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STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS


1997 No. 1772 (N.I. 15)

NORTHERN IRELAND

The Further Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997

  Made 22nd July 1997 
  Coming into operation in accordance with Article 1(2) and (3)


ARRANGEMENT OF ORDER

Introductory
1. Title and commencement.
2. Interpretation.
3. Definition of "further education".
Duties and powers of the Department
4. Powers of Department in relation to further education.
5. Funding of further education.
6. Establishment of new institution of further education.
7. Amalgamations of institutions of further education.
8. Recognition of institutions of further education.
9. Discontinuance of institution of further education.
Transfer of management of institutions of further education
10. Transfer of management of institutions of further education from boards to incorporated governing bodies.
Governing bodies - constitution, etc.
11. Constitution of governing body and conduct of institution.
12. Making and amendment of instruments of government and articles of government.
Duties and powers of governing bodies
13. General duties of governing bodies.
14. Principal powers of governing body.
15. Restrictions on exercise of principal powers of governing body.
16. Provision of higher education by institutions of further education.
Conduct of institutions of further education
17. Regulations as to carrying on of institutions of further education.
18. Efficiency reviews.
Accounts, reports, information, etc.
19. Accounts of governing body.
20. Development plans.
21. Reports, returns and information.
22. Information as to provision of further education.
Functions of boards in relation to institutions of further education
23. Functions of boards in relation to institutions of further education.
Supplementary
24. Regulations and orders.
25. Amendments and repeals.

SCHEDULES:

  Schedule 1 -  Courses of higher education.

  Schedule 2 -  Transfer of management of institutions of further education.

  Schedule 3 -  Governing bodies of institutions of further education.

  Schedule 4 -  Amendments.

  Schedule 5 -  Repeals.

At the Court at Buckingham Palace, the 22nd day of July 1997

Present,

The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty in Council

Whereas a draft of this Order has been approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament:

     Now, therefore, Her Majesty, in exercise of the powers conferred by paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to the Northern Ireland Act 1974 and of all other powers enabling Her in that behalf, is pleased, by and with the advice of Her Privy Council, to order, and it is hereby ordered, as follows: - 

Introductory

Title and commencement
    
1.  - (1) This Order may be cited as the Further Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997.

    (2) Subject to paragraph (3), this Order shall come into operation on such day as the Department may by order appoint.

    (3) This Article, Articles 2, 10 and 24 and Schedule 2 shall come into operation on the expiration of 2 months from the day on which this Order is made.

    (4) An order under paragraph (2) may contain such transitional provisions as the Department thinks necessary or expedient.

Interpretation
    
2.  - (1) The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 shall apply to Article 1 and the following provisions of this Order as it applies to a Measure of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

    (2) In this Order - 

    (3) n relation to any time before the transfer date, references in this Order to an institution of further education are to an institution of further education managed by a board under Part VII of the 1989 Order.

    (4) The Department may by order amend Schedule 1.

    (5) Subject to paragraph (6), for the purposes of this Order a person has a "learning difficulty" if - 

    (6) A person is not to be taken as having a learning difficulty solely because the language (or form of the language) in which he is, or will be, taught is different from a language (or form of a language) which has at any time been spoken in his home.

    (7) Any direction, consent or determination given by the Department under this Order shall be in writing.

    (8) References in this Order to the board for the area in which an institution or establishment is (or is to be) situated shall, in a case where parts of an institution or establishment are (or are to be) situated in the areas of two or more boards, be read as references to both or all of those boards.

    (9) This Order shall be construed as one with the 1986 Order and accordingly Article 2(2) of the 1986 Order, in so far as it relates to the definition of words or expressions used in that Order and in this Order, shall apply for the purposes of this Order as it applies for the purposes of that Order.

Definition of "further education"
    
3.  - (1) Subject to the following provisions of this Article, in this Order "further education" means - 

    (2) In this Order "further education" does not include - 

    (3) For the purposes of this Order - 

Powers of Department in relation to further education
    
4.  - (1) The Department shall have the power to do all that is necessary or expedient for the purposes of the exercise of its duty under Article 3 of the 1989 Order in so far as it relates to further education.

    (2) In particular, the Department may - 

    (3) In discharging its functions under this Order, the Department shall have regard to the requirements of persons over compulsory school age who have learning difficulties.

Funding of further education
    
5.  - (1) The Department may make grants, loans or other payments - 

    (2) Grants, loans and other payments under this Article shall be of such amounts as the Department may determine.

    (3) A grant, loan or other payment under this Article may be made subject to such conditions as the Department thinks appropriate and such conditions - 

    (4) The terms and conditions on which the Department may make any grants, loans or other payments under this Article may, in particular, include conditions - 

but shall not relate to the application by the person to whom the grants, loans or other payments are made of any sums derived otherwise than from the Department.

    (5) A condition imposed under paragraph (3) shall not have effect as regards anything done, or omitted to have been done, before the date the condition was imposed.

Establishment of new institution of further education
    
6.  - (1) The Department may establish a new institution of further education.

    (2) Before establishing a new institution of further education under this Article the Department shall consult - 

    (3) Where the Department proposes to establish a new institution of further education, it shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, ensure - 

Amalgamations of institutions of further education
    
7.  - (1) The Department may direct that two or more institutions of further education shall be amalgamated to form a single new institution of further education (in this Article referred to as "the new institution").

