What is a student governor?
There are two student governors on the Board — one elected from students aged 16–19 and one elected from the Higher Education cohort for students aged over 19 studying higher qualifications.
Student Voice and Governance
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 governors from a wide range of professional, educational and community backgrounds. Student Governors are full members of the Board and share the same responsibilities and expectations as all other governors, which means that they contribute to discussions and decision-making on a wide range of strategic matters.
Student Governors bring valuable insight into the student experience and help the Board understand the impact of its decisions on students and the wider college community to make sure that the students are at the heart of the decision-making.
Student Governors are not representatives or delegates of any particular group of students. Like all governors, they are required to act in the best interests of the college and its students as a whole. However, do maintain links with the Student Council and the wider student body to help inform their understanding of student perspectives and experiences.
The college places great importance on understanding and responding to the experiences and views of its students. Student Governors contribute an important perspective to the Board's discussions, helping governors consider how decisions may affect students and supporting informed and effective governance. Alongside feedback from the Student Council, surveys, focus groups and other student engagement activities, Student Governors help ensure that the learner experience remains an important consideration in the Board's strategic decision-making.
Student Governors have the opportunity to:
- contribute to strategic decisions affecting the future direction of the college;
- influence discussions about educational quality, student experience and college development;
- gain experience of governance, leadership and decision-making;
- work alongside governors, senior leaders and external stakeholders;
- develop confidence, communication and professional skills;
- strengthen their CV, university applications and future career prospects; and
- make a meaningful contribution to the success of the college.
Student Governors develop valuable skills and experience, including:
- understanding how large organisations are governed;
- analysing information and questioning proposals constructively;
- developing professional curiosity;
- participating in professional meetings;
- influencing decision-making;
- teamwork and collaboration;
- strategic thinking; and
- leadership and communication skills.
These experiences can support future employment, higher education and leadership opportunities.
Like all other governors, Student Governors are expected to:
- attend induction, training and development opportunities;
- prepare for meetings by reading papers and reports in advance;
- respect confidentiality where required;
- attend Board and Committee meetings regularly;
- contribute confidently and constructively to discussions;
- ask questions and provide appropriate challenge;
- uphold the Board's Code of Conduct;
- act in the best interests of the college, its students, staff and their communities;
- support collective decision-making; and
- balance their governor responsibilities with their studies.
Student Governors receive support from the Clerk to the Corporation and fellow governors to help them develop in the role and participate effectively in Board business.