Corporation Member

role and responsibilities.

The Corporation is similar in many respects to the Board of Directors of a Company. The focus of attention should be on strategy.

Key responsibilities

The College Corporation operates in accordance with the statutory Instrument & Articles of Government with the main responsibilities being as follows:

• the determination and periodic review of the educational character and mission of the institution and the oversight of its activities;

• publishing arrangements for obtaining the views of staff and  students on the 

        determination and periodic review of the educational character and mission of the 

        institution and the oversight of its activities;

• approving the quality strategy of the institution;

• the effective and efficient use of resources, the solvency of the institution and the Corporation and safeguarding their assets;

• approving annual estimates of income and expenditure;

• the appointment, grading, suspension, dismissal and determination of the pay and conditions of service of the holders of senior posts and the Clerk, including, where the Clerk is, or is to be appointed as, a member of staff, the Clerk’s appointment, grading, suspension, dismissal  and determination of pay in the capacity of a member of staff; and

• setting a framework for the pay and conditions of service of all other staff.

Corporation member role

The Corporation is similar in many respects to the Board of Directors of a Company. The focus of attention should be on strategy. The running of the College is the responsibility of the Principal & Chief Executive and his team. The Corporation acts as a decision making body and it is important that it speaks with one voice. Members are not representatives of any bodies even if they have been nominated to serve on the Corporation. They serve on the Corporation as individuals and cannot be mandated by others to speak for or against an issue before the Corporation.

Members are expected to serve on at least one Committee – these are Audit & Risk; Finance & Resources; Governance & Search; and Remuneration. Most Members serve on at least 2 committees and sometimes more. 

There is an opportunity to get involved in the life of the College in a number of ways including acting as a Link Member which may depend on a particular interest or expertise such as Health & Safety. 

Training will be provided on an ongoing basis to support Members to carry the role and to gain as much as possible from the opportunity. 

The time commitment for Members will vary depending on how many committees and links but one can assume about one evening a month plus preparatory time in reading the various reports to be considered by the Corporation.    

What happens next?

An application from membership of the Corporation will be considered by, in the first instance, the Members of the Governance & Search Committee. This should lead to a discussion with Members which provides them and you with the opportunity to check that your skills and experience are appropriate to fill a current or forthcoming vacancy. 

The Governance & Search Committee will present to the Corporation a recommendation on your possible appointment as a Member of the Corporation which will normally be for, in the first instance, 4 years although other periods may be agreed.         

An appointment to serve on the Corporation will be subject to a full DBS check given the importance placed on safeguarding. Members are also asked to complete a Register of Interests so as to cover any potential conflicts when considering issues before the Corporation or a Committee.     

If you have any questions please contact the Clerk to the Corporation via robin.jones@newvic.ac.uk