    (2) Before giving any direction under this Article affecting any institutions of further education, the Department shall consult - 

    (3) A direction under this Article providing for the amalgamation of two or more institutions of further education shall specify the date (referred to in this Article as "the implementation date") on which the amalgamation is to take effect.

    (4) Where the Department issues a direction under this Article, it shall be the duty of the governing bodies of the institutions of further education affected by the direction to take all such steps as are necessary to give effect to the direction.

    (5) The Department shall, not later than the implementation date, ensure - 

    (6) On the implementation date - 

    (7) A contract of employment between a person and the governing body of an institution of further education affected by a direction under this Article shall have effect from the implementation date as if originally made between that person and the governing body of the new institution.

    (8) Without prejudice to paragraph (7) - 

    (9) Paragraphs (7) and (8) are without prejudice to any right of an employee to terminate his contract of employment if a substantial change is made to his detriment in his working conditions, but no such right shall arise by reason only of the change in employer effected by this Article.

    (10) Any land or other property transferred to the governing body of the new institution under this Article which immediately before the implementation date was held on trust shall vest in that body as trustee on the trusts applicable immediately before that date under any trust deed regulating the use of the land or other property for the purposes of an institution of further education.

    (11) Stamp duty shall not be chargeable in respect of any transfer effected by this Article.

    (12) For the purposes of this Article an institution of further education is affected by a direction under this Article if, and only if, it is one of the institutions which are to be amalgamated in pursuance of the direction.

Recognition of institutions of further education
    
8.  - (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the Department may recognise an educational establishment as an institution of further education for the purposes of this Order.

    (2) The Department may not recognise an educational establishment except with the consent of the body responsible for the management of that establishment.

    (3) Before recognising an educational establishment, the Department shall consult - 

    (4) The Department shall, not later than the date on which an institution of further education is recognised by virtue of paragraph (1), ensure - 

    (5) An institution of further education to which Article 10 applies shall be taken for the purposes of this Order to be recognised by the Department on the transfer date.

    (6) An institution of further education which - 

shall be taken for the purposes of this Order to be recognised by the Department on the date on which a governing body is established for the institution under this Order.

    (7) The Department shall maintain, and publish in such manner as it thinks fit, a list of institutions for the time being recognised by it.

    (8) In this Article "recognised" means recognised under this Article.

Discontinuance of institution of further education
    
9.  - (1) The Department may by order provide for the discontinuance of an institution of further education.

    (2) Before making any order under this Article in relation to an institution of further education, the Department shall consult with - 

    (3) An order made under this Article in relation to an institution of further education shall - 

    (4) An order made under this Article in relation to an institution of further education may include provision - 

    (5) An order transferring any property, rights or liabilities to a -person or body other than the Department - 

    (6) Where land or other property was held on trust for the purposes of an institution of further education, an order under this Article may vest the property in the Department or another body or person beneficially or on such trusts as appear to the Department to be appropriate.

    (7) Stamp duty shall not be chargeable in respect of any transfer effected by an order under this Article.

    (8) The making of an order under this Article in relation to an institution of further education shall not affect - 

    (9) Article 101 of the 1986 Order shall apply in relation to a person appointed under paragraph (4)(e) as it applies in relation to a relevant authority within the meaning of that Article.

Transfer of management of institutions of further education

Transfer of management of institutions of further education from boards to incorporated governing bodies
    
10.  - (1) With effect from the transfer date - 

    (2) Schedule 2 (which provides for the transfer of certain property, rights, liabilities and staff to the governing bodies of institutions of further education established under this Order and makes other provision consequential on, related to, or for the purpose of facilitating, the transfer effected by paragraph (1)) shall have effect.

Governing bodies - constitution, etc.

Constitution of governing body and conduct of institution
    
11.  - (1) For every institution of further education there shall be - 

    (2) Schedule 3 (which makes general provision concerning governing bodies of institutions ,of further education) shall have effect.

    (3) The instrument of government and articles of government of an institution of further education - 

Making and amendment of instruments of government and articles of government
    
12.  - (1) The initial instrument of government and articles of government of an institution shall be made by order of the Department after consultation with such persons or bodies as appear to it to be appropriate.

    (2) The Department may - 

    (3) The Department shall not - 

unless it has consulted the governing body.

    (4) The Department may direct all governing bodies or any particular governing body specified in the direction to submit - 

    (5) Before giving any direction under paragraph (4) to any governing body the Department shall consult that body.

    (6) In this Article - 

General duties of governing bodies
    
13.  - (1) It shall be the duty of the governing body of an institution of further education - 

    (2) In carrying out its duty under paragraph (1), the governing body of an institution of further education shall have regard to the requirements of persons over compulsory school age who have learning difficulties.

    (3) In carrying out its duty under paragraph (1)(b), the governing body of an institution of further education shall have regard to - 

Principal powers of governing body
    
14.  - (1) The governing body of an institution of further education shall have the power - 

    (2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(g), goods and services are supplied in connection with the provision of education by a governing body if - 

    (3) The Department may by order - 

    (4) Before making any order under paragraph (3), the Department shall consult - 

    (5) The exercise by a governing body of any power conferred by this Article is subject to Article 15; and an order under paragraph (3) may make such consequential amendments to Article 15 as appear to the Department to be necessary or expedient.

