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GDP: Role and Responsibilities of Staff Governors

For new and continuing Staff Governors and those considering whether they would like to become a Staff Governor.

Overview

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.

Next cohort: 15 November 2023
Location: Virtual

Register your interest

Programme

10.00am   Welcome 

10.20am   Policy landscape, Kate Wicklow, GuildHE

11.00am   Understanding HE governance, Chris Ince, University Secretary & Chief Compliance Officer at University of Hull

11.40am   Break

12.00pm   Composition of GBs & Headlines from report, Aaron Porter

12.15pm   Q&A Panel of staff governors, Dominic Laffy, Regent's University London and Shane Martin, University of Essex

12.45pm   Break

1.00pm   Breakout discussions 

1.30pm   Feedback and close

Aaron Porter

Associate Director (Governance)
,
Advance HE
AP
Aaron leads on Advance HE governance activity through the delivery of our national Governor Development Programme which engages with around 900 governors across the UK on an annual basis. He has extensive experience leading reviews of over 25 governing boards. Aaron was previously President of the National Union of Students (NUS) and also chair of trustees for the organisation.

Dr Kate Wicklow

Policy Director
,
GuildHE
Dr Kate Wicklow
Dr Kate Wicklow is the Policy Director (Insight, Access & Student Experience) at GuildHE. She leads work on behalf of the Guild in the areas of regulation and funding, data and planning, access and participation, admissions, student support and equality and diversity.

Dominic Laffy

Principal Lecturer in Strategic Management
,
Regent's University London
Dominic Laffy
Dominic joined Regent’s College in 1993 which went on via T.D.A.P. to become Regent’s University and has been teaching full-time since 2008.