Staff have 'no confidence' in Coventry college leaders after apprenticeships blowA number of staff at Coventry college say they have 'no confidence' in its leaders after a critical Ofsted report saw the college banned from taking on new apprentices.
UCU union members at the college claim it failed to act on 'red flags' regarding its apprenticeship provision before the inspection.
They claim staff morale is at an "all time low" with dozens having left or set to leave the college this year.
Union members are also concerned about possible damage to the college's reputation as a result of the January Ofsted report.
Inspectors graded the college 'Requires Improvement' overall and 'Inadequate' for apprenticeships.
Earlier this month, the college announced that around 150 apprentices are set to move to Warwickshire College Group (WCG) to finish their programmes.
A letter sent by the college's UCU branch to governors this week states the membership "no longer have confidence in the Chair of Governors or the College Principal."
This is "specifically because there was adequate time to avoid the reputational damage now suffered by the college," the letter says.
The vast majority of branch members backed the union's no confidence vote, sources told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
Principal Carol Thomas and Chair of Governors Adam Boddison have been given until 5pm on 20 March to respond to the vote.
Some college staff believe the loss of apprenticeships could have been averted if this area had been managed better over the past two years.
The UCU letter said: "It is the view of UCU members that ‘red flags’ were ignored by managers, indeed there were significant failings.
"Experienced, long serving staff left. Apprenticeships, particularly in construction suffered neglect and reported issues were ignored/unresolved."
An anonymous member of staff told the LDRS: "During this time the college has lost PSV, Hospitality and Catering, Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Engineering, Nursery and other great facilities.
"Sadly, management and staff have tried to highlight their concerns over the provision but unfortunately, concerns have never been addressed."
The source was critical of the decision to move apprentices to WCG, describing it as "ill-thought out" and saying it has left staff "extremely saddened."
"Members of staff are concerned and asking themselves what is next?" the source said.
"As you can well imagine staff morale and mental health and well-being are all being affected with the current concern."