1. Introduction

The powers of the Board of Governors are specified in the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 in Section 18, as amended by section 142(1) of the Learning & Skills Act 2000 (LSA), and Section 19 as amended by Schedule 9 (paragraph 22) of the LSA. In summary, the Corporation (Board of Governors) is empowered to:

• provide further, higher and secondary education and to participate in the provision of secondary education at a school.
• supply goods or services in connection with the provision of education.
• conduct an educational institution.
• provide facilities such as accommodation and recreational facilities for staff and students.
• acquire and dispose of property.
• enter into contracts such as employing staff.
• borrow money and grant security (subject to the consent of the LSC).
• invest money.
• subscribe or otherwise acquire shares or securities in a company.

2. Duties of a Governor

Collectively, Governors contribute their professional and general management skills to the Corporation and its Sub-Committees and they are responsible for:

• the determination of the educational character and mission of the College.
• the oversight of its activities.
• the effective and efficient use of resources, the solvency of the College and safeguarding of assets.
• approving annual estimates of income and expenditure.
• the appointment, grading, suspension, dismissal and determination of pay and conditions of service of Senior Post Holders and the Clerk to the Corporation.
• setting the framework for the pay and conditions of service of all other staff.
• formulating and monitoring the College’s strategic plan.
• complying with the College’s Code of Conduct.
• complying with the Board’s Standing Orders in the conduct of business.
• serving on appropriate Corporation sub-committees or other committees, established as required by the Corporation, for special projects or other purposes.
• setting measurable annual targets to support the College’s strategic plan.
• attending appropriate governor induction and training events.
• assisting in the annual self-assessment and review of governance.

3. General

• Governors are required to act honestly, diligently and in good faith and ensure that proposed courses of action are in accordance with the College’s powers and do not bind the College to a course of action it cannot carry out.
• Governors are required to recognise the responsibilities of the Principal and Chief Executive, as specified in the Articles of Government, and ensure that their contribution does not interfere with the day to day operation and management of the College.
• Governors are required to attend regularly the meetings of the Corporation, any sub-committees to which they are appointed and such College events as appropriate.