Governance

South Devon College has a Governing Body which is ultimately responsible for the success of the College. It governs in accordance with the Instrument and Articles of Government which sets out specific functions that the Governing Body is responsible for:

• The determination and review of the educational character and mission of the College and the oversight of its activities
• Approving the quality strategy of the College
• 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 oversights of its activities
• The effective and efficient use of resources, the solvency of the College and safeguarding its assets
• Approving annual estimates of income and expenditure
• The appointment, appraisal and, if necessary, dismissal of Senior Post Holders, including the Clerk
• Setting a framework for the pay and conditions of service of all other staff

Governing Body Composition

The governing body is made up of twelve independent governors, two staff governors (one academic and one professional services), two student governors (one from further education and one from higher education) and the principal as ex-officio. Please see here to meet our governors.

The standing orders set out the formal structure of the governing body and the overall regulatory framework for the conduct of its business. To effectively conduct business, the governing body operates as per the below organogram, with specific responsibilities delegated to committees.

Governing Body Structure

Audit Committee

Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring the College’s internal controls and management systems, for providing advice to the Governing Body on the effectiveness of these systems and for providing a medium for communication with the Corporation’s auditors.

Curriculum and Quality Committee (Incorporating the HE Committee)

Curriculum and Quality Committee is responsible for ensuring student success, progression and satisfaction is maximised with continuous review and improvement of strategies, policies, procedures and data relating to quality, teaching, learning and assessment.

Honorary Awards

The Honorary Awards Committee is responsible for receiving nominations for fellowships/honorary awards to be conferred upon people in recognition of their significant commitment to the College and wider community. On reviewing these nominations, the committee recommends them to the Board for approval. Please see here for more information.

People and Resources Committee

The People and Resources Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Governing Body on the annual estimates of income and expenditure, financial monitoring, and approving broad College policies relating property/accommodation. It also reviews and approves policies including Health and Safety. The Committee is also responsible for approving major external contracts, which are consistent with the College’s Strategic Plan.

Remuneration Committee 

Remuneration Committee is responsible for considering all matters relating to the Senior Post Holders (SPH) of the Corporation, reviewing and determining the policy on remuneration, advising on the specific remuneration packages and receiving annual appraisals.

Search and Governance Committee

The Search and Governance Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Governing Body on the nomination of candidates for appointment as members of the Governing Body in accordance with the Instruments and Articles of Government and to recommend policies and procedures for such appointments. The Committee also considers and advises the Corporation on the composition and balance of the Governing Body and its Committees.

Please see here for approved governing body meeting minutes.