Codes of HE Governance and Effectiveness
The CUC Code of Governance suggests every governing body of an HEI in the UK (not including Scottish HEIs) should undertake a review of its effectiveness every four years, in Scotland the Scottish Code of Good Higher Education Governance says that governing bodies are expected to review their effectiveness every year with an externally facilitated evaluation every five years. The CUC Code of Governance (article 7.11, p.26) suggests that ‘Many governing bodies find an external perspective in this process useful’.
Governance Reviews
Drawing on our network of experts, we are able to provide an external perspective for institutions looking to undertake a review of their governing boards.
Framework for Supporting Governing Body Effectiveness Reviews
Advance HE's recently updated Framework for supporting governing body effectiveness reviews in higher education sets out the key factors for consideration of higher education governing body effectiveness and offers a tool to support our members as they conduct their effectiveness reviews. The framework is free to Advance HE members
At the heart of our approach is the framework for identifying and supporting governing body effectiveness reviews in higher education, developed in partnership with the Committee of University Chairs.
Key Factors for Governance Effectiveness
The framework sets out three key factors (Enablers, Working relationships, Outcomes) for consideration of governing body effectiveness and offers a tool to support members in conducting their reviews. These three inter-related elements are an effective basis for underpinning higher education governing body effectiveness reviews.

Governance Effectiveness Review Case Study: Newcastle University
Read the case study from our Governance Effectiveness Review at Newcastle University.
Newcastle University commissioned consultants from Advance HE to undertake an external review of governance effectiveness.
The focus and key lines of enquiry of the review looked at all key aspects of governance effectiveness at the University regarding the nature and effectiveness of the Council’s involvement in the strategic planning process for the University, and the role of the Council in reviewing and monitoring the performance of the institution against its strategic plan.