Colleges: Tripartite Alignment Group meeting minutes: May 2026

Attendees and apologies

• Sara Grainger, Scottish Government
• Luise Siekman, Scottish Government
• Keira McCutcheon (Secretariat), Scottish Government
• Mark Hughes (Secretariat), Scottish Government
• Anna Feintuck, Scottish Government
• Jess Dolan, Scottish Government
• Tiff Ritchie, Scottish Funding Council
• Lynne Raeside, Scottish Funding Council
• Helen Cross, Scottish Funding Council
• Gavin Donoghue, Colleges Scotland 
• Andy Witty, Colleges Scotland 
• Angela Cox (Ayrshire College), Colleges Scotland 
• Alan Williamson (Edinburgh College), Colleges Scotland 
• Jim Metcalfe (Fife College), Colleges Scotland 
• Jon Vincent (Glasgow Clyde College), Colleges Scotland 
• Pete Smith (Borders College), Colleges Scotland 
• Katy Campbell, Student Awards Agency Scotland
• Zareena Dadachanji, Student Awards Agency Scotland

Items and actions

Note of last meeting

It was agreed that the Group are content with the note of the last meeting and this can now be published 

 

Budget/ SFC Allocations

CS reiterated that its members had warmly welcomed the 2026-27 budget settlement overall, while noting that individual college allocations were not all at the same level.
SFC recorded its thanks for the 2026–27 budget settlement and to SG colleagues for supporting a consistent message to senior stakeholders, noting this does not address all sector challenges and that a  long-term approach to funding issues must continue.
SFC recognised that the 2026–27 funding settlement supports stabilisation and aligns with the College Sector of the Future workstream, noting the need to demonstrate that investment delivers strong returns against government priorities.
SFC confirmed it is on track to publish allocations shortly, with the publication date to be confirmed.
SFC confirmed they are working with a number of colleges to develop early forecasts for financial forecast returns (FFRs) and noted importance of developing understanding of sustainability and liquidity. Unable to quote figures at the moment due to moving parts and risk of figures being used out of context. 
FFR guidance expected to be published in June.
CS noted that several colleges have been named in University Transformation Framework proposals (UTF), recognising the value of a system-wide view while acknowledging differing needs across institutions, and noting that colleges included in UTF bids have been equal partners in developing the proposals, so should be engaged before publication.
SFC confirmed the aim is to align thinking, considering cost-saving and innovation initiatives, including College Transformation Framework (CTF) and UTF.
SFC shared plans to present UTF-related material at its Board meeting next week and confirmed it is engaging with several universities to test and appropriately scale proposals, with colleges referenced in UTF bids to be notified in the coming weeks that these remain in progress.
There was recognition that these don’t address financial challenges being faced in the short term.

 

Invest to Save

SFC noted that the deadline was earlier this week and that discussions with the senior team are ongoing, acknowledging that the process carries risk. SFC intends to submit an application focused on the significant opportunities across the sector, welcoming further funding to explore transformation initiatives, while not proposing near-term cashable savings. 
CS agreed that near-term cashable savings are not feasible, and emphasised the need for a strategic, long-term approach to move colleges to a sustainable future position, with returns likely over at least five years.

 
Regional Partnerships 

An SG colleague from the Regional Economic Policy Unit provided an overview of the work and its links, noting eight existing regional partnerships at varying stages of maturity (with a map to follow). 
The work was endorsed by the FM last November. Legislation is anticipated as a key deliverable in the next Parliament, expected in 2028,  with consultation expected to launch in summer, subject to approval from the incoming Minister. 
TAG members are encouraged to contribute and share the consultation through wider networks. 

 

Future Framework for the Sustainability and Success of Scotland's Universities (FFSSSU) and College Sector of the Future Workstream 

SG provided an update on progress, communications, linkages and differences across the workstreams, noting they are at different stages. 
Concern was raised about the use of the term “efficiencies”, with the sector preferring a focus on “sustainability”. 
SG emphasised that nothing is off the table and that views are being sought widely, including from college staff, learners, student associations, trade unions and other stakeholders. 
CS highlighted the importance of considering future learners and noted that the FM has stressed the need to focus on the college sector’s economic and social contribution, particularly to the poverty agenda, with learners at the heart of the work. 
CS also stressed the importance of maintaining clear linkages between the two workstreams as they progress.

 

Financial Flexibilities update

SFC provided a high-level update to TAG on three key areas: refreshing the Financial Memorandum, comparing flexibilities across UK administrations, and supporting colleges with long-term investment. 
SFC will follow up with members on technical details and share more detailed papers, noting there are some short-term ‘quick wins’ to consider.

 

College Infrastructure Investment Plan (CIIP)

SFC confirmed that CIIP work is on track to meet the revised 12 June deadline, noting the need to develop the overall CIIP in a way that avoids overlap with the College Sector of the Future work. 
Drawing on information provided by colleges, work is ongoing to ensure CIIP features in briefings for incoming Ministers.

 

Fundamental Review of the Funding Model

SFC confirmed continued focus on priorities identified at the March workshop, noting that while the same team is currently finalising allocations, attention will then return to this work. 
Plans are in place to establish working groups around key areas of the paper, with careful consideration of how these align with existing structures. 
CS emphasised the importance of using established structures to avoid duplication.

 

AOB 

SG flagged recent FOI requests and confirmed the intention to publish all papers submitted to the Group going forward. 
CS requested a review of TAG membership with the incoming Minister. 
CS also asked for the distant islands allowance to be included as an agenda item at the next meeting to explore why colleges are currently excluded.