Damning report reveals ‘culture of fear’ at Hull College
INTERVENTION: Hull College
By Rick Lyon
Staff at Hull College raised concerns to investigators about being forced out at short notice for “non-compliance”, a damning report has revealed.
The FE Commissioner Intervention Summary report details a culture of fear, lack of leadership, falling student numbers and financial difficulties at the troubled college.
It follows an inspection by the FE Commissioner Richard Atkins and a team of three prompted by concerns raised about the management of the college, including a whistleblowing complaint in October 2019.
Although the report is dated November 2019, it has only just been published by the Department for Education (DfE).
It highlights:
Failings in leadership and governance, requiring urgent improvement
Concerns about the use of settlement agreements and confidentiality clauses to force staff out
A shortfall against budget targets because of declining student numbers
A “significant” challenge to improve the quality of education in English and maths
Under the heading, ‘Leadership and Management’, the report states: “Staff and managers who the FEC (FE Commissioner) team met commented that the college does not tolerate ‘non-compliance’. They raised concerns about speaking out for fear of being exited from the organisation at short notice.
“The use of settlement agreements and confidentiality clauses at the college seems to have eroded the trust and confidence of a number of staff and managers in the employment practices of the college (20 of these agreements have been implemented between March and August 2019).”
It goes on to say: “Overall leadership at the college at this point in time does not demonstrate the necessary capacity and capability to lead the college forward positively.
“Senior leaders are undertaking temporary, larger and, in some cases, multiple roles. Some managers are unclear about direction and accountabilities and feel that the compliance-led culture is not helpful or reflective of good performance management.
“Two-way communications need to improve so that staff feel engaged in the process.”
Under ‘Staff Views’, it states: “Many staff reported low morale amongst many of their colleagues and felt reluctant to voice their concerns to senior leaders because of a lack of trust.”
With specific reference to the college’s finances, the commissioner’s report highlights a significantly higher than budgeted spend on agency staff, whilst employee costs reduced by 24 per cent from 2016/17 to 2018/19 during a major restructuring programme called ‘Fresh Start’.
REPORT: Hull College has faced difficulties in recent years
Despite the college receiving a Government bailout of more than £50m in 2018, the report states: “The college’s underlying financial performance remains an area for improvement.
“Given the recent history of declining student numbers and the turbulent start to the 2019/20 academic year, positive enrolments and a successful start to the new academic year are critical milestones towards the college’s stability and long-term sustainability.”
Ofsted rated overall effectiveness of the college as ‘Requires Improvement’ in May 2019, with a grade of ‘Good’ for leadership and management and ‘Outstanding’ for 14-16 provision.
The commissioner’s inspection visits took place over October and November 2019, when Darryn Hedges was the acting principal and chief executive.
Michelle Swithenbank had been permanent principal and chief executive during the Fresh Start programme, which resulted in more than 300 job cuts. Her departure from the college was officially announced in December 2019.
Dafydd Williams, chair of governors, said that “no impropriety on the part of Michelle” had been found by a review of operational arrangements.
Tony Lewin took up the position of interim principal and chief executive on July 1 this year.
The Hull Story revealed in August that the college was facing more job losses under another restructure, including reducing the cost of “the management structure, support services and all other non-teaching roles”.
Requests for voluntary redundancy are being considered and some staff are being redeployed into vacant positions elsewhere at the college.
In addition to the job losses, the college is assessing the efficiency of its campus facilities and focusing on remote working and learning for students, according to an email sent to staff.
The Hull Story has approached Hull College for comment.
The full FE Commissioner Intervention Summary can be read here.