The main purpose of the Governing Body is to decide the overall strategic direction and educational character of the College and ensure its overall well-being and financial solvency.
More specifically, the Governors are responsible for:
- Determining and reviewing the educational character and mission of the College and for the oversight of its activities
- Publishing arrangements for obtaining the views of staff and students on the determination and periodic review of the educational character and mission of the institution and oversight of its activities
- Approving a Quality Strategy for the College
- Ensuring that public money is spent appropriately and the College continues to be financially solvent
- Approving annual estimates of income and expenditure
- Appointing and determining the pay and conditions of service of the College’s Principal, other senior postholders and Clerk
- Setting a framework for the pay and conditions of service of all other staff.
The Corporation or Governing Body at East Durham College consists of 16 Members.
There are:
- Four internal members
- The Principal
- Two Staff Members, who are elected by the staff at the College; and
- Two Student Members who are elected by the students at the College.
- 12 External Members
External members can be from any background. The Search Committee of the Corporation makes recommendations to the Board on applicants that it considers have the appropriate skills to assist the Corporation in carrying out its responsibilities. It also ensures that the composition of the Board reflects the broad interests of key stakeholder groups.
Members of the Corporation are voluntary and the positions are unpaid. (Members can claim out of pocket expenses for attendance at conferences and seminars.) The Student Members usually serve for one year, Staff Members for two years and the term of office for External Members is usually for four years. Governors can be re-appointed after their first term of office. Members are expected to attend meetings of the Full Board (usually five per year) and at least two training sessions a year.
A governor role description can be accessed at the bottom of our Governance Documents page.
Applying to Become a Governor
We currently have a vacancy for a governor at East Durham College.
As a Governor you would join our Board and play a key role in shaping this future by influencing the overall strategic direction and educational character of the College, as well as helping to ensure its overall wellbeing and financial solvency.
A Governor is a voluntary, unpaid role but there are many rewards that come with it – the opportunity to gain Board level experience, to share your expertise and perspective in a meaningful and rewarding environment and to develop new skills that will benefit your own career.
We welcome all applications but are currently particularly interested in individuals with an agriculture and/or a land-based background and those expertise in health and life sciences, digital, advanced manufacturing and engineering, construction and culture and tourism.
Governors are encouraged to play a full and active role and will be expected to attend Board meetings as well as joining a committee of the Board. A full induction and regular training will be provided to ensure you understand the context in which the College operates and the skills necessary to fulfil your role.
You can receive more information about becoming a governor at East Durham College by contacting the Clerk to the Corporation:
Samantha Pritchard
Partner
Muckle LLP
Direct Line: 0191 211 7905
Mobile: 07355 092 808