Legal Status

The Corporation (Governing Body) of the United Colleges Group was established in September 1992 under The Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (FHEA) for the purpose of conducting City of Westminster College pre-merger with the College of North West London. On 31st August 2017 City of Westminster College and the College of North West London, merged to form the United Colleges Group. The College Group is an exempt charity for the purposes of the Charities Act 2011. The Governing Body, through the Executive, steers the College as a whole. It works 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 which set out its composition and procedures and internal powers, responsibilities and duties. The Governing Body has also agreed on rules for the conduct of business which are known as Standing Orders.

Public Benefit

In setting and reviewing the College’s strategic objectives, the Governing Body has had due regard for the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. In delivering its mission, the College provides the following identifiable public benefits through the advancement of education:

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

The Governing Body is responsible for:

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

Governing Body Meetings

The Governing Body meets approximately twice per term. Governors have agreed that a number of these meetings will be open to members of the public. If you are interested in attending any meeting to observe the business of the College Groups Governing Body, please contact the Clerk to the Corporation on 020 7258 2952 or email governance@cwc.ac.uk for further details.

Annual Schedule of Governors Meetings 2018-19

Annual Schedule of Governors Meetings 2017-18

Minutes of previous Governing Body Meetings are available below:

Committee Structure

The Governing Body has the power under the Articles of Government, to delegate certain functions to the Principal and to its committees. The Governing Body conducts its business through a number of committees. Each committee has terms of reference which have been approved by the Governing Body.

Minutes of committee meetings, except those deemed to be confidential, are available from the Clerk to the Corporation governance@cwc.ac.uk or the following address:

United Colleges Group
Paddington Green Campus
25 Paddington Green
London
W2 1NB

Committee Membership

2018-11 United Colleges Group Committee Membership

Audit Committee

Finance and General Purposes Committee

Remuneration Committee

2014-10-15 Remuneration Committee Terms of Reference

Search and Governance Committee

Strategy and Estates Committee

2016-02-23 Strategy and Estates Committee Terms of Reference

Teaching, Learning & Skills Committee

Governing Body Vacancies

We are always keen to hear from people who might be interested in joining the Governing Body. All Governors offer their time voluntarily and are expected to attend not only formal Governing Body 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 and Governance Committee. We seek a balance of skills and experience to enhance our operation and we review our specific needs whenever a vacancy arises.

Experience of the FE sector is not a requirement but some familiarity with current issues affecting FE would be helpful. We positively welcome applications from women, disabled people and those of ethnic minority background.

If you might be interested in contributing as a Governor to United Colleges Group now or in the future, do contact the Clerk to the Corporation on 020 7258 2952 to discuss any opportunities informally.

Register of Interests

A register of Corporation Members' (Governors) and senior managers’ interests are maintained and can be inspected upon request to the Clerk to the Corporation at the Paddington Green Campus.

The Governing Body requires all Governors to comply with its Code of Conduct for Corporation Members.

Code of Conduct for Corporation Members

List of Governors

Tony Johnston
Chair of Corporation

Alex Fyfe
Vice Chair of Corporation

Glenys Arthur
External Governor

Keith Cowell
CEO and Governor

Mary Elliott
External Governor

Brenda Goring Moore
External Governor

Simon Haben
External Governor

John Petrie
External Governor

Jan Knight
External Governor

Peter Child
External Governor