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www.sfcforum.org.uk
Annual Report 2011–2012
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There is no doubt that the academic year 2011/12 was the most demanding the sector has had to face since incorporation: significant reductions in funding, a new inspection regime, increased competition from other providers, changes to the curriculum, industrial action and in many areas, falling rolls.
As ever, Sixth Form Colleges have adapted to meet these challenges and continued to deliver an excellent experience for students and outstanding results. Against this background, the Forum has worked hard to support colleges collectively and individually and to influence policy to safeguard the future of colleges.
The revised committee structure and regional structures have strengthened communication and policy making and the Forum is now more ‘pro-active’ than ‘reactive’. The successful introduction of the SFBac has provided a formal demonstration of the depth
Welcome
Contents
SFCF Council and Committee Structure
2011/2012 — an overview
About SFCF 4
10
6
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and breadth of the typical Sixth Form College curriculum. All SFCF staff are now directly employed by the Forum and the team has been strengthened by the appointment of James Kewin as Deputy Chief Executive.
The lobbying efforts of the Forum have helped to secure significant amounts of capital funding for the sector. In addition, the commitment of three year full transitional protection when the new funding methodology is introduced is, in part, a result of extensive briefing on the impact the changes would have on SFCs by the Forum, Council members and
individual Principals and Governors. We have also succeeded in persuading Ofsted to move away from reliance on sector specific benchmarks when inspecting Sixth Form Colleges.
The Forum has made detailed responses to a large number of government consultations and continues to ensure the voice of the sector is heard. Sixth Form Colleges continue to ‘punch above their weight’ not only in influence but, as ever, in outcomes for students. The Forum has worked to increase press coverage of our sector culminating in an excellent article on A level results day
in The Times. The first wave of A level graduates from Rochdale SFC and AS students at Lowestoft SFC have demonstrated that new Sixth Form Colleges can have a hugely positive impact on education provision in their area. The next few years promise to be no less challenging than the last one but the Forum is well positioned to help the sector maintain its high reputation and continue to build on its success.
Our members
Representing, Promoting and Supporting Sixth Form Colleges in 2011/12
Financial report
12 20
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Jonathan Godfrey Chair of Council
David Igoe Chief Executive
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The Sixth Form Colleges’ Forum (SFCF) has been representing the interests of the sector since Sixth Form Colleges became independent corporations in 1993. Since that time, the role of SFCF has evolved considerably. While the main role of the Forum is still to negotiate national pay and conditions with the trade unions that represent teaching and support staff, the organisation has three other key functions:
• Representing Sixth Form Colleges: particularly in discussions and negotiations with officials from government departments and agencies.
• Promoting Sixth Form Colleges: to a wide range of stakeholders including the media, politicians and potential students.
• Supporting Sixth Form Colleges: on a range of issues (including HR, funding and industrial relations) through the provision of research, guidance and one to one advice.
About SFCF
Representing
Sixth Form Colleges
Promoting Supporting
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The Sixth Form Colleges’ Forum (SFCF) has been representing the interests of the sector since Sixth Form Colleges became independent corporations in 1993.
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SFCF Council and Committee Structure
The work of the Forum is guided by the SFCF Council that meets on a termly basis. Governors and Principals from all seven SFCF regions and the Roman Catholic Colleges are represented on the Council. A Finance and General Purposes Sub Committee of five Council members supports and monitors the work of the SFCF Executive in more detail. The Chairs of the Forum’s three Policy Committees are also co-opted members of the Council.
The work of the SFCF Executive is supported by three Policy Committees: Funding, Curriculum and Quality, and Governance.
