governance good practice guide

sample frameworks and practical tools in FE

Colleges and other providers use a variety of practical tools to help them self-assess different aspects of their activities - including the performance of governance.

Some of the practical tools or working documents derive from specific frameworks which colleges and boards use; some are drawn from a mixture of frameworks and approaches; most are customised to meet the individual needs of the college and its board.

Note: The methods are offered as examples and samples only. What works for one college may not necessarily work for another. They are offered as examples only, with the intention that they should stimulate discussion and promote action to enhance governance effectiveness. They should not be viewed as empty tick box exercises.

It is essential that the GGPG draws on current good practice in the FE sector. Additional examples are sought from the sector to show what is currently working for boards in their pursuit of excellence. Please contact info@fegovernance.org if you have an example of good practice in the self-assessment of governance which you are able to share with the sector.

sample frameworks

This section gives information on, and links to, some of the frameworks or approaches to self-assessment which governing boards may use

1. Good governance standard for public Services

Click here to download PDF.

2. Creative use of the self-assessment report questionnaire (SARQ)

Click here to download PDF.

sample tools

This section provides a small selection of practical tools which users may find beneficial to help analyse and improve the quality and effectiveness of governance.

It is a work in progress and includes good practice prompts on a variety of themes, discussion points on what makes a college outstanding and sample self-assessment proforma.

The tools can be used flexibly. For example:

• clerks may find this section particularly useful to help identify and respond to individual and/or board group development needs
• governing board members may access the tools independently, checking them out at their own pace
• chairs may use them to focus board development
• principals may utilise certain tools for middle/senior management development purposes.
  

Provider organisations other than colleges may find these practical tools useful:

1. Analysing governance performance suggested good practice prompts.

Click here to download PDF.

2. Are you ready for self-regulation? Suggested good practice prompts.

Click here to download PDF.

3. Listening to learners and employers. Suggested good practice prompts.

Click here to download PDF.

4. Sample meetings evaluation form.

Click here to download PDF.

5. Sample framework prompts using: Good governance standard for public services.

Click here to download PDF.

6. Sample framework prompts using: Ofsted common inspection framework - key question five.

Click here to download PDF.

7. Discussion points: What makes a college outstanding?

Click here to download PDF.

8. Sample leadership and management prompts using: Ofsted and LSC PFA findings.

Click here to download PDF.