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what constitutes an effective governing body in higher education?
What constitutes an effective governing body in Higher Education?
The Leadership Foundation and CUC have jointly commissioned
the Office for Public Management (OPM) to conduct a study into
what constitutes an effective governing body in Higher
Education. This multi-faceted study has been underway since
January 2008. It aims to go beyond compliance with the range of
codes that are available to guide good governance and focus on
the higher level factors such as relationships, behaviours and
roles and responsibilities which can add value to an
institution's performance.
We are delighted with the positive response to the study so
far from both key stakeholders and individual institutions
across the country. To date:
- 20 in-depth interviews have been held
with key individuals from both the UK and abroad who have a
keen interest in effective governance in HEIs.
- 26 institutions have taken part in an
on-line survey. This has been completed by governors and the
senior management teams in higher education intuitions.
The survey was adapted from a version currently used
extensively by the Audit Commission based on the “Good
Governance Standard for Public Services” developed by the
Langlands Commission in 2004. The response rate has
been really positive with some very
interesting results.
- An extensive literature review has been completed looking
at governing body effectiveness in higher education both in
the UK and internationally including a review of best
practice in governance in other sectors with identified
relevance to higher education. This will be made
publicly available shortly.
- Two regional workshops have been arranged in Leeds and
London for a total of over 40 chairs and deputy
chairs of governing bodies to discuss the results of
the study so far and to gain further insight into what they
feel constitutes governing body effectiveness.
- We are also planning five in-depth case studies to follow
to explore in more depth the impact of certain aspects of
effective governance in the sector.
OPM will report towards the end of 2008, and a major
dissemination event will be held in February 2009 and organised
by the Leadership Foundation and the CUC. If you would
like to know about the study contact the Project Manager,
Gillian Fawcett on 020 7239 7807 or Rebecca Williams on 020
7239 7868.
Last updated: 19 May 2008