Jonathan Godfrey (Chair) Principal Representative of the Midlands Region
Principal of Hereford Sixth Form College
Lynda Allen MBE (Vice-Chair)Governor Representative of the North West Region
Vice-Chair of Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College in Cheshire
David AdelmanPrincipal Representative of the South East Region
Principal of Godalming College in Surrey
Anthony AldridgeGovernor Representative of designated colleges
Vice Chair of St. Dominic’s Sixth Form College in Harrow, London
Michael Bonsier MBEGovernor Representative of the London Region
Chair of Coulsdon Sixth Form College in Croydon, London
Roger BrownGovernor Representative of the South West Region
Chair of Barton Peveril Sixth Form College in Eastleigh, Hampshire
Christina CassidyPrincipal Representative of the Greater Manchester Region
Principal of Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form College in Stockport
Mike FoxGovernor Representative of the North East Region
Chair of Franklin College in Grimsby
Peter FreemanGovernor Representative of the South East Region
Chair of Brighton Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College
David GoodletPrincipal Representative of the London Region
Principal of Coulsdon Sixth Form College in Croydon, London
Eileen HartleyGovernor Representative of the Midlands Region
Vice-Chair of Bilborough Sixth Form College in Nottingham
Peter MaynePrincipal Representative of the Eastern Region
Principal of Paston Sixth Form College in Norfolk
Full list of Council members:
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The work of the SFCF Executive is supported by three Policy Committees: Funding, Curriculum and Quality, and Governance. Representatives from each SFCF region are represented on each group. The Policy Committees are also a useful way of disseminating information and advice from the SFCF Executive to the regions. In addition, Network Groups that focus on specific issues meet on a regular basis.
During 2011/12 there were meetings of the International, Information Systems, Peer Review and Development, Human Resources and Finance Director Network Groups. Finally, a Negotiating Committee of Principals and Governors supports the SFCF Executive in taking forward the vital work of negotiating national pay and conditions with the trade unions that represent teaching and support staff.
Chris MorseGovernor Representative of the Eastern Region
Chair of Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge
Mo NisbetPrincipal Representative of the North East Region
Principal of Longley Park Sixth Form College in Sheffield
Rob PeacockPrincipal Representative of designated colleges
Principal of Carmel College in St Helens, Merseyside
Kathryn PodmorePrincipal Representative of the North West Region
Principal of Birkenhead Sixth Form College
David RosbottomGovernor Representative of the Greater Manchester Region
Chair of Winstanley College in Wigan
Alice WrightonPrincipal Representative of the South West Region
Principal of Richard Taunton Sixth Form College in Hampshire
Ian MacNaughtonCo-opted Council member
Chair of Funding Policy Committee and Principal of The Sixth Form College, Colchester
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Our members
All but two of the 94 designated Sixth Form Colleges in England are Full Members of the Forum. We also have four Associate Members. The map highlights the location of our Full Members in each of the Forum’s seven geographic regions. Our Roman Catholic Sixth Form Colleges are indicated by .
1 Alton College
2 Aquinas College
3 Ashton Sixth Form College
4 Barrow-in-Furness Sixth Form College
5 Barton Peveril Sixth Form College
6 Bexhill College
7 Bilborough College
8 Birkenhead Sixth Form College
9 Bolton Sixth Form College
10 Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College
11 BSix Brooke House Sixth Form College
12 Cadbury Sixth Form College
13 Cardinal Newman College
14 Carmel College
15 Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form College
16 Christ the King Sixth Form College
17 City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College
18 Coulsdon Sixth Form College
19 East Norfolk Sixth Form College
20 Esher College
21 Franklin College
22 Gateway Sixth Form College
23 Godalming College
24 Greenhead College
25 Hartlepool Sixth Form College
26 Havant Sixth Form College
27 Havering Sixth Form College
28 Hereford Sixth Form College
29 Hills Road Sixth Form College
30 Holy Cross College
31 Huddersfield New College
32 Itchen College
33 John Leggott College
34 Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College
35 King Edward VI College, Nuneaton
36 King Edward VI College, Stourbridge