Restrictions on exercise of principal powers of governing body
    
15.  - (1) The powers of a governing body under - 

shall be exercised in accordance with any arrangements approved or determined by the Department.

    (2) The powers of a governing body under Article 14(1)(f) (provision of meals and refreshments) shah be so exercised as to give effect to arrangements approved or determined by the Department for the remission in whole or in part of charges which would otherwise be made in respect of meals or refreshments provided to students of the institution.

    (3) A governing body of an institution of further education shah not, without the prior consent of the Department - 

    (4) The consent of the Department under paragraph (3) may be given subject to such conditions as the Department may determine.

    (5) Subject to paragraph (8), the governing body of an institution of further education shall not dispose of any property to which this paragraph applies without the prior consent of the Department.

    (6) Property to which paragraph (5) applies is - 

    (7) The consent of the Department under paragraph (5) may be given in respect of a particular disposal of property or of disposals of any class or description and may be given subject to such conditions as the Department may determine.

    (8) The consent of the Department is not required for the disposal of land which is or forms part of property to which paragraph (5) applies where the disposal is in consequence of the compulsory acquisition of such land by any authority in pursuance of any power of compulsory acquisition under any statutory provision; but the governing body shall inform the Department of any such compulsory acquisition.

    (9) Where any property to which paragraph (5) applies is disposed of, the governing body shall pay to the Department such portion of the proceeds or value of the consideration for the disposal, after deduction of such expenses as appear to the Department to have been reasonably incurred in the disposal, as the Department may, after consultation with the governing body, determine.

Provision of higher education by institutions of further education
    
16.  - (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the governing body of an institution of further education shall have power, in accordance with any arrangements approved or determined by the Department, to provide, or secure the provision of, higher education.

    (2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to higher education provided by means of - 

    (3) Paragraph (1) does not apply to higher education provided by means of a course of a description prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph unless it is provided under arrangements of a prescribed description with a university or other prescribed institution.

Conduct of institutions of further education

Regulations as to carrying on of institutions of further education
    
17.  - (1) The Department may by regulations make provision as to the carrying on of institutions of further education.

    (2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), regulations under that paragraph may include provision - 

    (3) Regulations made under paragraph (1) by virtue of paragraph (2)(b) may authorise persons who in pursuance of the regulations supply copies of any such records as are there mentioned to charge such fee as they think fit (not exceeding the cost of supply) in respect of each copy so supplied.

    (4) Regulations under paragraph (1) may enable the Department or a prescribed body or person to authorise such exceptions, grant such approvals and make such determinations for the purposes of the regulations as are specified therein.

Efficiency reviews
    
18.  - (1) The Department may arrange for the carrying out (whether as part of an inspection under Article 102 of the 1986 Order or otherwise) by any person of studies designed to improve economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the management or operation of an institution of further education.

    (2) The Department may give directions under Article 101 of the 1986 Order for the purpose of remedying any matter referred to, or implementing any recommendation contained, in a report of any studies carried out under paragraph (1).

Accounts, reports, information, etc.

Accounts of governing body
    
19.  - (1) It shall be the duty of the governing body of an institution of further education to keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to the accounts.

    (2) The accounts shall be prepared and audited in respect of each c financial year in such manner as the Department may, with the approval of the Department of Finance and Personnel, direct.

    (3) The audited accounts shall - 

    (4) The financial year of the governing body shall be the period of 12 months ending on 31st July.

    (5) The Department may by order amend paragraph (4).

    (6) The Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland and the Department shall have the right of access to the books, accounts and records of the governing body.

Development plans
    
20.  - (1) Each governing body of an institution of further education shall, not later than such date in every financial year as the Department may determine, submit to the Department a development plan in respect of the institution.

    (2) The development plan shall be prepared in respect of the next following financial year and the succeeding two financial years.

    (3) The development plan shall contain a statement of - 

as regards each financial year to which the plan relates.

    (4) In preparing a development plan, a governing body shall take into account any guidance issued to it by the Department.

    (5) A development plan prepared in pursuance of this Article shall be in such form as the Department may determine.

    (6) Any power of the Department under this Article to make a -determination may be exercised differently in respect of different governing bodies.

    (7) Each governing body of an institution of further education shall make arrangements for monitoring the implementation of the development plan in respect of the institution.

Reports, returns and information
    
21.  - (1) The governing body of an institution of further education shall make such reports and returns, and give such information to - 

    (2) Reports, returns and information provided under paragraph (1)(a) shall be in such form as the Department may direct.

    (3) A board shall provide the governing body of an institution of further education with such information as the governing body may reasonably require for the purposes of its functions under this Order.

Information as to provision of further education
    
22.  - (1) The Department may by regulations require the governing body of an institution of further education to publish such information as may be prescribed with respect to - 

    (2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(d), a person's career includes any education, training, employment or occupation; and the regulations may in particular require the published information to show - 

    (3) The information shall be published in such form and manner and at such times as may be prescribed.

    (4) The published information shall not name any student to whom it relates.

    (5) The Department may by regulations require the Board of Governors of any secondary school to provide such persons as may be prescribed with such categories of information falling within paragraph (6) as may be prescribed.

    (6) Information falls within this paragraph if it is - 

    (7) Information provided under paragraph (5) shah be provided in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed.

