GOVERNOR &
CO-OPTEE
APPLICATION
Find out about Harpury and our ambitions:
Hartpury 2025
Our strategy for
ExcellenceWe strive to achieve the highest quality in every aspect of our work. We expect and achieve high standards of our students and staff, whilst providing a learning experience that is truly first class.
Passionate
We create an environment in which our students and staff can develop and celebrate their shared interests. We empower our graduates to combine their passion with their career and shape the future of the specialist industries we serve.
Challenging
We support students and staff who want to challenge and be challenged. We inspire them so that they can confidently achieve their ambitions, create their own successes, and be the very best they can be.
Nurturing
People are the centre of everything we do, with our students at the heart of our community. We invest in our people, support their development, and encourage them to reach their full potential.
Respectful
Inclusivity underpins our organisation; we respect and celebrate equality and diversity. We seek to create a community in which all of our staff, students and partners thrive and feel proud to belong.
www.hartpury.ac.uk T: 01452 702100
Hartpury University and Hartpury College, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE
Our Values
As Hartpury College and Hartpury University, two outstanding specialist organisations side-by-side on one campus, with a shared mission and set of values, we will be well-positioned to meet national priorities including those raised within the government’s Industrial Strategy. Hartpury’s organisational structure strengthens our position as a leader in the delivery of high quality applied education and research.
Russell Marchant, Vice-Chancellor, Principal and CEO
Hartpury will be
a specialist niche
provider delivering relevant,
effective and high quality education
and training for employment in sport,
equine, animal and agricultural
industries; locally, regionally,
nationally and internationally.
Being the best we can beHartpury will be relentless in the pursuit of excellence, building upon its reputation as a world-class provider of specialist further and higher education.
To develop our high academic standards we will: Retain our TEF Gold and our Ofsted Outstanding ratings Attain sector leading student satisfaction scores Contribute to new knowledge and transfer into practice, at national and international levels
Continue to aim for the best possible student experience
Inclusive in all we do
We will create an inclusive and accessible environment that promotes respect for our students, staff, and the wider community.
Through our culture and frameworks we will:
Pro-actively recognise and promote equality, diversity and wellbeing within our community
Support students from under-represented groups to access, succeed and progress at Hartpury
Strive to achieve and sustain sector leading student and staff retention rates
Commit to listening to the student and staff voice and utilising it to enhance activity.
Building strength through partnerships
Our development will be enabled through effective partnerships and collaborations with those who share our vision for the future.
As a result of effective partnerships we will:
Create Hartpury College and Hartpury University side by side on the same campus, with parity of esteem Work in partnership with our students, staff and parents, supporting them to achieve their full potential
Drive forward successful centres or hubs, to support the sharing of best practice and research in the agriculture, equine, animal and sports industries
Contribute to economic and community development within our region
Work closely with employers and industry to shape the specialist education we provide
Our Mission
Find out about being a governor
and contributing to taking
Hartpury University and College
forward:
Contents Section Page 1 Introduction 06 2 Organisational Structure 07 3 Charitable status 08 4 Board of Governors 08 5 Governance Structure 08
6 Responsibilities of the Board of Governors 09 5 Governor and Co-optee Job Description
Experience Required for Post Purpose and Duties
Definition of Governors and Co-optees Term of Appointment
Time Commitment
Support and Development Standards of Behaviour
Fit and Proper Person Requirements Disclosure and Barring Service Check
010 10 10 11 11 11 12 12 12/13 13 6 Person Specification 14 To Apply:
Please review this information pack for an understanding of the role.
If you require further information please contact the Clerk to the Corporation.
Please send a full CV including your educational and professional qualifications, full employment history and contact details.
Please provide details of two referees - we will not contact without advising you. A brief covering letter outlining your motivation in applying.
Clerk to the Corporation Contact Details:
Gillian Steels
Hartpury University & Hartpury College | Gloucester | GL19 3BE
Telephone: 01452 702159| Extension: 2159| Email: [email protected]
Process
Applications will be reviewed by members of the Search and Governance Committee and shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by members of the Search and
Governance Committee who will then make a recommendation to the Committee and the Board of Governors.