37 King George V College
38 Leyton Sixth Form College
39 Long Road Sixth Form College
40 Longley Park Sixth Form College
41 Loreto College
42 Lowestoft Sixth Form College
43 Ludlow College
44 Luton Sixth Form College
45 NEW College, Pontefract
46 New College Telford
47 Newham Sixth Form College
48 Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College
49 Oldham Sixth Form College
50 Palmer’s College
51 Paston Sixth Form College
52 Peter Symonds College
53 Portsmouth College
54 Priestley College
55 Prior Pursglove College
56 Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College
57 Queen Mary’s College
58 Regent College
59 Reigate College
60 Richard Huish College
61 Richard Taunton Sixth Form College
62 Rochdale Sixth Form College
63 Saint Brendan’s Sixth Form College
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MidlandsEast
London
South EastSouth West
64 Saint Charles Catholic Sixth Form College
65 Saint Dominic’s Sixth Form College
66 Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College
67 Saint John Rigby College
68 Saint Mary’s College, Blackburn
69 Saint Vincent College
70 Scarborough Sixth Form College
71 Shrewsbury Sixth Form College
72 Sir George Monoux College
73 Sir John Deane’s College
74 Stockton Sixth Form College
75 Strode’s College
76 The Blackpool Sixth Form College
77 The College of Richard Collyer
78 The Henley College
79 The Sixth Form College, Colchester
80 The Sixth Form College Farnborough
81 The Sixth Form College, Solihull
82 Thomas Rotherham College
83 Totton College
84 Varndean College
85 Wilberforce Sixth Form College
86 Winstanley College
87 Woking College
88 Woodhouse College
89 Worcester Sixth Form College
90 Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College
91 Wyke Sixth Form College
92 Xaverian College
North East
North West
5625
74 55
4
76 13 68
37
30967
863
62411454 15 92
273
17
71 46
36 34 35
22
9058
12 8143
2889 29
39
79
5072 38
276564
7520
87
2378
68410
26
157
52
561
83
63
60
325369
59
66 1618
1147
88
44
7
8
49
4845 91
8240
3321
8524
32
51
19
42
77
80
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2011/2012 — an overview
SepSFCF Council meets to set priorities for 2011/12: funding issues feature heavily. Enrolment Survey finds Sixth Form College recruitment to be very flat. Competition from new providers, the withdrawal of the Education Maintenance Allowance and reduction of transport budgets have all had an impact.
OctSFCF submits responses to the 14-16 Qualification consultation, the Schools Funding consultation and the Implementation of the James review of Education Capital consultation. Department for Education publishes 16-19 Funding Formula and 16-19 Study Programmes consultations.
JanNational Union of Teachers confirm details of simultaneous ballots for discontinuous strike action directed at the Secretary of State and Sixth Form Colleges. SFCF corresponds with HM Treasury regarding longstanding VAT anomaly in Sixth Form Colleges. James Kewin appointed as SFCF Deputy Chief Executive.
FebPrivate meeting with Lord Hill to discuss ongoing issues facing Sixth Form Colleges and the absence of a level playing field in 16-18 education. SFCF meet with DfE officials to discuss tackling extremism in Sixth Form Colleges. Inaugural SFCF Clerks Conference warmly received by delegates.
MarSFCF mount a successful legal challenge to NUT strike action. A deal is agreed with the Copyright Licensing Agency to ensure all Sixth Form Colleges see a 5% reduction in their CLA fees. Three quarters of Sixth Form Colleges are represented at the SFCF Curriculum and Quality Conference held in Birmingham. Young People’s Learning Agency is dissolved and replaced by the Education Funding Agency.
AprSixth Form Colleges receive their capital allocations. SFCF meet with the Learning and Skills Improvement Service and agree to develop a ‘gateway’ to accompany their suite of learning materials for Governors that is currently under development. Meetings are also held with Ofsted to discuss Sixth Form College inspection benchmarks.
NovAt the SFCF AGM and Conference, Lord Hill announces measures to reduce the audit burden on Sixth Form Colleges and confirms that responsibility for agreeing Instruments and Articles and decisions regarding the formal closure of colleges will move from the Secretary of State to Governing Bodies.
DecYoung People’s Learning Agency publishes 16-19 Funding Statement for 2012-13. There is a welcome announcement on Capital Funding – £59 million is allocated to the Sixth Form College Building Condition Improvement Fund (BCIF) to address priority building condition needs and a Demographic Growth Capital Fund (DGCF) is also established.
