Governance

Legal Status

Further Education colleges were incorporated under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. On 31 August 2017, City of Westminster College and College of North West London merged to form United Colleges Group (UCG).

United Colleges Group is an exempt charity under the Charities Act 2011. The Corporation (Governing Body), working through the Executive, provides strategic leadership and oversight for the College Group.

The Corporation operates within the powers set out in:

• The Further and Higher Education Act 1992 and subsequent legislation
• The UCG Instrument and Articles of Government
• UCG Standing Orders

These documents define the Corporation’s structure, responsibilities, powers and procedures:

Public Benefit

In setting and reviewing the College’s strategic objectives, the Corporation has due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

UCG delivers public benefit through the advancement of education by:

• Delivery of outstanding teaching, learning and assessment.
• Provision of a broad and enriching programme of learning opportunities focused on helping students acquire essential work experience and employability skills.
• Embracing of the diversity and achievement of every individual to ensure that they are valued and respected.
• Responding to the needs of our local communities to bridge the gap to employment for adults and NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
• Promotion and active support of volunteering in the local community.

Responsibilities of the Corporation

The Corporation is responsible for:

• Determining and reviewing the educational character and mission of the College Group
• Ensuring arrangements are in place to gather the views of staff and students
• Approving the College’s quality strategy
• Ensuring effective and efficient use of resources
• Safeguarding the solvency and assets of the College Group
• Approving annual budgets and financial forecasts
• Appointing, grading and setting pay and conditions for senior post holders
• Setting the framework for pay and conditions for all other staff

Our Governors

The Corporation is made up of Governors who bring a range of professional skills, knowledge and experience.

All Governors give their time voluntarily. In addition to attending Corporation and Committee meetings, Governors are expected to participate in training and College events.

Corporation Vacancies

We welcome interest from individuals who may wish to join the Corporation.

Appointments are made through a formal process led by the Governance, Search and Remuneration Committee. We seek to maintain a balance of skills, experience and backgrounds to strengthen the diversity and effectiveness of the Corporation.

Experience in the Further Education sector is helpful but not essential. We positively encourage applications from women, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals and people from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

If you are interested in contributing as a Governor, please contact the Director of Governance on 020 7258 2952 for an informal discussion.

Corporation Meetings

The Corporation meets at least once per term. Members of the public may attend all or part of meetings unless items are deemed confidential.

To enquire about attending a meeting, please contact:
Tel: 020 7258 2952
Email: governance@cwc.ac.uk

Meeting dates are published in advance each academic year.

Committee Meeting Dates 2025/26

Corporation Minutes

Approved minutes of Corporation meetings (excluding confidential items) are published below:

Earlier minutes and additional Corporation papers are available from the Director of Governance in line with the College’s Publication Scheme and Freedom of Information Policy.

Corporation Committee Structure

Under the Articles of Government, the Corporation may delegate certain responsibilities to the CEO and to its committees.

The Corporation operates through the following committees:

• Audit Committee
• Finance & Resources Committee
• Teaching, Learning & Skills Committee
• Governance, Search & Remuneration Committee
• Property & Infrastructure Committee

Each committee operates under approved Terms of Reference set out in the Standing Orders. Approved minutes (excluding confidential items) are published on this website.

Register of Interests

A register of Corporation Members’ (Governors) and senior managers’ interests is maintained and can be inspected upon request to the Director of Governance.

Tel: 020 7258 2952
Email: governance@cwc.ac.uk

All Governors are required to comply with the UCG Code of Conduct for Corporation Members.