Governing Body - Role Description for the Chair of the Governing Body

Sep 14, 2026

Role Description for the Chair of the Governing Body outlines leadership responsibilities to ensure proper governance of the College. It covers appointment and accountability to the full Governing Body, expectations for leading meetings and maintaining efficient public business conduct, and requirements to align with statutory instruments, regulatory codes, and internal standing orders. It also specifies duties regarding strategic control, information flow, delegated authority protocols, relationship building with Vice Chair and executive leadership, conflict-of-interest management, and oversight of performance review, appraisals, and relevant committee support.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

Role Purpose

Appointment and Accountability

Leadership

The Business of the Governing Body

The Performance of the Governing Body

GOVERNING BODY Role Description for the Chair of the Governing Body Role Purpose: To provide leadership to the Governing Body and ensure that Governors fulfil their function for the proper governance of the College. (N. B. The Vice Chair of the Governing Body shall deputise and take on similar responsibilities in the absence of the Chair of the Governing Body. ) 1 Appointment and Accountability a) The Chair to the Governing Body is elected by the full membership of the Governing Body, in accordance with all statutory procedures and the College’s Standing Orders. b) The Chair is responsible solely to the Governing Body. 2 Leadership a) The Chair is responsible for the leadership of the Governing Body. Asthe Chair of its meetings, he/she is responsible for ensuring that the necessary business is carried on efficiently, effectively, and in a manner appropriate for the proper conduct of public business. b) The Chair should ensure that the Governing Body acts in accordance with the Instrument and Articles of Government, other external regulatory requirements, the Code of Good Governance for English Colleges, and with the Group's own internal rules and regulations, and should seek advice from the Clerk to the Governing Body and Principal/CEO as appropriate in any case of uncertainty. c) The Chair should ensure that the Governing Body exercises collective responsibility and a shared sense of purpose , that is to say, that decisions are taken corporately by all Members acting as a body. The Chair should encourage all Members to work together effectively, contributing their skills and expertise as appropriate, and should seek to build consensus among them. d) The Chair is responsible for ensuring that the Governing Body conducts itself in accordance with accepted standards of behaviour in public life, embracing selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. e) The Chair shall ensure that the Clerk to the Governing Body maintainsan up-to-date register of the Interests of Members of the Governing Body, and shall make a full and timely personal disclosure. f) The Chair shall ensure that any conflict of interest is identified, exposed, and managed appropriately, in order that the integrity of Governing Body business shall be, and shall be seen to be, maintained. g) The Chair shall develop a good working relationship with the Vice Chair and ensure that are kept fully informed and tasks delegated as appropriate. 3 The Business of the Governing Body a) The Chair is responsible for ensuring that the Governing Body exercises control over the strategic direction of the Group and that the performance of the Group is adequately assessed against the objectives and indicators which the Governing Body has approved. b) The Chair should ensure through liaison with the Clerk and Principal/CEO that all relevant information (including regular and satisfactory management and committee reports) are presented to the Governing Body. c) The Chair should, at all times, act in accordance with established protocols for the use of delegated authority as set out in the College’s Standing Orders. All instances of the use of delegated authority should be reported to the next meeting of the Governing Body. d) The Chair should endeavour to establish constructive and supportive but challenging working relationships with the Principal/CEO and with the Chief Executive, recognising the proper separation between governance and executive management, and avoiding involvement in the day-to-day executive management of the Group. e) The Chair should develop effective working relationships with the Clerk to the Governing Body, and work closely with him/her in the operation of Governing Body business. f) Any arrangement for the Chair to act as formal signatory on behalf of the Group, [e.g. in](e.g. in) connection with the use of the Seal or the approval of the financial statements should be stipulat

FAQs

How is the Chair of the Governing Body appointed and who is the Chair accountable to?

The Chair is elected by the full membership of the Governing Body following statutory procedures and the College’s Standing Orders. The Chair is responsible solely to the Governing Body.

What leadership and meeting responsibilities does the Chair have?

The Chair is responsible for leading the Governing Body, chairing meetings, and ensuring business is conducted efficiently, effectively, and appropriately. The Chair also ensures compliance with instruments, articles, standing orders, and committee procedures.

What does the Chair oversee regarding performance and reviews?

The Chair supports effectiveness through critical self-assessment, ensures performance review processes operate across the Group, and conducts regular one-to-ones with board members. The Chair is also responsible for appraising/reviewing the Chief Executive, Principal/CEO, and the Clerk, reporting outcomes to the Remuneration Committee.

Sep 14, 2026

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