Whether independent, staff or student governor, Chair/Chair of Committee, or a governance professional, help – whether to navigate the demands of governance, the higher education landscape, or the cultural dynamics at play – is always at hand.
Our work in supporting higher education shows the crucial role the governance professional plays in developing effective and mature governance. With increasing demands placed on modern, agile governance to support strategic transformation governance professionals must receive access to ongoing learning in key developments within and beyond the HE sector in a supportive peer group environment ”
Dan Tinkler, Consultant, Governance and Strategic Transformation, Advance HE
Victoria Holbrook, former Assistant Director Governance, Advance HE talks to John Rushforth, Executive Secretary, CUC, as he shares top tips to help new chairs navigate their role on the board.
Governor Competencies Map
To undertake their role effectively, governors need to understand:
- The complexities of the external and internal environment including changing political, policy and regulatory landscape
- The unique mission, values and character of the institution and its strategy, as well as its legal structure
- The responsibilities of a governor in the context of the two points above, guided by whatever codes of practice and governance the institution subscribes to
The Advance HE Governor Competencies Map has been designed as a practical tool to support board members with mapping their own individual progression and development needs as well as that of the board as a whole.
Governance Continuous Professional Development
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.
Reports, publications and resources supporting governor, chair and clerk development
The following resources have been designed to support governor, chair and clerk development in higher education. The resources cover topics such as governance effectiveness, new to HE governance, academic governance and more .
New to Higher Education Governance guidance and resources
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. The information and support for new governors and new governance professionals can support those new to higher education governance.
