INTRODUCTION

The manner in which the College is governed is a matter of great importance, affecting the quality of the services it provides, public confidence in its activities, its financial security and the legality of its business.

The Governing Body will conduct its business in accordance with English and relevant European law and within the Instrument and Articles of Government as amended 1 April 2001 under the order and direction of the Secretary of State in accordance with the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.

It will also observe regulations and issued by the Learning and Skills Council and will act within the principles laid down by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (Nolan Committee) for those holding public office, namely

• Selflessness
  
• Integrity
  
• Objectivity
  
• Accountability
  
• Openness
  
• Honesty and
  
• Leadership

Governors recognise the importance of clarity in identifying their role and responsibilities and in differentiating those from the roles and responsibilities of college management whilst, at the same time, recognising the key interactions between the two.

OPERATION OF THE GOVERNING BODY

The efficient, effective and legal operation of the Governing Body and its committees in accordance with the Instrument and Articles of Government. Governors will observe a system of working in an honest, transparent and understandable way by ensuring:

• All members observe a Code of Conduct and participate in a Register of Interests
  
• The Governing Body has a policy on Access to College Information
• The Governing Body has agreed Standing Orders and Terms of Reference for its sub committees:
  

• Academic Board
  
• Audit
  
• Curriculum and Quality
  
• Finance
  
• Health and Safety
  
• Personnel
  
• Remunneration
  
• Search

The Governing Body and its sub committees meet a minimum of three times a year.

• The Governing Body has a procedure on Whistleblowing
• The Clerk is accountable directly to the full Governing Body and, in performing the duties of Clerk, will be independent of the Chair and the Principal.
• The minutes of the sub committees will be presented to the Governing Body by the Chair of the Committee to draw the attention of Members to any items which are recommended for approval to the Governing Body and any issues which the Committee failed to resolve.
• A Handbook is produced containing information which will enable governors to better understand the operation of the college.
• An on-going programme of training is agreed aimed at keeping governors up-to-date.
• All newly appointed governors will be required to participate in an induction process.
• Governors will set and monitor performance indicators for governance

BUSINESS

• Governors will observe the following mandates:
• The legal mandate e.g. ensuring the College's solvency
  
• The Government mandate e.g. improving recruitment, retention and achievement, Success for All etc.
  
• The internal mandates determined by Governors within the Development Plan and Strategic Plan

OBTAINING INFORMATION Access to Information Policy (pdf)

Governors will obtain information on current issues affecting the College by:

• Receiving relevant papers from management
  
• Receiving the minutes of Academic Board
  
• Getting involved in the life of the College by attending events such as prize giving.
  
• Treating quality as a matter for the full Governing Body
  

See also :
DISABILITY EQUALITY SCHEME (pdf)
Code of Conduct (pdf)
Standing Orders (pdf)
Attendance at Committee meetings by non members (pdf)
Access to College information (pdf)

Web ref: Governing Body index
Last updated: 22 April, 2008