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MaySFCF meet with recognised trade unions to review the position on industrial action and to plan a timetable for this year’s round of pay and conditions negotiations. Successful SFCF Information Systems Conference held in Birmingham.
JunGovernment outlines plans for the reform of A levels. Sixth Form Colleges receive notice of a ballot NUT is conducting as part of a joint campaign with NASUWT. SFCF Summer Conference held over three days in Liverpool: Lord Hill confirms changes to audit regime, Matthew Coffey from Ofsted announces important changes to inspection practices and two former students – Brandon Akem and Alex Kimber – tell delegates about the transformative effect of their Sixth Form College education.
JulThe Secretary of State for Education makes his eagerly anticipated statement on 16-19 funding and programme reform. A single funding rate per full time student will be introduced to fund a programme of study for around 600 guided learning hours. SFCF is invited to attend the Ministerial working group to guide the implementation of the reforms. Although transitional protection will be in place for three years, the reforms will have significant implications for many Sixth Form Colleges. Pay negotiations with teacher unions concluded – unfortunately no pay offer can be made this year.
AugA level results day sees many Sixth Form Colleges record their best ever results – several buck the national trend by increasing proportion of students gaining A or A*. The Times runs a full page article on Sixth Form Colleges drawing on the Sixth Sense report and research from the University of Southampton.
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Representing Sixth Form Colleges
• Young People’s Learning Agency Board
• National Improvement Partnership Board
• Forum of Sector Chief Executive Officers
• UCAS Management Board
• Supporting Professionalism in Admissions Steering Group
• Joint Skills Funding Agency/YPLA Funding Advisory Board
• FE Reform Advisory Board
• Skills Funding Agency Liaison Group
• Education Funding Agency Technical Funding Advisory Group
• Capital Reference Group
• FE Capital Reference Group
In this section of the report, we outline our achievements and successes in each of the three main areas of the Forum’s work (representing, promoting and supporting Sixth Form Colleges) during 2011-12.
In addition to representing Sixth Form Colleges in the annual negotiations on national pay and conditions with trade unions, the Forum represented the interests of Sixth Form Colleges at many other formal and informal meetings with politicians, government officials and stakeholders during 2011/12. Some of the key groups attended by Forum representatives are outlined below:
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We also submitted detailed responses to a wide range of consultations, including:
• Ofqual – A Level Reform
• Department for Education – Careers Guidance
• Ofsted – A Good Education for All
• Department for Education – The Establishment & Dissolution of SFCs
• Department for Education – Raising the Participation Age
• UCAS – Admissions Process Review
• Department for Education – 16-19 Funding Formula
• Department for Education – Study Programmes for 16-19 year olds
Despite the extremely challenging financial climate, the Forum scored some notable successes for Sixth Form Colleges during 2011/12. For example, we helped to secure significant amounts of capital funding for the sector. Sixth Form Colleges benefited from £59 million of investment through the Building Condition Improvement Fund during 2011/12. All Sixth Form Colleges received a small but useful Capital Maintenance Grant based on their lagged allocation figures and six Sixth Form Colleges received funding from the 16-19 Demographic Growth Fund to create accommodation for new learners. It was also announced that Sixth Form Colleges could access the PFI-funded Priority Schools Building Project Programme.
The provision of three year full transitional protection when the new funding methodology is introduced is, in part, a result of our work highlighting the potential impact that the funding changes could have on Sixth Form Colleges.
The Forum produced a Fair Funding for Sixth Form Colleges paper in September 2011 to kickstart the Funding Campaign for the year.
We commissioned two research papers during 2011-12: Success Rates and Inspection Outcomes, and Investigating Ofsted, to highlight the unintended consequences of relying on sector specific benchmarks when inspecting Sixth Form Colleges. We used this evidence to make representations to Ofsted and they have now agreed to compare the success rates of Sixth Form Colleges with those of other providers rather than simply against the Sixth Form College national average.
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Promoting Sixth Form Colleges
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SFCF in the newsWe have significantly increased our media presence during 2011/12. The TES featured several stories and quotes from the Forum, we have also appeared in FE Week for the first time and our online media presence has increased. Most significantly, we secured a major full page story in The Times on A Level results day.
