Managing the impact of funding cuts at RACC in 2010/11

RACC (Richmond Adult Community College) is bracing itself to manage an 8% cut in Government funding for in 2010/11 whilst managing a growth in student numbers as a result of increased demand due to the recession.  The 'outstanding' adult college based in Richmond and Twickenham has been working hard to avoid redundancies over the last two years but now has to make savings to achieve a balanced budget in 2010/11.

Christina Conroy OBE, Principal & Chief Executive said “We recognised last year that due to the state of public finances we would have to make cuts as a result of the reduction of Government funding over the next 3 years. 

We have worked with our staff to implement a pay and job freeze whilst increasing staff productivity. This has enabled us to protect jobs at the College during 2008 and 2009 however we now have no other alternative but to reduce the payroll. 

We currently employ around 140 full-time and 400 part-time staff at the College. Unfortunately we will have to implement around 12 compulsory redundancies mainly from our administrative services to have a balanced budget for 2010/11. Our goal is to protect frontline teaching jobs wherever possible so that the learner experience is protected.  I am currently consulting with staff on where these cuts should be made.  I feel saddened that the reduction of Government funds will have a direct effect on jobs at the College and what is so galling is that student demand for places is up as adults recognise the value of education and training during a recession.”