key governance documents and information
key governance documents and informationThis glossary provides brief information on key governance documents and sources of information on governance. If you wish to know more, check out the web addresses as appropriate. Click here if you need to refer to the glossary of acronyms. audit code of practiceThe audit code of practice is about accountability and risk management and mirrors similar codes for businesses and the private sector. It is issued by the LSC and is the key document which identifies the mandatory audit arrangements for FE colleges, and which summarises the audit arrangements for the LSC's principal funding of other types of provision. The audit code of practice underpins the basis on which the audit committee is established, and identifies the operational agenda for the audit committee throughout the year. Click here for the audit code of practice. certificate in further education (FE) college governance (ICSA)This is a NVQ level five (2005 National Qualifications Framework) award for clerks. Currently delivered by CEL (Centre for Excellence in Leadership), it consists of three main units:
college's key policies and documentsThe governing board is responsible for determining the character and mission and the future strategy of the college, and for the overall conduct and oversight of the college's business. This involves the governing board in approving certain policies and in routinely monitoring the effectiveness of the college's key operational policies. The clerk has a key role to play in ensuring that this is done. Examples of significant documents for the board to approve and/or monitor include:
college's charter for students/learnersThe College's Charter for Students (or Learners) is the document, which defines the relationship between the college and the individual learner. It provides a detailed explanation of what learners can expect of the college- eg induction programme, student handbook, teaching and learning programmes, work experience, personal tutor, entitlements, welfare provision, help in progression, arrangements for involving learners in assessing the services they receive and the facilities they use, etc. college self-assessment report and Quality Improvement PlanColleges are required to produce a self-assessment report (SAR) annually as part of the national arrangements for quality assuring post-compulsory learning and skills. Colleges analyse and assess their provision against the requirements of the Common Inspection Framework (CIF). They identify their strengths and weaknesses, benchmark nationally and locally (using measures of success), allocate grades to their provision, and submit evidence to support their judgements. Colleges analyse and monitor trends, and specify how they plan to build on their strengths and improve their weaknesses in a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), which is integral to the SAR. Clerks support governors in playing a significant role in quality assuring the college's provision and in monitoring the SAR and quality improvement plan. Governors should:
The clerk has a key role to play in supporting governors in the fulfilment of these responsibilities and in facilitating their proactive involvement in self-assessment activities. The SAR and Quality Improvement Plan are submitted annually to the LSC and form part of the LSC's annual review of the college and the planning dialogue. When external inspection is announced, the SAR and integral Quality Improvement Plan are used by the Ofsted/ALI inspectorate to help plan its inspection activities. They are also used by the local LSC for individual provider reviews and for area reviews. The SAR and Quality Improvement Plan should not be seen as simply preparation for external review and inspection, but should be used as powerful business tools for continuous self-improvement. Current inspection arrangements put even greater emphasis on a provider's capacity to self-improve through effective self-assessment, and on its success in achieving ongoing improvements. Click here to read the section on College SAR and QIP. Click here to download the 2007/08 financial management and governance: self assessment report questionnaire for colleges financial memorandumThe Financial Memorandum (FM) sets out the terms and conditions under which the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) provides funds to colleges. It is in two parts. Part one sets out the general conditions, which apply to all colleges. Part two is tailored to each college and contains the specific elements under which individual colleges draw down their funding from year to year. The FM identifies - for example:
Click here to read the section on national framework for governance. governance good practice guideThe Governance Good Practice Guide (GGPG) is being developed by the Leadership Skills for Governance (LSG), in consultation with both practitioners and key FE policy- makers, and is funded by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). The GGPG is a developmental tool for all those with an interest in leadership, governance and management in FE- current and aspiring clerks to college corporations, governors, chairs, principals/heads of provider organisations, senior managers, stakeholder organisations (eg LSC), etc. It promotes a holistic view of governance as an area of critical importance not only to those directly involved in governance, but also to provider organisation managers, staff, learners, and to stakeholders in the wider community. Good governance should be everybody's business as part of the overall performance of an organisation, because high performing governing boards do make a difference. It is web-based and aims to provide consistent, accessible and sustainable information and practical support to enhance the quality and effectiveness of governance. It offers information on national developments, examples of practices, processes and sample documents which may be adopted, adapted or used as a point of reference, as required, by each organisation or individual user. It encourages a reflective approach to leadership, governance and management, which looks outwards across the FE system as well as inwards, in order to ensure ongoing improvements in quality and effectiveness. The first phase of the GGPG contains an overview of current and emerging developments across the learning and skills system nationally and looks at two key themes - governance role and responsibilities and quality improvement through effective self-assessment. Further key themes will be developed in consultation with the FE system- practitioners and national bodies (eg the Quality Improvement Agency (QIA)). Themes currently under discussion include Learner and Employer Engagement, and Developing Diversity. governance training, development and consultation opportunitiesLeadership Skills for Governance provides:
For further information, access the website on www.fegovernance.org, email on info@fegovernance.org or ring the CEL Governance Team on 0870 060 3278 governing board's policies and proceduresThese include:
The governing board initiates, approves, implements and monitors these, supported by the clerk. The role of the clerk includes briefing the board on when changes need to be made, incorporating changes in ways of working decided by the board, and drafting key documents. While these internal rules and 'byelaws' are subject to the provisions of the Instrument and Articles of Government, they are all developed in-house and provide the means by which the governing board establishes detailed rules concerning the governance and conduct of the college. These documents should be reviewed annually. instrument and articles of governmentThe Instrument and Articles of Government (lAG) set out the rules and regulations regarding governance responsibilities. They are the all-important documents, which provide the underpinning authority for the proper management of college business. They ensure that the governing board acts lawfully. The Instrument sets out the constitution and procedures of the governing board. The Articles set out the internal powers, duties and responsibilities of the college. They include detailed guidance on categories and numbers of board members, interests and eligibility for office, statutory committees (Audit, Search, Special), non-delegable duties, and procedures relating to recruitment, suspension and dismissal of staff and designated senior postholders. The Instrument and Articles of Government are the clerk's 'bible': when there is any doubt about operating under the board's own Standing Orders, reference should always be made back to the I&A. Click here to download the Instruments and Articles of Government. sector reformThere are a number of national developments aimed at sector reform. It is important to try to keep up-to-date with initiatives as they emerge. Click here to read the section on Publications and Developments for information on, for example: FE Reform White Paper: Raising Skills, Improving Life Chances DfES consultations on a new framework for governance LSC Agenda for Change QIA (Quality) Improvement Strategy Framework for Excellence Leitch Review of Skills Self-Regulation.
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