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Obviously, I am not going to be able to tell you the quantum now, because the Scottish Government cannot form its budget as we will not know what the UK Government budget is until 28 November. There is an internal process to go through—

We all need to be leaders in this. I am happy to provide leadership from a ministerial position, but we will all need to be leaders in making sure that we are delivering the best collectively. I know that all colleges, as institutions and the individuals who work with them, are passionate about that. My anecdotal experience as a constituency MSP is that our college sector is extraordinarily inspirational in what it wants to do for young people. I want to work with colleges and to engage in the process of transformation, as well as supporting them financially in the ways that the Scottish Government can, if that is appropriate.

It would be inaccurate to suggest that there has not been leadership in the past. From the times that I sat on the other side of this table and the other times that I observed him, I know that my predecessor was very engaged in working with the college sector on its needs, on what it wants and needs to deliver and on the transformation that is required.

I want to look forward. I am happy to give you an undertaking today that I will work proactively and collaboratively with our college sector to support colleges, and, most importantly, to work with them to provide the support to our learners and our economy that colleges are so important for.

Cladding and reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete are two unanticipated external matters that have fallen on the sector. It would be more appropriate for me to take that issue away and engage through Government and get the member a proper response.

Yes. Of course, the reduction in income as a result of having fewer international students is a concern. However, we should also remember that a lot of international students are still coming to Scotland. They are welcome, and we want them here, because they are important contributors, as I outlined in my previous answer.

It is not just the legal changes that are being made; the signal that the UK Government is sending out is not helpful for our institutions across the UK, either. We are considering the situation for our institutions in Scotland—and that is, of course, most pertinent to us—but I should point out that several institutions in England are really struggling, and part of that is to do with international students, too. At least, that is my understanding.

As I have alluded to, the dialogue that we are having with the university sector on a sustainable future absolutely includes consideration of the impact of international student numbers.

In the discussions so far, we have deliberated on the financial challenges. I talked about transformation. I re-emphasise the importance of our college sector, not just for the people who go through the system and for the excellent staff who work so hard across a variety of courses and the different career paths that individuals are undertaking; it is also key to our economy.

It goes back to some of the discussions that I was privileged to hear when I was a member of this committee about the shift in consciousness that we need to go through as a society to be celebratory of the different paths that people take and to create a greater parity of esteem whereby we value, respect, celebrate and appreciate people’s contributions, whether that is through university, college or a route straight into employment. We want a society in which people know the different routes that are available to them and are able to access the support to undertake those routes and fulfil their potential. At the moment, our college sector is important for that.

We need a process of transformation—the evidence is clear on that. In the period ahead, I want to work collaboratively and engage proactively and constructively with the college sector on how we can do that together. There are questions about whether primary legislative change is required for that. As a Parliament, we are in the process of considering the tertiary education and training bill in this area.

I listened carefully to the earlier discussion. It was an excellent discussion, which got to the heart of where all our reflections need to be, which is around how we make sure that our system helps with economic growth and delivery as well as with maximising our emerging sectors, where we have an advantage and a possibility for more success and enrichment.

I will reflect on the points that have been raised about credits today, including those that Mr Briggs has raised, and I would be happy to have further dialogue on that, if that would be of interest.

I am afraid that I cannot recall those specific points being raised with the SFC this morning, so I cannot refer directly to them. I apologise, but I do not recall exactly what was said.

I will gladly take that away, convener. I appreciate your highlighting the context of my predecessor’s discussions with you.