Surely John Harwood and Mike Tomlinson must realise what a demoralising effect their comments on quality have on staff in further education colleges ("LSC chief defends comments", THES , October 19). It is a shame that Harwood is following the example of his chairman, Brian Sanderson, in undermining the hard work of managers and other employees in the sector.
At a time when college managers are working so hard to come to terms with the mushrooming bureaucracy following the creation of the Learning and Skills Council, he would make better use of his time winning the additional resources so desperately required by colleges.
Peter Pendle
Chief executive and general secretary
Association for College Management