Could you be our new Chair of Governors?

Hedleys College is a high quality specialist further education and training provider for young people aged 16-25 with a range of learning difficulties and disabilities.

As we continue to look at growing our offering across the North East of England and enabling more with disabilities to access quality education and opportunities, we are looking to appoint a new Chair of Governors to our board.

The role of the Governing Board is a strategic one, its key functions are to:

• set the aims and objectives for the college
• set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
• set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
• monitor and evaluate the progress the college is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
• be a source of challenge and support to the principal (a critical friend)

Chair of Governors – Role Purpose

To provide leadership to the College local advisory committee/governing board, ensuring that it fulfils its functions well, and to work closely with the College Principal to support, advise and help shape proposals to be discussed at board meetings, ensuring the focus is strategic.

Leading Governance

• ensure the board and principal have a shared vision and sense of purpose
• ensure the board sets a clear vision and strategy for the College
• lead the board in monitoring the implementation of the strategy
• where required, represent the governing board in its dealings with external partners and be an advocate for the college
• attend college functions (performances/awards presentations/graduation) as appropriate and encourage other governors to do so

Leading and Developing The Team

• support the Principal ensure the board has the required skills and commitment to govern well, and that identified skills gaps are filled
• ensure a diverse team that reflects the communities served with a mix of new and experienced members and a variety of backgrounds
• ensure all members of the board have a thorough understanding of their role and receive appropriate induction and training as required
• ensure that board members are involved and feel valued
• encourage the development of board members
• model and reinforce the board’s agreed code of conduct

Working with the College Principal

• build a professional relationship with the principal that allows for honest conversations, acting as a sounding board and ensuring there are no surprises at meetings
• meet regularly (normally monthly) with the principal
• ensure that college leaders provide information that allows the board to fulfil its function
• oversee and participate in the principal’s appraisal ensuring that appropriate continuing professional development (CPD) is provided
• ensure the workload and wellbeing of principal is is considered
• ensure the princpal provides staff with an understanding of the role of the governing board and acts as link between the two

Leading Improvement

• ensure the board is involved at a strategic level in the college’s self-evaluation process and that this feeds into its key priorities
• ensure the board’s business is focused on the strategic priorities
• ensure the board has the information it needs to monitor the progress of students and consider appropriate actions to improve outcomes
• ensure the board has good knowledge of the college
• ensure there are mechanisms in place to listen to the views of parents, students and staff

Leading Governing Board Business

• work with the governance professional and the principal to plan for board meetings, ensuring that agendas focus on the board’s key responsibilities and strategic priorities
• chair meetings effectively, promoting an open culture that allows ideas and discussion to thrive while ensuring clear decisions are reached as quickly as possible
• ensure that decisions taken at the meetings of the governing board are implemented

If you think this could be the role for you, please contact Joanne Rees-Proud at j.rees@percyhedley.org.uk