Topic briefing
Published 27 July 2020
Governing bodies
Published 27 July 2020
Resources
Regulatory documents and advice notes
- The Higher Education and Research Act 2017External link (Opens in a new tab or window)
- Securing student success: Regulatory framework for higher education in England
- An overview of access and participation plans, including FAQs
- Regulatory notice 1: Access and participation plan guidance
- Regulatory advice 6: How to prepare your access and participation plan – effective practice advice
- Access and participation data dashboard
- Effective practice in access and participation
Good governance practice guidelines
- The higher education code of governanceExternal link (Opens in a new tab or window) (2020)
The Committee of University Chairs has published this revised higher education code of governance, which establishes core governance values and identifies seven primary elements of good governance. - The code of good governance for English collegesExternal link (Opens in a new tab or window) (2023)
The Association of Colleges' Governors’ Council has published this revised further education code of good governance, which establishes core governance values and identifies ten principal responsibilities of good governance. - The size, composition and skills available to the governing bodyExternal link (Opens in a new tab or window) (2019)
Advance HE has published this briefing note which addresses how to construct an effective governing body, including through diversity of membership. - Code of governance for independent providers of higher educationExternal link (Opens in a new tab or window) (2021)
Designed for use by providers whose governance arrangements may be different from those of traditional universities, Independent Higher Education's code is based around ten principles of good governance providers can embed within their own specific context.
Publications and other resources
- Managing good governance in higher educationExternal link (Opens in a new tab or window) (2006)
A book exploring good governance practice, produced by Michael Shattock. - What is an effective and high performing governing body in UK higher education?External link (Opens in a new tab or window) (2009)
The Leadership Foundation for Higher Education published this report addressing the characteristics of effective governing bodies. - Getting to grips with being a new governorExternal link (Opens in a new tab or window) (2013)
The Leadership Foundation for Higher Education published these resources to aid new governors of UK higher education providers. - Ways that groups go wrong: ‘groupthink’External link (Opens in a new tab or window)
OpenLearn by The Open University explores the challenges and constraints caused by ‘groupthink’, which may affect governing bodies. - Challenges facing good governanceExternal link (Opens in a new tab or window) (2017)
The Leadership Foundation for Higher Education published this blog which addresses some of the challenges facing good higher education governance in the UK.
Published 27 July 2020
Last updated 22 May 2024 + show all updates
Last updated 22 May 2024 + show all updates
22 May 2024 - Added Independent Higher Education's code of governance.
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