College Employers Scotland (CES) has commissioned an independent expert to undertake research exploring how Scotland’s college workforce might evolve in a fast-changing world.

Dr Michael Smith, pictured, whose expertise spans assessment, practitioner research and technology across the post-16 and vocational education sectors, will help develop a positive case for workforce transformation, complementing the Scottish Government's College Sector of the Future project.

The commissioning comes at a time of significant challenge. Alongside rising staffing costs and funding pressures, colleges are dealing with public service reform, changing learner needs and the rapid spread of new technologies such as artificial intelligence. The Scottish Government has also signalled its ambition for colleges to diversify their income streams.

Dr Smith’s research will help identify practical options for workforce transformation and provide a robust evidence base, supporting colleges to remain financially sustainable and deliver the skills, training and knowledge required by Scotland's economy and communities.

Dr Smith, who previously spent more than a decade in senior leadership and quality assurance roles within large further education colleges, said: "Scotland's colleges play a vital role in the economy and in their communities, and that depends on the people who work in them.

“I'm pleased to be leading this independent research into the future of the college workforce, and I look forward to hearing from college leaders, staff and industry to produce evidence the whole sector can use."

Callum Chomczuk, CES Director, said: "This research will support colleges as they respond to future challenges, seize new opportunities, and serve learners, employers and communities. We also hope it will support pay and conditions negotiations with our trade union partners as part of a refreshed and strengthened National Bargaining process.

"We are delighted to commission Michael and look forward to engaging with colleges and partners across the sector as the work progresses."