Adopting a publication scheme is a requirement of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. This Act promotes greater openness and accountability across the public sector by requiring all public authorities to make information available proactively, through a publication scheme. Public authorities are defined in the Act and include universities, further education colleges and sixth form colleges.

WHAT IS A PUBLICATION SCHEME?

This publication scheme describes the information Winstanley College publishes, or intends to publish. In this context, ‘publish’ means to make information available, routinely. The scheme is not a list of the actual publications, because this will change as new material is published or existing material revised. It is, however, Winstanley College’s commitment to make available the information described.  This publication scheme also makes clear how the information described can be accessed and whether or not charges will be made.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Winstanley College was incorporated on 1st April 1993 in response to the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (FHEA). A large sixth form college with over 1800 16-19 year olds enrolled, the College offers a wide range of AS and A level options.  There are also c50 students enrolled on a full time Art Foundation programme.  The College is located within the borough of Wigan near its borders with Lancashire and St Helens.  The Principal is Ms Jo Barker and the Chair of Governors is Mr David Rosbottom.  As with all staff, the Principal and Chair of Governors can be contacted through the College.

THE GOVERNING BODY

The Governing Body under its Articles of Government, in summary, is responsible for the financial solvency of the institution, the proper use of public funds and for ensuring effective management.  Governors are also responsible for the College’s Mission, its educational character and the quality of the service to its students and their welfare.  Information regarding the composition and work of the Governing Body, including the Code of Conduct for members of the Governing Body, can be accessed on the College’s website.  Minutes of Board and Committee meetings, excluding material that is properly considered to be confidential, are also available from the website.  

THE MANAGEMENT TEAM

Senior management at Winstanley College comprises the Principal and Vice-Principal (the Principalship) working with the Senior Management Team (SMT) as the key decision-making body.   The current post holders are:

Jo Barker Principal
Mel Chadwick Vice Principal
Conor Edwards Director of Finance & Estates
Brian Medley Assistant Principal: Curriculum
Elaine Mulroy Assistant Principal: Curriculum
Alan Willis Assistant Principal: Curriculum
Fran Pridham Assistant Principal: Student Services
George Hollowell Assistant Principal: Resources

STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS

Information relating to the operation and activities of the Student Union and other clubs, associations and non-academic activities that are organised for or by the students can be found both on the College’s website and in the annual prospectus which is available on request from the College or from Connexions offices.

THE COLLEGE’S FINANCES

The College produces a financial forecast for the Learning and Skills Council, a summary of which is available on the college website.  The College’s annual financial statements for the current and previous three years and the financial regulations are all also available on the website.  

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The Board of Governors is responsible for setting a framework for the terms and conditions of employment for all staff.  In effect, this means that teachers and support staff are employed in accordance with the nationally agreed terms and conditions of employment as negotiated between the recognised trades union and the Sixth Form Colleges Forum.  Senior Post Holders’ terms and conditions of employment are set by the Board of Governors

STRATEGIC PLANNING

The College’s Self Assessment Report is agreed with the Learning and Skills Council.  The summary plan and report can be accessed via the College’s website as can the students’ results and destinations for the last three years.  In addition the College’s 2004 and 2007 Ofsted reports can be accessed via Ofsted’s website on www.ofsted.gov.uk.  The College’s Annual Report is published at the end of the spring term and is available on the website as from April 09.

POLICIES AND PRACTICES

Current written protocols, policies and procedures for delivering our services and responsibilities are all available via the website including but not limited to:

• Equality and Diversity

• Health and Safety

• Estate management

• Complaints policies and procedures

Should any enquirer be unable to access the website, the College will provide the information in either electronic or paper form.  No charge will be made for information accessed via the website or via email.  Where appropriate, the College will expect printing and postage costs to be covered by the enquirer.

Contact should be made with George Hollowell (Assistant Principal) at the College.