1. Introduction
Hartpury University, and Hartpury College its Further Education partner, are two outstanding specialist organisations working side-by-side on one campus, with a shared mission:
Hartpury will be a specialist niche provider delivering relevant, effective and high quality education and training for employment in sport, equine, animal and agricultural industries; locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Hartpury University is one of the newest universities in the sector by date of designation but it has been providing specialist, high quality higher education for more than 25 years. We received Taught Degree Awarding Powers in 2017 and University Designation in 2018. Uniquely in the education sector we have chosen to build in to our structure our ongoing commitment to further education, with Hartpury College established as a wholly owned subsidiary company limited by guarantee. Hartpury University is a Higher Education Corporation (the ‘Corporation’) – a separate legal entity – as established by the 1988 Education Reform Act, and subsequently amended by the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. The
Instrument and Articles of Government of Hartpury University, approved by the Privy Council, provide the constitutional framework by which the Corporation is governed. The University Board currently consists of up to 14 governors including the Vice Chancellor, Staff Governor, Student Governor and Co-opted Governor.
Hartpury College of Further Education is a wholly owned subsidiary company limited by guarantee. The College Board currently consists of up to 10 governors including the Principal, Staff Governor and Student Governor.
2. Organisational Structure Hartpury University Hartpury College Limbury Limited (Dormant) Rudgeley Services Limited (provision of Transport) Hartpury Rugby Limited PPage 7
3. Charitable Status
Hartpury University is an exempt charity and governors are trustees of a charity. They must ensure that assets and income are applied in support of the charitable objectives of providing higher education and the conduct of research.
4. Board of Governors
The Corporation is managed by a Board of Governors, who are the members of the Corporation. The Board operates with a number of committees, which undertake specific areas of work on behalf of the Board of Governors. Governors may be invited to join one or more of these committees.
5. Governance Structure University:
Reports to the Office for Students
College:
Reports to Education and Skills Funding Agency
Meetings take place on an aligned basis to reflect the commitment to parity of esteem for further and higher education, but each Corporation remains responsible for meeting their statutory responsibilities.
6. Responsibilities of the Board of Governors
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 safeguarding its 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 and the Clerk, including, where the Clerk is, or is to be appointed as, a member of staff, the Clerk’s appointment, grading, suspension, dismissal and determination of pay in the capacity of a member of staff
setting a framework for the pay and conditions of service of all other staff
Governors are non-executive members of the Board of Governors. The primary role of governors is to contribute to the effective discharge of the Board of Governors’ responsibilities as detailed above by:
•offering informed and constructive contributions to the decision-making processes of the governing body
•making their knowledge and expertise available to the Board of Governors •ensuring that the Board of Governors exercises effective control over the strategic direction of the University
•adequately assessing the performance of the University against the objectives and targets approved by the Board of Governors.
Governors are not managers of University business; this is the remit of the Vice-Chancellor. Governors operate at a strategic level, determining the University's mission and ensuring this is undertaken in a financially prudent way, to drive the University forward.
The Search and Governance Committee has delegated responsibility for identifying and recruiting governors and making recommendations for appointment to Board of Governors. The Committee is mindful of the mix of skills and specific attributes being sought when filling any vacancy on the Council, seeking at all times to ensure an appropriate balance and blend of different skills and expertise
Job Description
Hartpury Governors and Co-optees
1. Experience Required for Post
Expertise in an area which is of relevance to the oversight of the affairs of Hartpury.
For Co-opted Governor role - Experience in Higher Education
2. Purpose and Duties
2.1 Engage with, and advise on, University character and strategy, so that the University continues to flourish and succeed in a fast moving, competitive environment. This requires agility and commitment to strive for continuous development and improvement.
2.2 As members of the Board of Governors, work with the Vice-Chancellor and Senior Team to review and update the strategy and hold the Vice
Chancellor to account for delivery of the strategy to achieve the Hartpury mission and values.
2.3 Work collaboratively as a member of the Board of Governors to achieve a strong sense of shared vision, ambition and collective purpose.
2.4 Exercise collective responsibility, contribute skills and expertise as
appropriate and contribute to high quality discussion and decision making. 2.5 Contribute effectively to the Board of Governors exercising control over the
strategic direction of the University, ensuring an effective planning process is in place and executed, and that the performance of the University is adequately assessed against the objectives which the Board of Governors has approved.
2.6 Be powerful advocates on behalf of the University in presenting its achievements and ambitions.
2.7 To attend meetings and other events throughout the year.
3. Definition of Governors and Co-optees
Independent Governors are full members of the Board and defined in the Articles of Government as persons having “experience of, and to have shown capacity in, industrial, commercial and employment matters or the practice of any profession”.
Co-optee members are identified to support a specific committee, provide advice and professional expertise to the University and its Committees in their work.
Under the Instrument and Articles the Board composition includes a co-opted person who has experience of the provision of education.
Co-optees contribute to the quorum of any Committee/Board of which they are a member and have voting rights.
The Clerk to the Corporation arranges an Induction for new appointees.