Functions of boards in relation to institutions of further education

Functions of boards in relation to institutions of further education
    
23.  - (1) Where - 

the board shall in performing the duty, or exercising the power, treat pupils at institutions of further education no less favourably (whether as to the benefits or services provided or as to the terms on which they are provided) than pupils at grant-aided schools.

    (2) A board may, with the approval of the Department, give financial or other assistance to, or provide services to, the governing body of an institution of further education on such terms and conditions as may be arranged between the board and the governing body of the institution.

    (3) In the period of three years beginning on the transfer date it shall be the duty of a board and the governing body of an institution of further education to give effect to such arrangements for the provision of services by the board to the governing body in that period as may be approved or determined by the Department.

    (4) Where in accordance with arrangements approved under Article 15(2) the governing body of an institution of further education remits the whole or part of any charges which would otherwise be made in respect of meals and refreshments provided to any student, it shall be the duty of the board for the area in which the student is ordinarily resident to pay to the governing body a sum equal to the total of the amounts so remitted.

Supplementary

Regulations and orders
    
24.  - (1) All regulations made by the Department under this Order shall be subject to negative resolution.

    (2) The Statutory Rules (Northern Ireland) Order 1979 shall not apply to any order made by the Department under Article 9 or 12, paragraph 9(1) or 17(1) of Schedule 2 or paragraph 4(2) of Schedule 3.

    (3) Except as provided by paragraphs (4) and (S), all other orders made by the Department under this Order shall be subject to negative resolution.

    (4) An order under Article 14(3)(a) shall be subject to affirmative resolution.

    (5) Paragraph (3) does not apply to an order under Article 1(2).

    (6) Regulations and orders under this Order may contain such incidental, supplementary and transitional provisions as the Department thinks necessary or expedient.

Amendments and repeals
    
25.  - (1) The statutory provisions specified in Schedule 4 shall have effect subject to the amendments specified in that Schedule.

    (2) The statutory provisions set out in Schedule 5 are hereby repealed to the extent specified in the third column of that Schedule.


N. H. Nicholls
Clerk of the Privy Council


SCHEDULES


SCHEDULE 1
Article 2.


COURSES OF HIGHER EDUCATION


     1. The descriptions of courses referred to in the definition of "higher education" in Article 2(2) are the following - 

     2. For the purposes of paragraph 1(c) a professional examination is at higher level if its standard is higher than the standard of examinations at advanced level for the General Certificate of Education or the examination for the National Certificate or the National Diploma of the Business &Technology Education Council.

     3. For the purposes of paragraph 1(d) a course is to be regarded as providing education at a higher level if its standard is higher than the standard of courses providing education in preparation for any of the examinations mentioned in paragraph 2.



SCHEDULE 2
Article 10.


TRANSFER OF MANAGEMENT OF INSTITUTIONS OF FURTHER EDUCATION


Interpretation

     1. In this Schedule - 

Transfer of certain property, rights and liabilities

     2.  - (1) Subject to the following provisions of this Schedule, on the transfer date there shall be transferred to, and by virtue of this paragraph vest in, the new governing body of an institution of further education - 

    (2) This paragraph does not apply to - 

    (3) If, before the transfer date, the former governing body of an institution of further education and the relevant board have agreed in writing to exclude any property, right or liability from this paragraph, that property, right or liability shall be so excluded.

    (4) The Department may, at any time before the transfer date, direct that any property, right or liability specified in the direction shall be excluded from this paragraph.

    (5) Subject to paragraph 3, the land and other property referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(a) includes any land or other property which was used, held or obtained - 

to the extent that it was used, held or obtained for or in connection with the purposes of any such institution.

    (6) Subject to paragraph 3, the rights and liabilities referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(b) include any rights and liabilities which were acquired or incurred - 

to the extent that they were acquired or incurred for or in connection with the purposes of any such institution.

Apportionment of certain property, rights and liabilities

     3.  - (1) The land, other property, rights and liabilities mentioned in paragraph 2(5) or (6) shall, where their nature permits, be divided or apportioned between the new governing bodies of the institutions of further education concerned or (as the case may be) between the board and the new governing body of any institution or institutions concerned, in such proportions as may be appropriate.

    (2) Where any estate in land falls to be divided or apportioned under sub-paragraph (1), any rent payable by or to any party in respect of that estate and any rent charged on that estate shall be correspondingly divided or apportioned so that each part is payable in respect of, or charged on, only one part of the estate.

    (3) Any land, other property, right or liability the nature of which does not permit its division or apportionment shall be transferred to the new governing body of such institution or retained by the relevant board according to - 

subject (in either case) to such arrangements for the protection of the other party or parties concerned as may be agreed between the relevant board and the former governing body of any such institution or determined by the Department under paragraph 5.

Identification of properly, rights and liabilities for purposes of transfer

     4.  - (1) In respect of each institution of further education, the relevant board and the former governing body shall, not later than the transfer date, so far as practicable, arrive at such written agreements and execute such other instruments as are necessary or expedient - 

    (2) Any such agreement or instrument shall contain provision so far as it is expedient to enable the creation, variation or extinction of estates in land and for the granting of indemnities.

    (3) The relevant board shall supply the former governing body of the institution with such information, including all documents relating to estates in land, as that body may require for the purposes of this Schedule.

