Bolton Sixth Form Website

Governance

'More choice - more for you'

On behalf of the Governing Corporation of Bolton Sixth Form College , welcome to the Governance section of the College website.

The Governors at Bolton Sixth Form College are volunteers from all walks of life who join together with the common goal of supporting the educational ethos of the College and ensuring its financial integrity along with a sustained quality of provision for the students.

The role of the Corporation (Governing Body) is extremely important and varied. The main responsibilities are:

• To determine the ethos and character of the College

• To ensure the college thrives as an organisation while maintaining prudent control of its funds and assets

• To make a significant contribution to what the College does to ensure the success of its students

• To approve pay and conditions of employees

• To help the College to respond to local requirements within the context of regional and national needs

• To review and assure the quality of provision

• To appoint the Principal, Clerk and all other staff

The Corporation has four full meetings per year but much of the work is carried out at Committee level.

There are four main committees which work in the following areas:

The Finance and Personnel Committee advise the Corporation on all aspects of finances and staffing.

The Search Committee advises the Corporation on the appointment of new Governors and on the annual training of Governors.

The Audit Committee's prime role is to advise the Corporation on the effectiveness of the College's systems of Internal Control and its arrangement for risk management and health & safety.

The Curriculum and Quality Committee meets to discuss academic achievement and exam results amongst other curriculum related issues.

These Committees meet between three and five times per year. In addition, many Governors contribute to other areas of College life such as Focus Group meetings, Careers days and Interviewing. To ensure skills are best utilised, a bi-annual skills audit is undertaken of the Governing Body in order to be up to date with abilities and interests of Corporation members who might then be willing to share their expertise with staff or students on a particular issue.

Each College has an instrument of government that sets out the arrangements for membership and meetings of the governing body and its committees. Each college also has articles of government which provide a framework for the conduct of the college. The articles of government define the responsibilities of the governing body and the Principal and various matters relating to staff and students.

The role of governors is to oversee the way the College carries out its work and to provide strategic direction; they are not there to manage the College or involve themselves in its day to day operations.

Governors are required to:

• Attend Governing Body meetings

• Attend Committee meetings as appropriate

• Read through papers in preparation for each meeting

• Be involved in self assessment of the Corporations activities and preparation of Ofsted inspection which includes governance

There are also training opportunities available for members of the Governing Corporation and at Bolton Sixth Form College there is an annual training day (usually in February) which brings Governors and Senior Managers together to discuss strategy, implementation and government policy changes/introductions which may affect the Sixth Form College.

The meetings and involvement with different committees are the formal part of the role of governor however, there are many opportunities to be involved in different aspects of College life. Invitations are sent to all the Governors to attend events such as art exhibitions, drama performances, focus groups, careers and industry days and Higher Education Days to name a few. Most governors find this experience rewarding and satisfying and the involvement with the students adds value to the meetings as it enables governors to see the College in practice.

If you would like further information on the work of the Governing Corporation or on becoming a governor at Bolton Sixth Form College please email aoakley@bolton-sfc.ac.uk or complete an application form which can be found within the governors area and return to the Clerk to the Corporation at the College.

Minutes of Previous Meetings