Higher education governance is multi-faceted, combining the oversight of strategy, finance, risk and opportunity as well as academic assurance and regulatory compliance matters from a range of sources, which can be daunting. New governors or governance professionals should be supported to navigate the landscape and understand the activities and culture of their institution.
Induction and support for new governors and governance professionals should be a key priority for institutions to help them ensure effective governance in a complex world, but also make the most of their talented board members and staff.”
Aaron Porter, Associate Director (Governance), Advance HE
Guidance to support the induction of new governors
Advance HE has written this guide to support institutions in the induction of new governors or for anyone wanting to understand more about the key elements of being a governor and the governance landscape of higher education.
It is divided into key sections referencing Advance HE resources as well as a number of external documents and websites. It can be printed off and added to a governor induction pack or shared as required.
Governor Continuous Professional Development (GCPD)
Our Governance CPD programme supports higher education providers to build confident, effective governance in a complex and fast‑changing environment. It develops the capability of governors, governance professionals and senior leaders through practical, sector‑focused learning. By strengthening oversight of finance, strategy, partnerships and academic assurance, it helps governing bodies make better decisions, provide stronger challenge and build long‑term institutional resilience.
Governance Professionals in HE Programme
A development programme specifically designed for clerks, secretaries and staff in governance related roles in professional support teams who play a central role in the academic and corporate governance of HE institutions.
Reports, publications and resources to support those New to Higher Education Governance
The following resources have been designed to support those new to higher education governance or those responsible for inducting those becoming governors at a higher education institution. The resources cover topics such as operating context, responsibilities and the governing body structure and operation.
A guide to governor responsibilities
The responsibilities of a governor of a higher education provider can be broad and often dynamic. This handy guide covers academic governance, compliance and regulation, commercial operations, students including international students, risk management, the strategic plan and monitoring performance.
A guide to operating context
The aspects of the operating context for higher education providers are considered in this guide which covers legal requirements and regulation, ethics and values and competitive pressures.
A guide to governing bodies
The composition of a governing body, the role of committees and effectiveness, as well as the detailed work of the individual committees, is reviewed in this guide to governing bodies.
