Collab Group and Shakespeare Martineau Release paper on college governance

In collaboration with Shakespeare Martineau, the Collab Group has published its latest paper on the importance of good governance in the FE sector, “College Governance: Opportunities and Challenges“. This publication is based on interviews with principals and governing board members from Collab Group colleges. The purpose of the interviews is to attempt to understand the main issues that college governors face, particularly considering the impact of mergers within the sector and how these affect areas of governance priority and focus.

In the paper, we set out some key points for governing boards to consider in this time of great change and uncertainty within the FE sector.

We hope that the paper will be of interest to governors, senior managers and other leaders in the FE sector who are concerned about how good governance can promote improvements and sustainability within further education.

Ian Pretty, CEO of Collab Group, said:

“The way colleges operate has changed significantly over the last 30 years, which has inevitably created opportunities and challenges in governance arrangements. We hope that with this paper will contribute to an ongoing debate about how we can improve the durability and responsiveness of the FE sector.”

Geraldine Swanton, Legal Director at Shakespeare Martineau, said:

“Colleges serve a multiplicity of needs in an increasingly complex and diverse society. Effective governance arrangements and engaged governors are key to meeting those needs. It is only by understanding the challenges to good governance that solutions can be found, and it is hoped that this paper makes the task a little easier.”

About Shakespeare Martineau: A leading law firm that brings creativity, commerciality and clarity to complex challenges. They work with blue-chip companies, education organisations, high street brands and individuals across the world.