The Council: exercise of functions
Section 20 Council to have regard to particular matters
33.This section details a number of matters that the Council should have regard to in the exercise of its various functions. In particular this section requires the Council to have regard to the skills needs of Scotland, while at the same time considering wider economic, social and cultural needs, insofar as these needs can be met by the provision of fundable further or higher education.
34.It also gives the Council a duty to have regard to the desirability of achieving sustainable development and encourage fundable bodies to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in so far as is reasonably practical for them to do so.
35.In addition, this section makes provision for the Council to take account of the fact that many fundable bodies operate in UK and often global systems and therefore their activity should not be defined only in Scottish terms.
36.Subsection (4) requires the Council to have regard to the educational and related needs (including support needs) of learners, and those who may wish to become learners, of a fundable body.
Section 21 Equal opportunities
37.This section imposes a duty on the Council to carry out its functions in a way that promotes and observes equal opportunities legislation.
Section 22 Consultation and collaboration
38.Section 22 sets out the key bodies with which the Council must work, consult and share information. It also puts a duty on these bodies to provide information as the Council reasonably requires to properly carry out its functions.
39.In addition to this, subsection (8) places a requirement on the Council to ensure that there is appropriate collaboration among the fundable bodies in relation to the provision of further and higher education. This will apply within and across both of the sectors.
Section 23 General powers
40.This section details other powers given to the Council in relation to property, contracts, borrowing money etc.