    (4) Where no such agreement is arrived at before the transfer date, the Department may prescribe a later date by which such agreement is to be arrived at; and an agreement arrived at in pursuance of this sub-paragraph shall be between the relevant board and the new governing body and, for the purposes of such an agreement, references in this Schedule to the former governing body shall be construed as references to the new governing body.

Resolution of disputes

     5.  - (1) Where it appears to a board or the former governing body of an institution of further education that it is unlikely, in the case of any matter in respect of which an agreement is required to be arrived at under paragraph 4, that an agreement will be arrived at, the board or governing body may refer the matter to the Department.

    (2) Where a matter is so referred, the Department shall, after consulting the board and any former governing body required to arrive at such an agreement, determine the matter.

    (3) The Department shall issue a determination to the board and any former governing body required to arrive at such an agreement and may include in such determination any provision which could have been included in an agreement or other instrument made under paragraph 4.

    (4) A determination made under this paragraph shall have effect for all purposes as if it were an agreement made under paragraph 4.

    (5) The board and the former governing body shall provide the Department with such information, including all documents relating to estates in land, as the Department may require for the purposes of the exercise of its functions under this paragraph.

    (6) Where a board and a former governing body have failed to arrive at an agreement under paragraph 4 before the transfer date and neither of them has referred the matter in respect of which the agreement is required to the Department under sub-paragraph (1), the Department may act under this paragraph as if the matter had been referred to it under that sub-paragraph.

Right to production of documents of title

     6.  - (1) Where any land or other property is, or rights or liabilities are, transferred to and vest in the new governing body of any institution of further education under paragraph 2, the relevant board shall deliver to the new governing body all documents of title relating solely to such land or other property and all documents relating solely to such rights or liabilities.

    (2) Without prejudice to sub-paragraph (1), the new governing body of an institution of further education to which any land or other property has, or any rights or liabilities have, been transferred under paragraph 2 shall be entitled at any time to require any person having possession of any document of title or other document relating to such land, other property, rights or liabilities to produce such documents to it.

    (3) No charge may be made in respect of anything done under this paragraph.

Third parties affected by transfer

     7.  - (1) Any transfer of land or other property, rights or liabilities from a board to the new governing body of an institution of further education under paragraph 2 shall be binding on all other persons.

    (2) Where any such transfer has an effect on the rights or liabilities of a third party - 

shall give notice in writing to the third party of that transfer.

    (3) Where in consequence of any such transfer or anything done under this Schedule - 

such compensation as may be just shall be paid to that person by the board or the new governing body of the institution or institutions concerned.

    (4) Any dispute as to whether, and if so how much, compensation is to be paid under sub-paragraph (3), or as to the person to or by whom it is to be paid, shall be referred to and determined by the Department.

Agreements concerning functional work

     8.  - (1) Where, immediately before the transfer date, arrangements exist for the carrying out by a board of functional work for the purposes of an institution of further education in pursuance of a bid prepared under Article 7 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1993, those arrangements shall have effect as from that date as if - 

    (2) In sub-paragraph (1) "functional work" has the same meaning as in Part II of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1993.

    (3) This Schedule shall have effect as if the rights and liabilities of the new governing body under the agreement mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) were rights and liabilities of the board transferred to the new governing body under paragraph 2.

Transfer of staff

     9.  - (1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (8) to (10), this paragraph applies to any person who immediately before the transfer date - 

    (2) In this paragraph "relevant governing body" means - 

    (3) A contract of employment between a person to whom this paragraph applies and a board shall have effect from the transfer date as if originally made between that person and the relevant governing body.

    (4) Without prejudice to sub-paragraph (3) - 

    (5) Sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) are without prejudice to any right of an employee to terminate his contract of employment if a substantial change is made to his detriment in his working conditions, but no such right shall arise by reason only of the change in employer effected by this paragraph.

    (6) An order under sub-paragraph (l)(b) may designate a person either individually or as a member of a class or description of employees.

    (7) Before making any order under sub-paragraph (l)(b) the Department shall consult - 

    (8) This paragraph does not apply to a person if - 

    (9) Where a person - 

he shall be treated as if he were a person to whom this paragraph applies.

    (10) For the purposes of this paragraph - 

     10.  - (1) This paragraph applies to any contract which - 

    (2) A board shall not enter into a contract to which this paragraph applies without the prior consent, given in writing, of the former governing body of the institution of further education.

    (3) A board shall not enter into a contract to which this paragraph applies in respect of which the consideration or, where the consideration is not expressed as an amount of money, the value of the consideration exceeds £50,000 without the prior consent, given in writing, of the Department.

    (4) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3), the consideration or value of the consideration in respect of a contract of employment exceeds £50,000 if, in respect of any period of 12 months, the aggregate amount of the remuneration payable to and value of other benefits receivable by the employee exceeds £50,000.

    (5) Any consent for the purposes of this paragraph may be given in respect of a particular contract or in respect of contracts of any class or description; and such consent may be given unconditionally or subject to conditions.

    (6) Where any contract entered into by a board whether on, before or after 31st August 1996 is varied after that date and the effect of such variation is as mentioned in paragraph (l)(b), the contract shall be treated, for the purposes of this paragraph, as if it were a contract entered into after that date.

