GDP: Role and Responsibilities of Staff Governors

Overview

This one-day event, which forms part of our Governor Development Programme (GDP), will explore the crucial role of Staff Governors and how they can maximise their contributions to the governing body while managing the competing demands of their position. Stay updated on the latest developments in higher education policy and gain insights into the challenges and pressures faced by universities in today's landscape.

During this event, new and prospective Staff Governors will receive a comprehensive introduction to the responsibilities and requirements of their role.

Learn from experienced Staff Governors as they share their valuable expertise and engage in meaningful discussions. Explore topics such as building effective relationships with other governing body members, navigating the process of raising difficult issues, and striking the right balance between supporting and challenging the executive.

This standalone one-day event is an opportunity to enhance your understanding of the Staff Governor role and discover strategies for success.

GDP Role and Responsibilities of Staff Governors

14 November 2024
Location: Virtual

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Who is this event for?

This event will provide valuable insights for both new and continuing Staff Governors. It is also an excellent opportunity for those who are considering stepping in to the role.

Learning Outcomes

Enable you to understand your role and responsibilities as a staff governor and your broader role as a member of the Board/Council.
Gain knowledge of the structure and responsibilities of a governing body.
Learn strategies for building effective relationships with other governing body members, navigating the process of raising difficult issues, and striking the right balance between supporting and challenging the executive.

Agenda

10:00am Welcome and Introduction - Aaron Porter, Associate Director (Governance), Advance HE

10:20am Policy Landscape - Kate Wicklow, Director of Policy & Strategy, GuildHE

11:00am Understanding Higher Education Governance - Alison Kennell, Company Secretary and Head of Governance, Courtauld Institute of Art

11:40am Break

12:00pm Composition of Governing Bodies - Aaron Porter, Associate Director (Governance), Advance HE

12:15pm Panel of Staff Governors - David Gilani, Head of Student Engagement and Advocacy, Middlesex University & Sara Murcott, Student Services Manager, Nottingham Trent University

12:45pm Break

1:00pm Breakout Discussions

1:30pm Feedback and Close

Speakers

Speakers and presenter for the event are being approached and will include experienced and newly appointed Staff Governors, along with professionals and experts in higher education policy and governance.

Aaron Porter

Associate Director (Governance)
,
Advance HE

Aaron leads on Advance HE governance activity through the delivery of our national Governor Development Programme which engages with around 900 governors across the UK on an annual basis. He has extensive experience leading reviews of over 25 governing boards. Aaron was previously President of the National Union of Students (NUS) and also chair of trustees for the organisation.

Dr Kate Wicklow

Policy Director
,
GuildHE

Dr Kate Wicklow is the Policy Director (Insight, Access & Student Experience) at GuildHE. She leads work on behalf of the Guild in the areas of regulation and funding, data and planning, access and participation, admissions, student support and equality and diversity.

David Gilani

Head of Student Engagement and Advocacy
,
Middlesex University

David works at Middlesex University as a staff governor and their Head of Student Engagement and Advocacy leading on their efforts to engage both current students and alumni. Having started his career as a students’ union officer, he is a strong proponent of the student voice and in 2012 he founded the Student Publication Association, which supports student journalists across the UK and Ireland. He believes strongly in universities working together to support student engagement efforts, and so co-chairs the CASE Student Communications conference and leads the AHEP’s Student Experience and Engagement Network. He is also studying for his PhD at the University of York on the topic of student belonging.

Alison Kennell

Director of Governance
,
The Courtauld Institute of Art

Alison Kennell is Director of Governance at the Courtauld Institute of Art, with responsibility for corporate governance and oversight of compliance functions. Alison has more than 25 years’ experience in the UK higher education sector, working across a range of institutions and sector-related bodies including Leeds Beckett University, SOAS University of London, York St John University and the University of York.

Delivery

This event will be delivered virtually through Zoom, with joining instructions sent out by the governance team two weeks before the day of the event.

Along with the joining instructions and links delegates will receive a copy of the programme, with finalised timings, topics, and speakers.

The event will be delivered as as a series of presentations, discussions and panels, with time after each for questions and comments.

For any enquiries regarding the event please contact the Programmes and Events Team at:

governance@advance-he.ac.uk