“Currently the biggest challenge is maintaining good governance in a time of crisis”
How did it feel to win Governance Professional of the Year at the CGIUKI Awards 2019?
On a personal basis I was very surprised and honoured to win. Firstly, because I was amazed that I was shortlisted given the quality of the candidates and secondly, I have never won an award before. I’m also very proud because it demonstrates that East Coast College is at the forefront of governance with a board and senior team that value the role, as well as highlighting the value of the support and development they have given to me by being a member of the team. Thirdly, I’m pleased that governance in further education colleges was recognised as it raises the profile for all in the role and helps demonstrate the importance of governance.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in governance?
I became interested in governance whilst on a family career break where I took on the role of parent governor at my children’s infant school. This then led to becoming the chair of finance and then chair of the board. When the post was advertised at Great Yarmouth College I applied as the role looked like an interesting and varied one that would make use of my skills, knowledge and qualifications. At the interview I was impressed with the drive of the College and the welcome I received from the chair of governors and naturally, was delighted to be offered the post.
How long have you been in your current role and can you talk us through your route into the East Coast College?
I Have been working in governance for over six years, where my journey started at Great Yarmouth College and then following a merger with Lowestoft College, I became director of governance at East Coast College. I have had a varied career having been a VAT inspector, an internal auditor and a strategic housing manager before taking a career break to bring up two children. The experience of these varied roles has helped me to have the confidence and experience needed in order to develop the governance role at East Coast College.
What are the biggest challenges in your role?
Currently the biggest challenge is maintaining good governance in a time of crisis. There needs to be flexibility of thought and action with governance not constrained by what has been and what is set out in the instrument and articles with a new way of governing established. The other main challenge is recruiting governors of a suitable quality with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to run a multi-million pound business. The role is unpaid and the responsibilities are wide and do require dedication and commitment to help strategically lead East Coast College.
What do you feel most proud of in your work?
Leading on governance during the merger between Great Yarmouth College and Lowestoft College, and then with Lowestoft Sixth Form College. This was particularly challenging when liaising with three sets of lawyers. I established the new board, governance arrangements and committee structures which are effective and ensure regular and in-depth analysis of performance, appropriate challenge, support and strategic development. I also developed the role from a traditional “clerk” role to a significantly more professional and strategic impactful director of governance role. I built strong relationships within local, regional and national governance networks within the further education sector, providing and developing professional learning and networking with other governance professionals, including a formal role as the vice chair of the governance network for colleges in the Eastern region and the regional representative on the national network.
What advice would you give to those beginning their governance career?
To be prepared for a varied and challenging role. We need to support each other. The role of governance professional in an organisation can be a lonely one so build links with your fellows and never be afraid to ask for help and support. We are lucky in further education to have a clerks virtual network where support and advice is always available from colleagues. We also have regional network meetings and a national network. You should never stop learning. Take all the CPD that is offered so that you can develop further in the role and develop your network of other governance colleagues. Learn from examples of good governance and don’t be constrained by your sector. The key to success is an excellent and supportive relationship with both the board chair and the CEO. I am lucky that I have worked with excellent CEOs and chairs of governors.
What does 2020 hold for you? Are there any goals you are hoping to achieve?
My personal goal is to increase my knowledge and qualifications by completing the Chartered Governance Institute qualification. Due to previous qualifications and experience (such as having a Politics and Law Degree, being a qualified management accountant and a qualified housing manager) I have been granted exemptions and will be using this period of lockdown to commence the modules required. From a work perspective my goal is to maintain governance during this period of crisis and to then successfully implement the succession plan for the senior team, ensuring that change does not disrupt good governance at East Coast College and that we remain a strong, positive and strategic team.
Interview by Sonia Sharma, editor of Governance and Compliance