‘Sixth-form colleges go into HE for first time’ TES, 21st March 2012
‘I’m not sure how many more cuts we can take’ TES, 22nd June 2012
‘Sixth-form colleges fear for their future’ FE Week, 29th June 2012
‘Ofsted promises level playing field’ TES, 29th June 2012
‘Sixth forms keep their money – for three years’ TES, 6th July 2012
‘Why sixth-form colleges go to the top of the class’ The Times, 16th August 2012
‘Hands off our good name, say colleges’ TES, 31st August 2012
‘Sixth Sense?’ Graduate Recruiter, August/September 2012
Sixth Sense A number of publications were produced during 2011/12 with the specific intention of promoting Sixth Form Colleges and highlighting the challenges they face. The most prominent of these was Sixth Sense: How Sixth Form Colleges help students progress to higher education and beyond.
The report was used by the Forum to raise the profile of Sixth Form Colleges with Members of Parliament as well as the media. Following the publication of the report, meetings were held with MPs from all parties. The report was mentioned in a Westminster Hall debate on Free School Meals, formed the basis of several parliamentary questions, and – despite its challenging conclusions – was warmly commended by Lord Hill, the Minister responsible for Sixth Form Colleges.
How Sixth Form Colleges help students progress to higher education and beyond
www.sfcforum.org.uk
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Supporting Sixth Form Colleges
A number of publications were produced during 2011/12 to support Sixth Form Colleges including:
• Enrolment Survey – October 2011
• Directory of Sixth Form Colleges – November 2011
• Sixth Form Colleges and Academies – March 2012
• Salaries and Numbers Survey – May 2012
• Working Time Arrangements Survey – May 2012
• Six Dimensions of Performance – June 2012
• Mini Sixth Sense report – August 2012
In addition, the termly newsletter on international issues Global View was circulated to all members. The International Network Group co-ordinated SFCF’s Student Award for International Understanding and supported the annual Model United Nations Conference for Sixth Form College students. Our Clerks Update was also relaunched this year and has proved to be a useful resource for all Sixth Form College Clerks and Governors.
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EventsThe Forum ran a series of conferences and workshops during 2011/12. A list of the main events is outlined below:
Sixth Form College Restructure and Re-organisation Workshops14th and 17th November 2011
AGM/Conference24th November 2011
Clerks Conference8th February 2012
First ever SFCF Clerks Conference. It was hailed as a great success by all those who attended.
All the information was relevant and well presented. It was also useful meeting other Clerks and hearing their experiences (Clerk to Corporation)
Thank-you for organising it- very worthwhile and I look forward to the next one (Clerk to Corporation)
Excellent opportunity to focus on Sixth Form Colleges, not available elsewhere (Clerk to Corporation)
Curriculum and Quality Conference14th March 2012
74% of all SFCs were represented at the conference.
Very interesting and relevant. Excellent opportunities for discussion throughout (Assistant Principal)
Excellent organisation of event as usual (Vice Principal)
Good to share ideas with colleagues and focus on current concerns/issues (Curriculum Manager)
Annual Employment Law Update10th May and 14th June 2012
Information Systems Conference17th May 2012
16-19 Summer Conference20th-22nd June 2012
79% of SFCs were represented at the event.
Stimulating debate on current issues and likely future policy, well chosen speakers (Principal)
It was very useful to meet with other Chairs and get a feel for the big issues that the sector is grappling with (Chair of Corporation)
My first SFCF conference which I really enjoyed, many thanks (Principal)
Being able to reflect and talk to colleagues about common issues was valuable… the workshops were excellent and there were some outstanding speakers (Principal)
One of the best conferences in years (Principal)
Skills Funding Agency and National Apprenticeship Service Workshop25th June 2012
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The Forum employs a dedicated Employment Issues Advisor who provides practical solutions to employment queries via telephone and email. The majority of queries (around 120 are dealt with each month) relate to employment issues arising from the interpretation of national guidance and agreements. During 2011/12 specific advice and guidance was also issued on three occasions of industrial action.
