Newly appointed Board Members are invited to undergo a structured induction programme upon appointment. The aim of this is to help new members understand their duties, obtain sufficient knowledge of the College and acquire a working knowledge of the policies and procedures employed by the Board. The Board also offers a mentoring service for any new member, who can link with a more experienced member if required.

Regular training sessions are held for all governors on matters of College policy or practice or on Government policy for FE. Short sessions are often held before the start of Board meetings. An on-going individualised development programme is in place for all members, which is reviewed on an annual basis. This is based on an assessment of individual training needs. Governors are provided with the opportunity to attend external development events as appropriate including an annual national Governance Conference.

BOARD SELF-ASSESSMENT
As a publicly funded body, the College is required to conduct a rigorous annual self-assessment of its performance, from which an annual improvement plan results. The Governing Body is expected to oversee this process ensuring that it is robust, with definite outcomes, which the Board then scrutinises to ensure that action plans are implemented.

The Governing Body is also expected to demonstrate a real concern for its own performance, with annually agreed key performance indicators, and assessment of performance - of the chair, of individual members, of committees, and of the Board itself.   

EXPENSES AND ALLOWANCES
Board Members are not remunerated for carrying out their duties. However, Board Members may claim expenses for travelling and subsistence, associated with attendance at meetings, development events and conferences.

PERSONAL LIABILITY OF BOARD MEMBERS
In principle, Board members are not liable for the debts of the college.  It is generally the case that, provided Board Members act in good faith and understand fully their duties and responsibilities, the risk of personal liability arising will be very small indeed. The College currently has Governors’ Indemnity cover included with the College’s Insurance provision.

CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU CHECKS
Each new Governor is required to undertake a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, which is administered by the college’s Human Resources Department. (This requirement may cease following the Government’s intended review of guidelines in this area.)