Further Education Colleges were incorporated under The Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (FHEA). On 31st August 2017 City of Westminster College and the College of North West London, merged to form United Colleges Group. The college group is an exempt charity for the purposes of the Charities Act 2011. The Corporation (governing body), through the Executive, provides strategic leadership to the college group. It operates within the powers provided under the Further and Higher Education Act of 1992 and subsequent education legislation and in accordance with its Instrument and Articles of Government. These set out the Corporation’s composition, internal powers, responsibilities, duties, and procedures. The Corporation has also agreed on rules for the conduct of business which are known as Standing Orders.
In setting and reviewing the College’s strategic objectives, the Corporation has due regard for the Charity Commission’s requirements on public benefit. In delivering its mission, the College provides the following identifiable public benefits through the advancement of education:
The Corporation is responsible for:
We are always keen to hear from people who might be interested in joining the Corporation. All Governors offer their time voluntarily and are expected to attend not only formal Corporation and relevant Committee meetings but also training events and less formal occasions such as exhibitions and performances. The responsibilities are considerable but the value of contributing to the success of the College Group and especially of its students is immense.
The appointment of new Governors is a formal process based on clear criteria, set by the Search, Governance and Remuneration Committee. We seek a balance of skills and experience to enhance the diversity and knowledge of the Corporation and we review these needs whenever a vacancy arises.
Experience of the FE sector is not an essential requirement but some familiarity with current issues affecting FE would be helpful. We positively welcome applications from women, disabled people, LGBTQ people, and those of ethnically diverse backgrounds.
If you might be interested in contributing as a Governor to United Colleges Group now or in the future, do contact the Director of Governance on 020 7258 2952 to discuss any opportunities informally.
The Corporation meets at least once per term. Governors have agreed that members of the public may be able to attend all or part of these meetings. If you are interested in attending any meeting to observe the business of the College Group’s
Corporation, please contact the Director of Governance on 020 7258 2952 or email governance@cwc.ac.uk for further details.
The dates for our Corporation and Committee meetings are set in advance for each academic year.
Minutes of previous Corporation Meetings except those deemed to be confidential are available below:
Minutes prior to the ones on the website and other Corporation papers are available from the Director of Governance in accordance with the publications scheme and the Freedom of Information policy.
The Corporation has the power under the Articles of Government, to delegate certain functions to the CEO and to its committees. The Corporation conducts its business through a committee structure comprising:
Each committee has terms of reference which have been approved by the Corporation. The terms of reference are included in the Standing Orders. Minutes of meetings once approved, except those deemed to be confidential, are published on this website.
You can find out more about our Committees and see the approved minutes, using links below.
A register of Corporation Members' (Governors) and senior managers’ interests is maintained and can be inspected upon request to the Director of Governance on governance@cwc.ac.uk or 0207 258 2952
The Corporation requires all Governors to comply with its Code of Conduct for Corporation Members.