    (7) Any signification of consent for the purposes of this paragraph, or of such consent subject to conditions, given by the former governing body of an institution of further education or the Department before the coming into operation of this Schedule in respect of any contract to which this paragraph applies shall be treated for the purposes of this paragraph as a consent, or a consent subject to the conditions, given under this paragraph.

    (8) Where - 

the new governing body may, in accordance with sub-paragraph (9), repudiate the contract to the extent that it has not been performed.

    (9) A repudiation under sub-paragraph (8) shah be effected by serving notice in writing of the repudiation on - 

    (10) A repudiation under sub-paragraph (8) shall have effect as if made by the board.

Construction of agreements

     11.  - (1) Where any rights or liabilities transferred under this Schedule are rights or liabilities under an agreement to which the transferor was a party immediately before the transfer date, the agreement shah, unless the context otherwise requires, have effect on and after the transfer date as if - 

and head (d) shall apply in particular to the covenants, stipulations and conditions of any lease by or to the transferor.

    (2) This paragraph applies to any agreement whether in writing or not and whether or not of such a nature that rights and liabilities under it could be assigned by the transferor.

Enforcement of transferred rights, etc.

     12.  - (1) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph 11, the transferee under a transfer made under this Schedule and any other person shall, as from the transfer date, have the same rights, powers and remedies (and in particular the same rights and powers as to the taking or resisting of legal proceedings or the making or resisting of applications to any authority) for ascertaining, perfecting or enforcing any right or liability transferred to and vested in the transferee under this Schedule as he would have had if that right or liability had at all times been a right or liability of the transferee.

    (2) Any legal proceedings or applications to any authority pending on the transfer date by or against the transferor, in so far as they relate to any property, right or liability transferred to the transferee under this Schedule, or to any agreement relating to any such property, right or liability, shall be continued by or against the transferee to the exclusion of the transferor.

    (3) Where any land or other property or rights transferred under this Schedule were immediately before the transfer date held on trust for any particular purpose, they shall, subject to any provision made under paragraph 17, continue to be so held by the transferee.

Certification of transfer by Department

     13. A certificate issued by the Department and stating that any land or other property specified in the certificate, or any right or liability so specified, was or was not transferred by virtue of this Schedule to any body so specified shall be conclusive evidence for all purposes of that fact.

Provision of information to new governing bodies

     14. The relevant board shall as soon as reasonably practicable after the transfer date provide to the new governing body of an institution of further education all such information held by the board, or available to it, as relates to the institution, its administration, management, fabric, students and staff.

Stamp duty

     15. Stamp duty shall not be chargeable in respect of any agreement made or transfer effected under this Schedule.

Attribution of surpluses and deficits

     16.  - (1) Not later than such date as the Department may direct, the relevant board and the new governing body shall, in respect of each institution of further education, arrive at a written agreement as to - 

    (2) Where a board and a new governing body have failed to arrive at an agreement as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1), the matter shall be referred to the Department which shall - 

    (3) A determination under sub-paragraph (2) shall have effect for all purposes as if it were an agreement under sub-paragraph (1).

    (4) The board and the new governing body shall provide the Department c with all such information as the Department may require for the exercise of its functions under this paragraph.

Power to amend trust deeds, etc.

     17.  - (1) The Department may by order make such modifications as it thinks fit in any trust deed or other instrument - 

    (2) Before making any modifications under sub-paragraph (1) of any trust deed or other instrument, the Department shall, so far as it appears to the Department practicable to do so, consult - 

     18.  - (1) This paragraph applies to a company formed by the former governing body of an institution of further education by virtue of Article 119A of the 1989 Order and in existence immediately before the transfer date.

    (2) The Department may, after consultation with the new governing body of the institution, give to the persons who appear to it to have effective control over a company to which this paragraph applies such directions as it thinks fit for securing that the memorandum or articles of association of the company are amended in such manner as may be specified in the direction.

Power to make further provision in relation to transfers

     19.  - (1) The Department may by order make such further provision as appears to the Department to be necessary or expedient in consequence of, or for the purpose of facilitating, or otherwise related to, any transfer under this Schedule.

    (2) An order under this paragraph may - 

     20.  - (1) The former governing body of an institution of further education shall have such of the powers to be conferred by this Order on the new governing body of the institution - 

    (2) Nothing in Part VII of the 1989 Order or any instrument made thereunder shall prevent or restrict the exercise by a former governing body of the powers conferred by this paragraph.

    (3) In exercising such powers a former governing body shall not be taken to be acting on behalf of, or in the name of, the relevant board.



SCHEDULE 3
Article 11.


GOVERNING BODIES OF INSTITUTIONS OF FURTHER EDUCATION


Status and name

     1.  - (1) The governing body of an institution of further education shall not - 

and its property shall not be regarded as property of, or held on behalf of, the Crown.

    (2) Subject to the provisions of this Order, section 19 of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 shall apply to the governing body of an institution of further education.

    (3) The name of an institution of further education shall be such as is specified in the instrument of government of the institution and the governing body shall be known as "the Governing Body of" that institution.

Membership

     2.  - (1) The instrument of government of an institution of further education shall provide for the governing body to consist of not less than 12 nor more than 18 member, of whom - 

    (2) The instrument of government of an institution of further education shall provide - 

     3.  - (1) The instrument of government of an institution of further education shall provide for - 

    (2) The instrument of government of an institution of further education may provide for the appointment, tenure of office and removal from office of other officers of the governing body.

