Being a Governor: Challenges and Expectation

1. Being a Governor: Challenges and Expectation Jim Benson Secretary to Council Brunel University

2. Challenges and Expectations for Effective Governors: What is written… • Governors/Council Members are an important part of a University’s leadership.   • The role is to work for the good of their University and play a full part as a member of the governing body. • Most HEIs have adopted a variation of the CUC’s Model ‘Statement of Primary Responsibilities’ • Most HEIs follow the guidance set out in the CUC’s ‘Guide for Members of Higher Education Governing Bodies in the UK’

3. Challenges and Expectations for Effective Governors: What is written…Induction and Development It is the responsibility of the chair of the governing body, working with the secretary as appropriate, to ensure that all members of the governing body, when taking up office, be fully briefed on the terms of their appointment and be made aware of the responsibilities placed on them for the proper governance of the institution. They should receive copies of background documents at the time of their appointment. These could include: • a copy of this [the CUC] guide • the institution’s annual report, audited financial statements, and financial forecast • the overall strategic plan, and strategy documents covering areas such as learning and teaching, research, widening participation and estates • notes describing the institution’s organisational structure • the rules and procedures of the governing body. It is important for governing bodies to provide an induction or briefing session for new members, to explain their responsibilities, the function of the governing body and other organisations within HE, and the strategic objectives of the institution. CUC Guide for Members of Higher Education Governing Bodies in the UK

4. Challenges and Expectations for Effective Governors: What is written… To be fully effective, the role of any governor should involve the following: • Having the opportunity to question the Clerk/Secretary of governing body, Senior Management and fellow Governors on role prior to selection • Attending internal induction training for new governors at an early stage [within a year of appointment] • Attending other external governor training as appropriate • Preparing for and attending all full governing body meetings for their entirety

5. Challenges and Expectations for Effective Governors: What is written… • Having access to Clerk/Secretary of governing body for advice and support • Joining at least one governing body committee • Visiting the HEI outside of governing duties as soon as possible after appointment and then regularly throughout the academic year • Attending occasional whole governing body development or review meetings • Regularly receive copies of the University’s newsletter, the CUC newsletter and appropriate publicity material [Hefce newsletters]

6. Challenges and Expectations for Effective Governors • Typically ask a ‘regular’ governor to commit 20 days a year to University business • Anticipated that they can play a full role within 12 months of appointment

7. Challenges and Expectations for Effective Governors: What is said [by Governors] • Not enough time to debate issues thoroughly at meetings • Need for greater understanding of the major issues facing the higher education sector • The main business is carried out in Council committees where the decisions are made. Council then accepts a report from the committee from the relevant chair…at times there is some debate on the report/decisions…..this can give rise to the feeling that the committees are the actual powerbase and decision-makers • Due to outside commitments, not all of Council can attend all meetings [attendance in 2009/10 = 89%] • Lack of regular briefings between meetings • To hear more from staff members during meetings and to see them engage more with Council

8. Challenges and Expectations for Effective Governors: What is said [by Governors] • I feel we are somewhat 'shielded' from bad news - would prefer to hear the good, bad and ugly • Need more opportunity to influence Council agenda • Too large for effective discussion • Male domination [Male = 60%; Female = 40%] • Too many lay members do not understand the sector • To be able to appreciate the implications of challenges that the University has to address • It would be interesting to compare the views of Council members and Senior Executive team. I have an impression that some matters follow a fairly lengthy process through Committees before coming to Council. If Council members who have not participated in the committee want to question issues (as indeed they should) I suspect the Executive team experience it as a rather longwinded and bureaucratic process of seeking approval rather than a dynamic exchange of ideas.

9. Challenges and Expectations for Effective Governors: What is said [by Governors] Observations from other HEIs: • Provide clarity on the role of Council, its committees and each individual Council member • Review the size of Council, its membership and structure • Introduce a fit for purpose induction programme • Improve the quality and clarity of meeting papers • Prioritise agenda items at Council meetings • Increase the visibility of the Council within the University

10. Challenges and Expectations for Effective Governors: What is said [by Governors] Operational Recommendations from other HEIs • Enhancing governance support • Extending and improving induction for members • Timing of Papers and limiting verbal reports • Further support for members • Additional briefing meetings for committee chairs • Away days, events, programme of visits Source-Dr Paul Greatrix, University of Nottingham-reviewing governance effectiveness

11. Challenges and Expectations for Effective Governors • Acting as a Critical and Supportive friend • The governing body provides the Vice Chancellor and staff with support, advice and information • Acts as a critical friend • Critical in the sense of its responsibility for monitoring and evaluating the University's effectiveness, asking challenging questions and pressing for improvement • A friend because it exists to promote the interests of the University and its students

12. Challenges and Expectations for Effective Governors • Ensuring accountability • Governors/Council members have the right to discuss, question and refine proposals • Respect roles of staff and their responsibilities for the management of the University • The Governing Body is answerable for its actions to the University’s various stakeholders • Important powers and duties but limited time-focus on where you can add most value