Glasgow and Lanarkshire college regions - regional strategic bodies review: consultation analysis

Next steps

This analysis has been presented to the Minister for Higher Education & Further Education; and Minster for Veterans, along with the Ministerial Submission.

Following that advice, the Minister has made the decision to:

• Dissolve the Glasgow Colleges’ Regional Board (GCRB), the Regional Strategic Body (RSB) for the Glasgow college region;
• No longer have New College Lanarkshire (NCL) designated as the RSB for the Lanarkshire college region; and
• Designate each of the Glasgow and Lanarkshire colleges as “regional colleges”

These actions will be taken to allow, subject to Parliamentary agreement, the changes to come into effect from Academic Year 2025/26.

The Scottish Government will continue to engage with the SFC, assigned colleges, RSB’s and other stakeholders will work together to explore best options for future collaborative arrangements in the regions.

This decision will also require a process to recruit and appoint a new Ministerially appointed Chair at each of the 5 colleges. The Scottish Government will seek to complete this recruitment within the timeframes required.