FAQs

• What has happened to TPI?

• Do colleges have sufficient funding to honour the pay deal?

• What are Qualified Lecturers under the new salary arrangements

What has happened to TPI?

The funding for TPI has not been withdrawn but is now consolidated into the main core funding of colleges. (All colleges should have received a 3.5% increase on core funding for 2003/4 to cover previous TPI expenditure and standards fund money for staff development.).

These means that colleges should continue to pay payments made under TPI in 2003/4 and consolidate into salaries. It is not acceptable to NATFHE that staff should loose payments make under TPI or that the funds are used for other non- pay purposes.

Do colleges have sufficient funding to honour the pay deal?

For a more detailed commentary on funding issues please see branch guidance (Word doc).

Throughout the negotiations both side recognised that a settlement could only be agreed on the basis that it was affordable to colleges. Since the deal was agreed by the trade unions however, some local employers are now claiming that there are insufficient funds for its full implementation. In general the concern focuses on year two of the deal involving the introduction of the new pay structure from 2004.

The government has stated that the vast majority of colleges will receive an increase of at least 2.5% plus inflation for 2004/5 and around 10% of colleges getting a premium funding increase of 3.5% plus inflation. Premium funds will be awarded on the basis of college performance (national criteria is currently being finalised). Colleges who are deemed not to have performed satisfactorily will only receive inflation increases but will be eligible for special funding to improve. It is estimated that up to 10 % may fall in this category.

At present NATFHE is of the view that there should be sufficient funds for the vast majority of colleges to implement the two-year deal. Colleges, under new proposals, will be funded on a 3-year basis with the threat of annual claw back removed, providing more stability for colleges.

As is so often the case the “devil is in the detail”. There are some colleges who state that they are continuing to face difficulties in 2003/4 - usually through local historical circumstance including claw back in previous years. NATFHE has indicated to both the AOC and local employers that in such circumstances that they should provide full financial details to the union and that we would make joint approaches to government to seek assistance. Notwithstanding this however, we expect that the payment of the deal should be seen as a priority for colleges.

NATFHE will also be discussing the funding situation later in December, at a specially convened meeting involving the AOC, DfES and LSC. More information will be available following this meeting.

What are Qualified Lecturers under the new salary arrangements

The only recognised qualifications for FE teachers are those endorsed by FENTO The requirement for all FE teachers to have or be enrolled on a programme leading to a FE teaching qualification is underpinned by regulations in the Statutory Instrument 2001/1209 - FE Teachers Qualifications (England) 2001.

New full-time teachers: or fractional teachers are expected to obtain a stage three full professional qualification within two to four years of the start date of the first suitable course to be considered qualified.

New part-time teachers: depends on role: A new part-time teacher in a stage three role would be expected to obtain a stage three full professional qualification or equivalent within four years of the start of the first suitable course. A stage two post to obtain a stage two intermediate qualification within four years and a stage one post a stage one qualification within two years of the start of the first suitable course.

Exceptions: those teaching HE programmes only. Those whose primary occupation is not teaching and who are employed by the college on temporary/occasional basis to provide current industrial/commercial practice. Temporary = up to one year. A succession of short term contracts doesn’t provide exemption.

Existing teachers: Continuing Professional Development of existing teachers is dependent on negotiations with the college. It is anticipated that unqualified existing teachers will obtain an appropriate teaching qualification

New full-time teachers: or fractional teachers are expected to obtain a stage three full professional qualification within two to four years of the start date of the first suitable course to be considered qualified.

New part-time teachers: depends on role: A new part-time teacher in a stage three role would be expected to obtain a stage three full professional qualification or equivalent within four years of the start of the first suitable course. A stage two post to obtain a stage two intermediate qualification within four years and a stage one post a stage one qualification within two years of the start of the first suitable course.

Exceptions: those teaching HE programmes only. Those whose primary occupation is not teaching and who are employed by the college on temporary/occasional basis to provide current industrial/commercial practice. Temporary = up to one year. A succession of short term contracts doesn’t provide exemption.

Existing teachers: Continuing Professional Development of existing teachers is dependent on negotiations with the college. It is anticipated that unqualified existing teachers will obtain an appropriate teaching qualification