Questions for Self-Assessment ofGovernance / Response
Evidence / Evaluative judgement
Outstanding
Good
Satisfactory
Inadequate / Key Strength/Area for improvement
COMPLIANCE
Are the following aspects of governance handled according to current instruments & articles, statute, funding agency requirements, other guidance and best practice?
Appointment of Governors – determination, search committee, appointments, gender & ethnic profile, vacancies, annual eligibility, appointment of chair & vice-chair, skills audit, formal training programme, induction, re-appointment scrutiny.
Clerking arrangements – Appointment, role, independence and expertise, job description, training, appraisal, dismissal etc.
Operation of the Corporation – Attendance (targets and action), agendas, quoracy, public attendance and access to minutes, register of interests, declaration of interest, approval of key documents, annual cycle of business, production and clearance of minutes, monitoring board’s own performance, governance health check.
Membership & Terms of Reference of Committees – determined, approved.
Framework for senior post-holders – appointment, remuneration, dismissal, committee.
Determination of fees
Audit & Audit Committee – membership and expertise, scope, appointment of internal & external auditors, performance indicators, audit code of practice, risk management.
Strategic & Financial Planning – development and approval of strategic plan, 3-year financial plan, risk plan, monitoring finances, approval of budgets, corporate governance statement, monitoring of strategic plan, review of college mission, approval of financial regulations, overseas trips expenditure, strategic improvement plan, KPIs.
Learner Information – Data, Enrolments, Retention & Achievement Targets and KPIs, Standards & Quality Committee, Review of Academic Performance, Learner Surveys, Monitor Skills for Life, Knowledge of curriculum.
Remuneration – Remuneration of Principal and Senior Post Holders, Approval, Appraisal.
Open Conduct of public business – Code of Conduct, Standing Orders, Complaints, Whistle blowing etc., Register of Interests and Declaration, Financial Statements and Interests, Newsletter, Annual Report, Expenses policy, Requests for Information, Confidentiality and papers.
Financial Performance – Information on financial health, management accounts & reports, capital projects, budgets and financial performance, dealing with irregularity and fraud, course costing & benchmarking, funding targets.
Risk management – Risk Register, Action plan, Reporting, Internal Audit Plan.
Companies & Joint Ventures – Representation of governors, shareholding, reporting back, memorandum of understanding, audit arrangements, LSC consent.
Every Child Matters, Equality and Diversity and Safeguarding– have governors ensured that the College meets its obligations?
Legislation – Health & Safety, Disability Discrimination, Race Legislation, FE & Training Act.
EFFECTIVENESS
Do governors regularly review the following?
Decision-Making
Meeting, Agenda and Papers
Scheme of Delegation
Members’ roles including Inspection
Members’ Satisfaction
Use of Good Practice
Members’ Skills
Information & Training Needs
IMPACT
Are the following reported, challenged and have they improved?
Learner Success Rates
Quality Improvement
Inspection Grades
Targets
Financial Health
Teaching & Learning Environment
Staff & Employer Satisfaction
Teaching & Learning Observation Grades
Learner and Stakeholder Feedback
LEADERSHIP
How strong is the role in the following?
Setting the Strategic Direction for the College
Strategic Planning
Review of Mission, Values and Policy framework
Challenging targets and performance
Leading Self-Assessment & Excellence
ADDED VALUE
To what extent do governors do the following?
Act as Critical Friend – Support but challenge
Bring the outside in
Get involved in the life of the College
Provide checks and balance of power
Scrutinize and ensure accountability
Support the Employer Engagement agenda
Source: Adapted from LSIS
Governance Self-Assessment Checklist
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