would be announced after the consultation. Bosses have confirmed that there could be a possibility of job losses.
Principal Beverly Smith, said: "Our transformation will allow the college to be more efficient and gives us the opportunity to continue to improve and meet the needs of our stakeholders.
"The college is moving forward on its journey to outstanding and we are closer than ever in the past four years.
"The process will give us the opportunity to be agile and responsive within the further education sector which is rapidly changing.
"We must transform so we are sustainable for the future and continue to provide an outstanding service for students, employers and the community for the long term benefit of Stafford."
Since September 19 full-time workers, 11 part-time staff and 16 sessional employees have handed their notice in but the college insist this was 'business as normal' and part of 'natural staffing workflows'. The college claimed it's in-year staff turnover was under nine per cent and had more than halved compared to the previous year. A former-employee who did not want to be named has contacted the Express & Star in recent days to express fears for the college's future.
They said: "It's undeliverable the way the college is been run now."
In November Ofsted inspectors concluded that Stafford College 'required improvement' in the three key areas including 'effectiveness of leadership and management'.
In the subsequent report lead inspector Stephen Hunsley said: "Governors and senior leaders have not acted quickly enough since the previous inspection to implement the improvements required to become a good college."
