governance good practice guide

chair and vice chair

The chair and vice chair are appointed by the governing board from among their number for a period determined by the governing board. They are empowered by the Instrument and Articles of Government (I&A) to dismiss designated senior post holders, call special meetings and exercise a casting vote. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) must be informed when there is a change of chair.

The chair's main role is to:

• provide leadership for the governing board
• meet routinely with the principal and clerk between board meetings to follow up decisions, maintain a dialogue about events in the college and plan
• act as an ambassador for the college
• attend official functions
• appraise and review the performance of the principal and the clerk
• work with the clerk on determining governing board business and priorities
• take any action between meetings previously agreed by the governing board.

There is no personal power attached to the post.

The vice chair may act in place of the chair and supports him or her (together with the committee chairs) in ensuring effective governance.

Click here for a sample role profile of the chair (1).

Click here for a sample role profile of the chair (2) and vice chair.