Governors

Governance at Lambeth College

Lambeth College is located in South London. The College caters for over 13,000 students, both young people (16 to 18) and adults, and covers a very broad range of courses which you will see on this website. There are three campuses, at Brixton, Clapham, and Vauxhall, reflecting the history of the College which was formed in 1993 through the merger of three former colleges.
 
The College’s Corporation is its Governing Body, a legal body constituted under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (‘the Act’), and is specified as a further education corporation by the Secretary of State. The College has charitable status and is exempt from registration with the Charity Commission under the provisions of the Act, s22A.

The Governing Body is equivalent to a board of directors of a company in the business sector. The legal basis for, and the duties of, the Corporation are specified in the Instrument and Articles of Government 2008.

The Corporation carries the responsibility for high level strategic planning, contributing to the development of the mission, educational character and vision, and strategic priorities of the College. Key roles are also to oversee the quality of provision, and to set budgets. Collectively, governors contribute their professional and specialist skills to the running of the Corporation and its Committees in a non-executive role. Governors make a vital contribution to the success of the College. They come from a wide range of backgrounds, ensuring a balance of skills and experience appropriate to the needs of the College. The membership is currently seventeen governors. Five of the governors are in designated categories of governor: two Staff, two Student, and the Principal. Staff and student Governors are elected by their respective constituencies.

Governors must comply with the seven key principles of public office, including integrity, accountability and objectivity. All governors agree to abide by a Code of Conduct, complete a Register of Interests and undertake an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check on appointment.

The Governing Body meets normally six times a year, and for a strategic planning weekend every January. All governors serve on at least one Committee: Audit, Human Resources, Finance and General Purposes, Planning and Performance (Standards), Remuneration, Search, and Student Affairs.  These Committees meet normally at least once in each of the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms of the academic year. All meetings are normally in the evenings. Being a governor is a voluntary role, although reasonable travel expenses are paid. Support, guidance and training are given to all Governors on appointment, appropriate to their prior experience.