To ask the Minister for the Economy what engagement there has been between management, staff and trade unions in the six further education colleges to discuss and plan for the academic year ahead, to ensure the safe operation of colleges and the best outcomes for students and young people.

The Department has established an Advisory and Oversight Group to work collaboratively with the six Further Education (FE) Colleges, as well as the non-statutory training contractor sector, to prepare for the safe resumption of on-site educational delivery and related activity at all colleges and campuses. The Advisory and Oversight Group includes representatives from the Department for Economy, representatives from the FE Colleges and non-statutory training contractor sectors, and Advisors.

It is the Department’s priority that all learners should be enabled to succeed in, and complete, their respective courses, while maintaining their safety and their physical, mental and emotional well-being. In establishing this group, the Department recognises its responsibility to facilitate this by working collaboratively with the FE and non-statutory sectors, and by taking account of the sectors’ own skills and expertise in the design and delivery of vocational education. It also recognises that that these plans must be made with appropriate consultation with advisors and stakeholders, and that plans must be communicated clearly and in a timely fashion to ensure not only the safety, but the confidence, of all.

As key stakeholders, we recognise the importance of the full support and participation of the Trade Unions throughout this process. The Department is engaging regularly with all six Trade Unions, and they have also nominated a member from both the University and College Union and Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance to represent them on the Advisory and Oversight Group. The first meeting of the group was held on 9 June 2020

In addition to the engagement through the Advisory and Oversight Group, on 9 June 2020, the Committee for the Economy heard representations from the FE Colleges about a range of issues, including the challenges they face in the year ahead. The Department is committed to ensuring that the FE Colleges and non-statutory contractors are sufficiently supported as they prepare to resume safe operation of educational provision and are enabled to achieve the best outcomes possible for students and young people.