governance good practice guide

putting into practice

introduction

In other parts of the Governance Good Practice Guide (GGPG), we set out factual and theoretical signposts to developing and establishing good practice in further education (FE) governance.

This section of the Guide provides a series of real life sample case studies, frameworks and practical tools in FE - as well as examples of good practice used outside the sector. They are, however, samples and are NOT prescriptive.

There is a short outline at the beginning of each case study that puts them in context as they are offered as a resource against which organisations may review their own practice, selecting what is applicable to them and what can be used to meet their particular needs. The FE sector is diverse and what is appropriate for one college at a given time, in a given situation, may not be suitable for another.

The aim is to share good practice in the sector, to prompt and contribute to debate about the effectiveness of governance and to help raise standards.

Despite differences in approach to good governance, there are certain common themes.

For example:

• the importance of sharing a clear understanding of the distinction between governance and management
• the governing board's focus on strategic direction
• clarity of individual roles and responsibilities
• effective working partnerships
• mature and robust self-assessment practices and processes
• a focus on development for board members.