The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has approved funding to enable Forth Valley College and Edinburgh College to develop a Business Case examining the potential for greater collaboration between the two institutions.
The funding follows an announcement in June that the Boards of both colleges had agreed to explore whether stronger collaboration could deliver additional benefits for learners, staff, employers and their respective communities.
The Business Case represents an evidence-gathering stage of that process. No decisions have been made about future partnership arrangements.
Work will examine existing areas of collaboration between the colleges as well as opportunities to strengthen these further. Areas considered could include sharing expertise and aligning activity in key growth sectors, while recognising the distinct identity, strengths and local roots of each college.
Audrey Cumberford, Principal of Edinburgh College, said: “It’s great news that the SFC have recognised the potential of this project and our ambitions and have given us the backing to make progress with it. Along with the Scottish Government there is a clear appetite to explore reform in the sector and ensure that we have colleges that are fit for the future.
“I can’t wait to get the process underway and continue the dialogue with staff, students and stakeholders about the potential benefits collaboration between our two colleges could bring.”
Kenny MacInnes, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: “This funding enables us to undertake the detailed work needed to understand properly both the opportunities and implications of closer collaboration with Edinburgh College. Our priority is to ensure that any potential future proposals are supported by robust evidence and demonstrate clear benefits for learners, staff, employers and the communities we serve.
“Please be assured, that no decisions have been made about what any future arrangements might look like. Staff and student engagement will be central to the process, and we are committed to being open and keeping our college community informed as the work develops.”
The completed business case is expected in Spring 2027, at which point the Boards of both colleges will examine the findings and decide on whether both colleges will take further towards greater collaboration.
Tiffany Ritchie, Director of Finance at the Scottish Funding Council, said: “A willingness and ability to collaborate is one of the defining features of Scottish tertiary education.
“I’m delighted that as part of the Public Service Reform initiatives, we are supporting Forth Valley and Edinburgh Colleges to explore further areas for joint working and in a way that involves their entire college communities.
“I look forward to the outcome of this exploratory work and to seeing the benefits that could materialise from it.”
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