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Gateshead College

Organisational challenge/context

Gateshead College initiatives demonstrate very strong objectives, continual improvement and positive outcomes, while achieving wide engagement. Reduced business mileage by 20% (£12,000 saved) is a direct result of information streams/on line teaching

College announced a £60 million accommodation programme with relocation of main site to Baltic Quays.  ‘Planning Approval’ identified College would be given 50% less car parking space compared to existing site.  To add to this College Board and Management wanted to grow turnover to £40 million in 3 years with forecast of 22% extra students - to become an ‘Outstanding’ graded organisation. These aims were at risk if car park issue was not immediately tackled.

Problem of existing negative behaviours from staff and students towards sustainable transport and parking demands needed to be tackled and travel plan was seen as catalyst for change and improving College’s reputation.

Interventions

With Executive support, Steering Committee (including sub-groups) was initiated, communication/branding undertaken, and advocates/champions put in place, including educating all in the merits of sustainable travel. KPIs and action plans were adopted in order to monitor progress and keep Management informed of developments/give direction for the scheme and necessary control of £1.2million invested over the initial 3 year period.

Various interventions and new processes were implemented, including negotiated improvements to public transport, ticketing schemes, salary incentivised transport, walking and cycling challenges (positive health benefits). These were all communicated through travel awareness and promotion campaigns, as well as using existing ‘On-Line’ systems to raise awareness to the College and wider communities.

Results/benefits

• Achieved aim of increasing turnover to £40 million.
• Achieved single Occupancy Car Travel Targets - Staff - reduced from 67% ( 2004) to 53.8% by 2010, Students - reduced from 24% (2004) to 8.5% by 2010
• Achieved reduced Car Park Permit use: 5% during period 2008-2010
• Achieved doubled student travel support either direct or indirectly within 3 years. (By 2010 = £230,000)
• Achieved reduced business mileage by 20% (saved £12,000) a direct result of information streams/on line teaching 81% staff and students inform “College working hard to support their travel needs” - Travel Plan Survey 2010. (TP 2007 only 32%)
• 90.6% staff perceive their health to be at least ‘good’ following walking interventions. Living Streets National Survey (2010)
  
  
  
   

Company Description

Gateshead College, based in the North East of England, offers further education to 16-18 year olds, higher education, apprenticeships, part-time adult learning and training for employers.

Ranked officially ‘outstanding' by Ofsted, achieving grade ones across all areas of teaching, leadership and success, the College supports more than 13,000 students, including 3,500 apprentices, each year.

Website

www.gateshead.ac.uk

Case study

View case study