Forth Valley College has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Stirling Centre for Strategic Learning and Innovation, creating a new partnership that will deliver high-quality skills, training and learning opportunities in Scotland and beyond.
The collaboration will focus on:
- Developing innovative curricula that reflect industry needs and emerging sectors
- Making the best use of shared assets, expertise and networks
- Creating transformative skills, training and learning experiences
- Securing funding to support sustainable partnership growth
- Building joint projects, research and applied learning initiatives
In addition, both institutions will work together to further promote Scotland as a destination for business tourism, transformational travel, academic and professional programmes, applied research, student recruitment, internships and work placements.
SCSLI is a global hub dedicated to equipping individuals, organisations, and nations with the insight and capability to navigate complexity with confidence and is rooted in Scotland’s proud tradition of bold discovery and foresight, it focuses on four interconnected pillars: Strategic Learning, Innovation, Futures & Foresight, and Business Excellence.
Through a unique blend of consultancy, executive and academic education, and leadership development, the Centre translates knowledge into meaningful action. Flagship programmes include the MSc in Strategic Learning and Innovation, the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Excellence and the Certified Organisational Learning Professional (COLP), all designed to prepare leaders and professionals to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Forth Valley College Principal Kenny MacInnes and Professor Alaa Garad, Founder of SCSLI, signed the MoU recently, and Professor Garad visited the Gallery Restaurant at FVC’s Stirling Campus to discuss future collaborations with Jamie Allan, the College’s Global Partnership Manager.
Professor Garad has over 24 years’ experience across higher education, industry and consultancy and is widely regarded as a leading authority in Quality Management and Organisational Learning. He has held senior leadership roles with Emirates Airlines, Union National Bank and Investors in People UAE, as well as academic posts at the University of Wollongong Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai and Abu Dhabi University.
Kenny MacInnes, Principal Forth Valley College, said: “We are excited to have signed this Memorandum of Understanding with the Stirling Centre for Strategic Learning and Innovation, and we are looking forward to working with them in the weeks and months to come to develop projects and opportunities, which will not just enhance Forth Valley College’s learning provision, but that of Scotland’s as a whole.”
Professor Alaa Garad, Founding Partner of the Stirling Centre for Strategic Learning and Innovation, said: "We are delighted to formalise our partnership with Forth Valley College, an institution that embodies excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to community and industry.
“This MoU represents more than a symbolic agreement - it is the beginning of a purposeful collaboration to strengthen the bridge between education, skills, and strategic learning. Together, we will co-create opportunities that empower individuals and organisations to navigate complexity, embrace innovation, and contribute meaningfully to Scotland’s economic and social future. At the Stirling Centre, our ethos is to move forward with confidence, and today’s partnership with Forth Valley College is a powerful step in that direction."
Jamie Allan, Global Partnership Manager of Forth Valley College, said:
"This agreement reflects our shared ambition to create meaningful opportunities for learners and employers, while showcasing Scotland’s strengths on the international stage. By combining our expertise and resources with SCSLI, we can deliver innovative programmes that have real impact."
The Centre’s global credibility is reflected in its partnerships: it is a Gold Member of the British Quality Foundation, a member of Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce and part of the Scottish International Development Alliance. It co-publishes the International Journal of Strategy and Organisational Learning (IJSOL) and is the custodian of the world’s first international BSI score-based standard on Organisational Learning. Its ethos is captured in the Gaelic motto: “Gluais gu misneachail!” (“Move forward with confidence!”).
The signing of this MoU builds on Forth Valley College’s growing reputation for international partnerships, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Scotland’s ambitions for skills, education and economic growth.