During 2011/12, four workshops were held on key employment topics including the annual employment law update. The annual survey of salaries was produced in house for the first time and we introduced the facility for colleges to validate the identity of Criminal Records Bureau applicants via the LEVEL 2 (Remote) specification. More than 1,000 CRB checks were processed on behalf of Sixth Form Colleges during the year.
Advice and support on employment issuesThe Forum is the custodian and primary source of advice on all matters relating to the Conditions of Service handbook for teaching staff (The Red Book) and for support staff (The Lilac Book) in Sixth Form Colleges. The Forum also conducts national negotiations with the recognised trade unions on pay and conditions for staff through its Teaching and Support Staff employers’ committees. The Forum can be approached for general advice and support on any matter relating to the recruitment and management of staff and on issues which arise from the legal framework which underpins the designated Sixth Form College sector.
Supporting Sixth Form Colleges
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The Sixth Form Baccalaureate (SFBac)The Sixth Form Baccalaureate (SFBac) is an overarching framework, created by SFCF, which incorporates the key elements of an all-round Sixth Form College education. The pilot of the SFBac project began in 2009 and 10 of the 12 validated colleges completed the pilot phase in 2011-12. Participating colleges remain very enthusiastic about the programme and plan to continue to offer the award to their students in 2012-13.
In April 2012 SFCF formed a partnership with the Trident group of Awarding Organisations to provide external quality assurance to the SFBac. Trident and the Forum are working together to raise the profile and currency of the award, particularly with higher education institutions, as this will be crucial to the growth and success of the project in the longer term.
Participating colleges remain very enthusiastic about the programme and plan to continue to offer the award to their students in 2012-13.
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Financial report
Income and expenditure account for the year ended 31 July 2012
2012 (£) 2011 (£)Turnover 871,375 867,399 Administration expenses (623,302) (796,907)
Operating Surplus 248,073 70,492 Interest receivable and similar income 740 —
Surplus On Ordinary Activities 248,813 70,492 Before Taxation Tax on surplus on ordinary activities (148) —
Surplus for the financial year 248,665 70,492
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Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2012
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on 8th October 2012.
J Godfrey Chair of Council
2012 (£) 2011 (£)Current Assets Debtors 22,922 80,418 Cash at bank 559,274 259,213
582,196 339,631
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (63,681) (69,781)
Net Current Assets 518,515 269,850
Net Assets 518,515 269,850
Capital And Reserves Other reserves 50,000 50,000 Income and expenditure account 468,515 219,850
518,515 269,850
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Financial report
Administration expenses 2012 (£) 2011 (£)
Staff salaries 277,539 174,548Staff national insurance 32,598 20,881Staff pension costs – 6,132 — money purchase schemesLGE contract 42,078 409,584Consultancy – Interim manager 3,206 15,869Accountancy fees 14,630 —Recruitment and relocation 4,025 —Staff training 1,000 1,655Miscellaneous and 20,659 40,768 administration costsChief Executive expenses 6,698 8,389Consultants 4,757 —Research 24,094 12,657Annual General Meeting and 49,834 59,492 conference expensesWorkshop costs 6,494 —Website costs 2,786 4,159Travelling and entertainment 77 2,844Trade subscriptions 510 108Printing, postage and stationery 10,723 6,664Legal and professional fees 1,377 460Auditors’ remuneration 1,900 1,850Bank charges 544 568Council members’ liability insurance 3,186 1,172LGMB contract 39,221 —Irrecoverable VAT 15,394 16,142Litigation provision 50,000 —Consultancy 3,091 18,828Sundry expenses 749 269
623,302 796,907
Turnover (£)
Member colleges’ subscriptions735,049 (2011: 708,321)
CRB checks income13,146 (2011: 16,126)
Workshop income9,036 (2011: 0)
LSIS income0 (2011: 44,500)
Consultancy and other income0 (2011: 2,917)
Annual General Meeting and conference income114,144 (2011: 95,535)
871,375
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Sixth Form Colleges’ Forum Local Government House Smith Square London SW1P 3HZTelephone 020 7187 7349 Web www.sfcforum.org.uk