4. Term of Appointment
The role of Governor and Co-optee is not remunerated, but reasonable travelling and similar expenses incurred in the course of University business may be claimed. The term of office is up to four years, and may be renewable.
5. Time Commitment
There are three elements to the time commitment to the role:
5.1 The core commitment is to be available to attend meetings of Board of Governors, chair or attend certain committees of Board of Governors, and undertake the formal business of the Board of Governors. Members of the Board are expected to contribute approximately 10-14 days per year
depending on allocated subcommittees and other University events such as graduation ceremonies. There is also a time commitment in preparation for meetings.
There are usually five Corporation meetings each year and a two day Strategic Event which generally takes place in Spring.
The Committees meet routinely 3-4 times per year. Governors are usually members of at least one Committee.
Board and Committee Meetings take place during the working day. 5.2 Board of Governor business is likely to require telephone conversations,
reading in preparation for meetings, and being available for consultation and advice without needing to be present in Hartpury.
5.3 Being present within Hartpury and our wider community, engaging with the life of the University, and College, and contributing to our local profile. This is a more discretionary element, depending, in part, on the individual’s
interests and availability. All governors are linked to curriculum areas and are expected to engage in regular link visits (approximately 2-3 a year.
6. Support and Development
There are Board Development and Training Events to ensure Board members meet statutory requirements, are aware of good practice and sector developments. These may be through face to face events, webinars or on line training.
Governors will be supported to attend appropriate training and
development, and will be encouraged to cascade the knowledge and insights gained from such events.
Governors and co-optees are provided with regular sector briefings by email/electronic portal.
7. Standards of Behaviour
All governors and co-optees are expected to observe the seven principles of public life, known as the Nolan Principles. These are:
• Selflessness: decisions should be taken solely in terms of the public interest.
• Integrity: individuals should not place themselves under any
obligation to outside Individuals or organisations that might influence the performance of their duties.
• Objectivity: in carrying out public business, choices should be made on merit.
• Accountability: be accountable for their decisions and actions to the public.
• Openness: individuals should be as open as possible about the decisions and actions that they take.
• Honesty: individuals must declare any private interests relating to their public duties, and resolve any conflicts in a way that protects the public interest.
• Leadership: individuals should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
8. Fit and Proper Person Requirements
Governor and co-optees must meet the Office for Student Fit and Proper Person Test.
A fit and proper person: • is of good character
• has the qualifications, competence, skills and experience that are necessary for their role;
• is able by reason of their health, after reasonable adjustments are made, to properly perform the tasks of the office or position for which they are appointed
• has not been responsible for, been privy to, contributed to, or facilitated any serious misconduct or mismanagement (whether unlawful or not) in their employment or in the conduct of any entity with which they are or have been associated.
Individuals being proposed for appointment will need to sign a declaration that they are a “Fit and Proper Person” and their details will be shared with the Office for Students.
The following are indicators that a person may not be a fit and proper person:
• disqualification from acting as a company director, or from acting as a charity trustee, as set out in the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 or the Charities Act 2011
• conviction of a criminal offence anywhere in the world subject of any adverse finding in civil proceedings, where relevant, including, but not limited to bankruptcy or equivalent proceedings (in the last three years) • subject of any adverse findings in any disciplinary proceedings by any
regulatory authorities or professional bodies • involvement in any abuse of the tax systems
• involvement with any entity that has been refused registration to carry out a trade or has had that registration terminated
• involvement in a business that has gone into insolvency, liquidation or administration while the person has been connected with that
organisation or within one year of that connection; • dismissal from a position of trust or similar
• involvement with a higher education provider that has had its registration refused or revoked by the OfS or has had similar action taken against it by another regulator (this includes, but is not limited to, serving on a board/governing body, having voting rights, being a significant shareholder/owner, serving in a senior position, etc.).
9. Disclosure and Barring Service
All governors and co-optees are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Person Specification
Specification Essential Desirable
Commitment to education
Able to demonstrate a commitment to education.
Evidence of commitment to
continuing professional development.
Relevant Experience Successful leadership and strategic management in a complex
organisation.
Expertise in an area which is of relevance to the oversight of the affairs of Hartpury.
Knowledge of Higher or Further education sectors.
Skills Effective communication skills. Able express ideas and plans clearly and listen actively. Ability to contribute to effective debate and effective decision making.
Ability to work positively with others and to respect complementary skills and experience of colleagues. Ability to analyse and understand complex information.
Ability to be visionary for future plans for Hartpury.
Able to motivate and inspire.
Understands the
education environment. Creative thinker.
Other Requirements Personal integrity and high ethical standards
Able to attend the University and participate in activities for at least 10 days a year
Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Commitment to openness and transparency
