Andy Shenstone, Director of Business Development and Delivery, who leads Advance HE’s work to support effective governance, said, “We were delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the revised Code. Its timing is extremely welcome given the challenges the sector faces and the vital role Boards play in supporting and positively challenging executive teams as they navigate some extremely choppy waters. The Code highlights the more active nature required of those in HE governance as the sector builds and protects its reputation with all stakeholders.
“It is very positive to see the new guidance reflects the changing landscape for HE, coupled with a focus on having the right boardroom culture as fundamental to effectiveness. I am particularly pleased to see the prominence of inclusion and diversity in the Code and the call that ‘the governing body must routinely reflect on its own composition and consider ways it can encourage diversity in all its forms, thus leading by example’.
"We fully endorse the Code’s point that ‘good governance requires more than the development of processes, since it is built on strong relationships, honest dialogue and mutual respect’. We know from our considerable work with governors and boards across HE that Covid-19 has brought this into sharp relief. We look forward to collaborating further with CUC and other sector organisations in supporting the Code’s implementation.”
Further information:
Early next month, Advance HE’s Governance Bulletin will include a briefing about governance in 2020-21, which governors and governance professionals can use to guide their approach this year in the context of the provisions of the new Code.
Also in October, our monthly member benefit theme is dedicated to leading work which will explore and highlight ‘Equality, diversity and inclusion; the critical governance role’ which speaks to the core values of the Code and, notably that of inclusivity. A series of thought pieces and blogs will culminate in a ‘Chatham House’ roundtable webinar on 22 October, Diversity and inclusion – 'Exploring effective board assurance of equality, diversity and inclusion progress in HE'.
Our Governance Conference, Transforming Governance for a new normal, 20 November 2020,will offer a further opportunity to explore the new Code.
Find out more about Advance HE’s work to support effective governance.