What is a student governor?
There are two student governors on the Board — one from students aged 16–19 and one from the Higher Education cohort for students aged over 19 studying higher qualifications.
The Governors are a group of people who are volunteers. Together they are known as ’The Board’ and have special responsibilities for making sure the college is run properly. The Board is responsible for setting the college’s direction, Budget and ensuring that the college provides the best quality teaching and learning.
The Board is made up of 19 governors from across the community. Student governors are full members of the governing body, with all the responsibilities and expectations that the role of governor entails. Student governors use their experiences as students when helping the Board to make decisions. They work closely with governors to make sure students are at the heart of the decision-making process.
Student Governors also work with the Student Council to make sure that the students are at the heart of the decision-making process.
Student Governors are nominated and elected by the student body - the 16 – 19 Student Governor by the 16-19 age students and the H.E. student by the 19+ age students studying at a higher level.
Student Governors
- Are highly valued - as first-hand users of the college, student governors have been able to give their views on important decisions being made. They can contribute to important college decisions, such as what the college is planning to do over the next few years.
- Get to understand how the college really works and have had the chance to meet and work with the Principal/CEO and other senior managers to develop the college. Student Governors are also involved in developing the way the college listens to students.
- Gain experience and understanding of what comes after college - like how meetings run, how to develop professional relationships and speak at meetings. Being a student governor will look good on a C.V. and develops the student’s skill base.
- Have had the opportunity to work with lots of different people for the benefit of the college.
Student Governors are expected to -
- Attend Induction and other Student Governor support sessions to ensure they are prepared for meetings and understand the role;
- Read committee papers and reports, treating them as confidential;
- Attend meetings and develop meeting skills;
- Participate, contribute, be positive, constructive and willing to consider new ideas;
- Ensure they are not distracted from their studies;
- Share responsibility for decisions that are taken at formal meetings.
- Agree to the Board’s Code of Conduct, which sets out how governors should behave and places a lot of importance of governors acting in the best interests of the College and its students.
The College exists for its students; so, the views of students are important to ensure that their best interests are reflected in the decision-making processes that take place by governors.