Overview
For new and continuing Staff Governors and those considering whether they would like to become a Staff Governor.
This one-day event, which forms part of our Governor Development Programme (GDP), will consider the role of Staff Governors and how they can best make an effective contribution to the work of the governing body. Staff Governors provide a direct link between the staff of the institution and the governing body, yet a balance must be struck as they are not acting as a representative of the constituency from whom they have been elected or appointed. As Governors, they should act in the best interests of the institution and accept collective responsibility for the decisions agreed by the governing body. Independent Governors may also look to Staff Governors as a source of information to help their understanding of the institution, and to gain insights into how it operates.
The event will look at the importance of building good relationships with other members of the governing body, explore how difficult issues can be raised, and the balance between supporting and challenging the executive.
Role and Responsibilities of Staff Governors Programme
10.00am Welcome and introductions, Aaron Porter, Associate Director (Governance), Advance HE
10.15am Understanding the HE policy landscape, Ross Renton, Pro Vice Chancellor, Worcester University
11.00am Understanding HE governance, Catherine Baxter, University Secretary, Harper Adams University
11.45am Break
12 noon Composition of governing bodies with headlines and insights from Advance HE Diversity of UK HE Governing Bodies Report, Aaron Porter, Associate Director (Governance), Advance HE
12.15pm Staff governor panel, Sarah Cowls, Head of Student Services and staff governor, Queen Mary University of London, Dominic Laffy, staff governor, Regent's University London
1pm Lunch
1.30pm Breakout discussions
2.10pm Feedback from discussions
2.30pm Close
Speakers
Catherine Baxter
University Secretary, Harper Adams University
Catherine was appointed to the role of University Secretary at Harper Adams University in September 2009 having previously worked in senior roles at both pre and post 1992 Universities in England and Wales. She also has experience of setting up an overseas campus.
Catherine’s role at Harper Adams includes being Secretary to the Board of Governors and its committees and Secretary to the HAU Development Trust (a separate charity established to raise scholarship and capital funds). She also manages a range of teams including Estates & Facilities, HR, Legal, Data Protection/FOI; Catering, and Health and Safety.
If you would like to find out more about our other governance events, please visit our Governance Development Programme page.