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.
Programme
10am - Welcome and introductions
10.20am - Policy landscape
11am - Understanding HE governance - Dr Catherine Baxter, University Secretary, Harper Adams University
11.40am - Break
12pm - Composition of governing bodies and findings from Advance Board Diversity report - Aaron Porter, Associate Director (Governance), Advance HE
12.15pm - Question and answer session with a panel of staff governors including:
- Sarah Cowls, Director of Student and Academic Services, Queen Mary University of London
- Dominic Laffy, Principal Lecturer in Strategic Management, Regent’s University London
12.45pm - Break
1pm - Breakout discussions:
- Sharing experiences on the governing body
- Biggest surprise
- Challenges
- Development support
1.30pm - Feedback
1.45pm - Wrap up and close
If you would like to find out more about our other governance events, please visit our Governance Development Programme page.