Eligibility and tenure of office

     4.  - (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the instrument of government of an institution of further education shall provide for - 

    (2) If it appears to the Department that the affairs of the governing body of any institution of further education have been or are being mismanaged - 

    (3) Where the Department exercises the power conferred by sub-paragraph (2) to remove members of the governing body, it shall give notice in writing of such removal to any members so removed and to the governing body.

Payments to members

     5. The articles of government of an institution of further education may provide, for the governing body to pay travelling and subsistence allowances to its members and the members of committees of the governing body.

Proceedings

     6.  - (1) Subject to any provision made by the articles of government of an institution of further education, the governing body of an institution of further education may regulate its own proceedings and those of any committee established by it.

    (2) The validity of any proceedings of a governing body, or of any committee of the body, shall not be affected by - 

    (3) The articles of government of an institution of further education - 

     7.  - (1) The articles of government of an institution of further education - 

    (2) The articles of government shall regulate the constitution and functions of committees of the governing body.

Delegation of functions

     8. The articles of government of an institution of further education may provide for the delegation of functions of the governing body to - 

     9.  - (1) In any legal proceedings a document purporting - 

shall be received in evidence and shall be treated, without further proof, as being so made or issued unless the contrary is shown.

    (2) In any legal proceedings an extract from the minutes of the proceedings of any meeting of the governing body of an institution of further education signed by the chairman of the body or by the principal of the institution shall be evidence of the matters stated therein.

Staff

     10.  - (1) The articles of government of an institution of further education shall make provision for the arrangements concerning the appointment, appraisal, promotion, suspension and dismissal of the principal and other employees of the institution.

    (2) Subject to any provision so made, the governing body of an institution of further education may appoint such employees as it thinks fit.

    (3) The terms and conditions of the employees of the governing body of an institution of further education (other than those to whom sub-paragraph (4) applies) shall be such as may be determined by the governing body after consultation with representatives of the employees concerned.

    (4) The terms and conditions of employees to whom this sub-paragraph applies shall be such as may be determined by the governing body subject to the approval of the Department.

    (5) Sub-paragraph (4) applies to - 



SCHEDULE 4
Article 25


AMENDMENTS


The Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 (Nl 15)

In Article 2(2) in the definition of "further education" for the words from "Article 5(c)" to the end substitute "Article 3 of the Further Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997".

In Article 24 for paragraph 5 of the Table substitute - 

"      5. An establishment providing further education in respect of which grants are paid under Article 5(1)(b) of the Further Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997.

Governing body.".


In Article 25 after "function under" insert "the Education Orders, as defined in".

The Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1976 (c. 25)

In section 57(1) in the definition of "training" for paragraphs (b) and (c) substitute - 

In Schedule 13, after the entry relating to the Fire Authority for Northern Ireland insert - 

The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (Northern Ireland) Act 1953)

In section 8(2)(b) for the words from "and other institutions" to the end substitute "within the meaning of the Further Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 or institutions providing further education in respect of which grants are paid under Article 5(1)(b) of that Order".

The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (NI 3)

In Article 2(2) for the definitions of "the Education Orders" and "further education" substitute, respectively - 

In Article 2(2), at the appropriate place in alphabetical order, insert - 

In Article 2(2) in the definitions of "managers" for sub-paragraph (e) substitute - 

In Article 2(2) omit the definitions of "part-time senior education", "post-school age education" and "technical secondary school".

In Article 2(2) in the definition of "secondary education" at the end add "other than such full-time education provided for senior pupils over compulsory school age at an institution of further education".

Omit Article 2(2A) to (2C).

For Article 5 substitute - 

In Article 9A(1) omit "(other than a technical secondary school)".

In Article 10(1) omit ", other than a technical secondary school".

In Article 49A(5A)(a) after "school" insert "or an institution of further education".

In Article 49A(6)(a) after "school" (where it twice occurs) insert "or institution of further education".

Omit Article 55.

In Article 58 - 

In Article 59(1) omit "(2),".

In Article 65(1) omit "and institutions of further education" and "or institution of further education".

In Article 65(2) omit "or institution of further education", "or institutions of further education" and "or institution".

In Article 67(3) omit "or the board responsible for the management of an institution of further education".

In Article 69 - 

In Article 73(2) after "establishments" insert "(other than institutions of further education)".

In Article 79, omit paragraph (2)(c).

In Article 86, omit paragraph (3)(b).

In Article 88A(3) after "board" insert "or by the governing body of an institution of further education".

In Article 100 after paragraph (b) insert - 

In Article 102(2) after sub-paragraph (a) insert - 

In Article 102 after paragraph (6) insert - 

In Article 103(2) omit "and the governing body of every institution of further education".

In Article 105(11) after "board" insert "or to the governing body of an institution of further education".

In Article 115(3) after sub-paragraph (b) add

In Article 119A omit - 

In Schedule 2, in paragraph 4(2) omit the words "or grant-aided institutions of further education" and in paragraph 6(2) omit the words "or grant-aided institution of further education".

In Schedule 4, in paragraph 3(1) omit "or a technical secondary school".

The Education Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 (NI 20)

In Article 33(1)(a)(ii) for "147 to" substitute "148 and".

In Article 34(3) omit "the board,"

In Article 34(6) omit "boards,".

In Article 34(7) omit "or regulations under paragraph (3)".

