Scottish colleges have given a ”hands-off” message to ministers over worries they could lose £50 million a year.
A review of the way the further education sector is governed is under way, and part of its remit is to consider if colleges deliver an appropriate level of accountability given the amount of public funding they receive.
Umbrella body Scotland’s Colleges has told the review, chaired by Professor Russel Griggs, its members are worried their charitable status could be lost if ministers gain too much power over them.
Spokesman Graham Johnstone said: ”It is important that colleges remain autonomous and business-led, while being responsible and accountable to their stakeholders for their decisions and performance.
”Colleges work in partnership with the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council in providing skills for Scotland. While lines of accountability to government may be enhanced, we would be concerned if the power of ministerial direction were to be reintroduced, not least because we do not believe it is necessary, but also because it would potentially threaten charitable status.
”A loss to charitable status could result in further losses to college budgets of more than £50 million a year.”
The review is also considering the composition of colleges’ governing bodies and how they might be made more accountable. One possibility would be paying board members.