Governor Role Specification

1.    Job Title: Governor

2.    Responsible to: Chair of Corporation

3.    Main purpose of job:

The work of college governors in driving up quality, achievement and participation is central to successful governance of the College. Governors, whether as a corporation, in committee, or in their links with college activities, must ensure they allot sufficient time to this work and undertake it with rigour.

 The main responsibilities of the Governing Body are:

  • The determination of the educational character and mission of the institution and the oversight of its activities.
  • Approving the quality strategy of the institution.
  • The effective and efficient use of resources, the solvency of the institution and the Corporation and safeguarding their assets
  • Approving annual estimates of income and expenditure
  • The appointment, grading, suspension, dismissal and determination of the pay and conditions of service of the holders of senior posts and the Clerk, including, where the Clerk is, or is to be appointed as, a member of staff, the Clerk’s  appointment, grading, suspension, dismissal and determination of pay in the capacity of a member of staff.
  • Setting a framework for the pay and conditions of service of all other staff.

 4.    Main duties and responsibilities

  • To undertake induction training on appointment to the role.
    • Instrument and Articles of Government
    • To comply with the provisions of the following documents as they apply to the role of members of the Corporation:
    • Code of Conduct
    • Standing Orders
    • Financial Memorandum
    • the Nolan Committees seven principles of public life-selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
    • College financial regulations and financial procedures.
  • To ensure an understanding of the following;
  •  
    • The role of the Chair in leading the work of the Corporation
    • The role of the Clerk in supporting the work of the Corporation
    • The role of the Principal in managing the day to day operations of the College.
    • The rules and procedures of meetings
    • The role of committees and the business given to them.
  • To act in the best interests of the Corporation and in highest loyalty to Hartpury College.
  • To ensure decisions are always taken for the benefit of the College, its students, staff and other users and with a view of safeguarding public funds.
  • To ensure that you are not bound by any mandates given by other bodies.
  • To avoid putting yourself in a position where there is actual, potential or perceived conflict between your personal interests (including those of your family) and those of the College.
  • To support decisions of the Corporation and its committees once they have been reached on a basis of collective responsibility, even though you may have spoken against the proposal during a debate at a meeting.
  • To read all papers sent prior to a meeting to ensure a full and informed debate and decision making process.
  • To give due priority to attending meetings of the Corporation and its committees, attending the Corporation Meetings as required and to be a member of at least one committee.
  • To attend College events, such as student awards presentations and open days, in order to gain an appreciation of the work of the College.
  • To act as a Link Governor to a curriculum or support area to provide an insight into that area by meeting staff and students and to create a better understanding of the way in which strategic decisions of the Governing Body influence provision at an operational level.
  • To understand that individual members have no specific powers e.g. statements may only be made on behalf of the Corporation by those authorised to do so.

5.    General and College responsibilities

  • Participate actively and flexibly in a range of Corporation activities, such as attendance at meetings, participation in staff interviews and attendance at College events.
  • Participate in training and Corporation activities to develop knowledge and skills and to read educational material from a number of sources.
  • Promote the effective implementation of the Colleges equality and diversity policies in all aspects of the duties of the role.
  • Promote the highest standards of health and safety practice in all aspects of the duties of the role.
  • Promote adherence to financial regulations and procedures and the policies of the College.
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