In Article 34 at the end add - 

In Article 35, omit paragraph (4).

In Article 46(3)(a) and (6)(c) for the words in the first set of brackets substitute "(other than a special school or a school established in a hospital)".

Omit Part VII.

In Article 124, omit paragraph (3).

In Article 125, omit paragraph (6).

In Article 126, omit paragraph (7).

In Article 138, omit paragraph (3).

Omit Article 147.

In Article 148(1), omit sub-paragraph (e).

In Articles 148(2) and 149(1)(c) for "to (e)" substitute "to (c)".

In Article 148(3), omit sub-paragraph (b).

In Article 148(5), omit "and members of the governing bodies of institutions of further education".

In Article 149(1), omit sub-paragraph (b).

In Article 149(2), omit sub-paragraph (c).

In Article 151(5) - 

Omit Schedule 7.

The Education (Student Loans) (Northern Ireland) Order 1990 (NI 11)

In Article 3(3)(a) for "Article 100 of the Education Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 1989" substitute "Article 3 of the Further Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997".

The Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (NI 11)

In Article 26(2) in the definition of "educational institution" for sub-paragraph (d) substitute - 

Omit Articles 26 and 27.

In Article 30(3) - 

Omit Article 31(4).

Omit Article 33.

In Schedule 1, in paragraph 2(1)(a) and (b), omit "and institutions of further education".

The Value Added Tax Act 1994 (c. 23)

In Schedule 9 in Group 6 in Note (1)(c) after sub-paragraph (iv) add

In Article 2(2) in the definition of "educational institution" for "Article 100(2) of the Education Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 1989" substitute "Article 3 of the Further Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997".

The Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (NI 1)

Omit Articles 38 and 41.

The Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 (NI 6)

In Article 18(1) for paragraph 4 of the Table substitute - 

"      4. An establishment providing further education in respect of which grants are paid under Article 5(1)(b) of the Further Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997.

Governing body.".




SCHEDULE 5
Article 25.


REPEALS


Number Short title Extent of Repeal
1986 NI 3. The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986. In Article 2(2) the definitions of "part-time senior education", "pre-school age education" and "technical secondary school".
    Article 2(2A) to (2C).
    In Article 9A(1) the words "(other than a technical secondary school)".
    In Article 10(1) the words ", other than a technical secondary school".
    Article 55.
    In Article 58, paragraph (2) and in paragraph (4) the words "(2) or".
    In Article 59(1) the word "(2),".
    In Article 65(1) the words "and institutions of further education" and "or institution of further education".
    In Article 65(2) the words "or institution of further education", "or institutions of further education" and "or institution".
    In Article 67(3) the words "or the board responsible for the management of an institution of further education".
    Article 69(2)(b).
    In Article 69(5)(a) the words "and institutions of further education".
    In Article 79(2), sub-paragraph (c) and the word "and" immediately before it.
    In Article 86(3), sub-paragraph (b) and the word "and" immediately before it.
    In Article 103(2) the words "and the governing body of every institution of further education".
    In Article 119A(4), sub-paragraph (b) and the word "or" immediately before it.
    Article 119A(6)(b).
    In Article 119A(7) and (8) the words "or institution of further education".
    In Schedule 2, in paragraph 4(2) the words "or grant-aided institutions of further education" and in paragraph 6(2) the words "or grant-aided institution of further education".
    In Schedule 4, in paragraph 3(1), the words "or a technical secondary school".
1989 NI 20. The Education Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 1989. In Article 34(3) the words "the board,".
    In Article 34(6) the word "boards,".
    In Article 34(7) the words "or regulations under paragraph (3)".
    Article 35(4).
    Part VII.
    Article 124(3).
    Article 125(6).
    Article 126(7).
    Article 138(3).
    Article 147.
    Article 148(1)(e) and (3)(b).
    In Article 148(5) the words "and members of the governing bodies of institutions of further education".
    Article 149(1)(b) and (2)(c).
    In Article 151(5)(a) the words "and institutions of further education".
    Schedule 7.
    In Schedule 9, the amendments to the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1976, the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976, the definitions of "the Education Orders", "part-time senior education", "post-school age education", "further education" and "technical intermediate school" in Article 2(2) of the 1986 Order and to Articles 2(2A) to (2C), 5 and 103(2) of that Order.
1993 NI 12. The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1993. In Article 1(4) the words "Articles 26 and 27".
    Articles 26 and 27.
    In Article 30(3), in the definition of "governing body", sub-paragraph (b).
    Article 31(4).
    Article 33.
    Article 35(4).
    In Schedule 1, in paragraph 2(1)(a) and (b), the words "and institutions of further education".
    In Part II of Schedule 4, the amendments to Article 55 of the 1986 Order, Articles 115 and 119(7) of, and Schedule 7 to, the 1989 Order and the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991.
1996 NI 1. The Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996. Article 38.
    Article 41.
    In Part II of Schedule 5, the amendment to Article 2(2) of the 1986 Order.
1997 NI 5 The Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997. Article 2(4).



EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)


This Order provides for the transfer of responsibility for the management of institutions of further education from education and library boards to incorporated governing bodies established in relation to each institution. It also provides for the functions of the Department, boards and governing bodies of institutions of further education in relation to further education.


ISBN 0 11 064667 3


 
© Crown copyright 1997
Prepared 8 September 1997


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