governance good practice guide

the principal

The principal is the chief executive officer (CEO) of the college and the accounting officer, accountable to parliament and the Public Accounts Committee for the use of public funds. The principal may delegate certain actions (specified in the Instrument and Articles of Government) - such as dismissal of staff - to a designated senior post holder, but may not delegate responsibility for the college's financial health.

As a governing board member, the principal is the only executive member. The principal is present at governing board meetings and at meetings of any committee of which he or she is a member - as both board member and education and training adviser to the board.

The principal is responsible for bringing proposals to the governing board on strategic direction, but it is the role of the governing board to determine strategy for management.

Click here for a sample role profile of the principal.