board member B introduction This sample role description and person specification for an individual governor combines elements drawn from a number of sources and sets out the general roles and responsibilities of governors in further education (FE). It also gives an indication of the skills and commitment required from individual governors in making an effective contribution to the governance of their college. role profile - core elements The post holder is required to comply with the provisions of the following documents as they apply to the role of members of the governing board: - Instrument and Articles of Government
- Financial Memorandum
- Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics for Governors
- Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life
- College financial regulations and financial procedures.
The governor is required to: - act in the best interests of the college and the governing board
- support decisions of the governing board and its committees on the basis of collective responsibility even though he or she may have spoken against a proposal during the debate at a meeting
- give due priority to attending meetings of the governing board and any of its committee(s) of which he or she is a member
- attend college events (such as student awards presentations and open evenings/days) whenever possible in order to gain an appreciation of the work of the college and to meet students and staff
- participate in training events in order to enhance his or her contribution to the work of the governing board and the good governance of the College
- understand that individual governors have no specific powers -this means that statements may only be made on behalf of the governing board by those authorised to do so by the board.
Within the overall responsibilities of the governing board, governors are responsible for: - the determination of the educational character and the strategic direction of the College, including setting and overseeing its mission and general policies
- setting targets for management
- monitoring the performance of management in meeting targets, carrying out policies and maintaining adequate management information systems in order to improve standards continuously
- ensuring that there is a climate for creativity, change and responsiveness to the needs of learners, the external environment, the local community, employers and other client groups within the college
- ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources and the solvency of the college and the governing board and for safeguarding their assets
- ensuring that the governing board gives a proper account of its activities
- selecting and evaluating the principal, designated senior post holders and the clerk to the corporation
- supporting and advising the principal
- approving annual estimates of income and expenditure
- setting a framework for pay and conditions of staff
- ensuring that action plans emanating from self-assessment, inspection and audit reports are realistic
- making sure that the governing board has policies and procedures in place necessary to fulfil its legal obligations.
Other requirements Governors should be willing to: - undertake a fair share of the work of the governing board
- undertake activities and make connections that contribute to the strategic direction of the college
- liaise on behalf of the governing board with appropriate external organisations
- attend all meetings of the governing board and be a member of at least one committee.
Governors have an important role to play in promoting college interests. This includes fostering good relations between the college and the community it serves and ensuring that the aims and objectives of the college are understood.
Governors are required to serve on one or more of the governing board's committees and to take part in appropriate induction and training with regard to their role. person specification - core elements Governors should be able to demonstrate: - a commitment to lifelong learning and the role of the college as a major provider of education and training
- a commitment to promoting equality and diversity
- a willingness and ability to promote the equal opportunities policy adopted by the governing board
- a commitment to quality and raising standards
- a willingness to promote the college within the community it serves
- an ability to work positively with others and to contribute as a member of a team to agree policies and strategies
- an ability to make reasoned decisions and to act honestly, diligently and in good faith
- an ability to contribute to establishing performance targets and the monitoring of performance against these
- a commitment to attending meetings of the governing board and governor training sessions.
Governors should also be able to: - listen to the views of others and to express ideas in a clear and concise manner
- establish an effective course of action for them self and others to achieve established performance targets
- demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of facts and make appropriate rational decisions.
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