Governance

The Board of the Corporation (also known as the Board of Governors or the Governing Body) provides the overall strategic leadership for the College. The Board must formulate and agree the mission and strategy including defining the ethos of the College. The board sets down its aspirations for the College in a vision, values and strategic objectives. The Board then scrutinises progress the senior team is making to achieve these objectives.

The Board is committed to a policy of open governance, and I hope you will find the information you are looking for. If you have any queries please contact the Clerk to the Board on 01229 844805 or email by clicking here.

Code of Governance
Furness College is committed to the AOC Code of Governance which is underpinned by the following expectations of good governance, which illustrate the values and beliefs of college Governors:

• Putting the student first; promoting high expectations and ambitions for students and staff;
• Ensuring inspirational teaching and learning;
• Creating a safe environment for students to learn and develop;
• Providing strong leadership to both the senior team and the community the college serves;
• Setting the strategy and acting as guardians of the college’s mission;
• Demonstrating accountability to students, parents, staff, partners, employers, funders, trustees and other stakeholders, including publishing accurate and timely information on performance;
• Listening to students, parents, employers and staff;
• Ensuring the achievement of equality of opportunity and diversity throughout the college;
• Using the College’s autonomy and independence to meet local education and skills needs.

The Ten Principal Responsibilities of Good Governance
To implement and embed the above values and expectations in the College, Governors, and senior leaders will undertake to:

1. Formulate and agree the mission and strategy including defining the ethos of the College;
2. Be collectively accountable for the business of the College taking all decisions on all matters within their duties and responsibilities;
3. Ensure there are effective underpinning policies and systems, which facilitate the student voice;
4. Foster exceptional teaching and learning;
5. Ensure that the College is responsive to workforce trends by adopting a range of strategies for engaging with employers and other stakeholders;
6. Adopt a financial strategy and funding plans which are compatible with the duty to ensure sustainability and solvency of the College;
7. Ensure that effective control and due diligence takes place in relation to all matters including acquisitions, subcontracting and partnership activity;
8. Meet and aim to exceed its statutory responsibilities for equality and diversity;
9. Ensure that there are organised and clear governance and management structures, with well-understood delegations;
10. Regularly review governance performance and effectiveness.

Your College Needs You!

We are always keen to encourage new Governors, so if you are seeking a rewarding and stimulating role, and are:

• Committed to the role of Further Education
• Want the best educational facilities for the local community
• Want to make a difference to the lives of over 5000 students of all ages and abilities

To register an interest in becoming a Governor, please click here.

Additional Documents

Governance – Complaint Procedure against the Members of the Board or the Clerk
Governance – Public Access to Governance Documentation and Attendance at Meetings Policy