Natspec has developed a bespoke service specifically for specialist colleges, because governance review packages designed for larger general further education colleges are not fit for purpose for many of our member colleges.
Whilst annual self-assessments and external board reviews every three years are not a contractual or legal requirement for specialist colleges, external scrutiny of board structures and performance for specialist colleges is good practice.
What is the service and who is it for?
Natspec’s external governance review service is suitable for any specialist college or the wider charities / organisations that operate specialist colleges.
The external review will be bespoke and proportionate to the needs, size and maturity of the commissioning organisation. It will be adapted to reflect the needs of the organisation, given that specialist colleges are run by a variety of different legal entities, for example charitable trusts or other charities, private companies, not for profit companies limited by guarantee, community interest companies, or registered societies.
The service can be adapted in scope to cover either just the college, or the wider organisation that runs the college. If the latter, it will be more complex and likely to take longer, with the college governance examined in the context of the wider organisation.
Approach
The review will follow a thematic approach bringing together three key themes – People, Structures and Processes. Specific areas for focus will be agreed with the college depending on its stage of development. Newer colleges may wish to have a greater focus on establishing a structure, roles and responsibilities, or skill development of governors, whilst more established colleges may wish to review certain aspects, ranging from a fundamental review of vision and purpose to a specific examination of policies, processes or procedures.
Experienced consultants with governance expertise in the specialist sector will be allocated to the lead the review. They will co-produce a review framework and plan with the commissioning college or organisation, within the DfE’s guidance. During the planning phase the consultant will work with the college to design a programme that will be both supportive and developmental. The consultant will take time to understand the governance context and will tailor activities accordingly.
Programme of activities
The time required for an external governance review will vary, depending on the size and structure of the organisation being reviewed. The exact time required will be agreed with the college as part of the scoping exercise. It will involve a variety of activities and will include a combination of onsite and desk-based activities. Typically, these could include:
- Planning meeting
- Scoping visit
- Desk work on documentation – compliance of entity, composition, model, succession planning
- Discussions with individual governors, trustees, staff and external stakeholder organisations
- Teams meetings with individual or small groups of governors
- Observation of board meetings – in person if possible, or remotely if required
- Observation of committee meetings – via Teams
- Self-assessment / governor performance.
Report and next steps
A report will be produced following the review, detailing areas of strengths and what is working well, together with areas for development and recommendations for action. The recommendations will align in full with the college’s mission, values and strategic objectives. If required, these conclusions and recommendations can be presented to governors / trustees by the Natspec associate.
Further governance support, based on agreed actions following the initial review, will be available from the Natspec team as required. Any further work will be informed by the outcomes of the initial review and could include more detailed work on, for example: recruiting governors; improving the governance structure; developing a Scheme of Delegation and governance tools such as annual calendar, templates for learning walks; skills audits; strategic work with senior leaders; helping governors balance support, scrutiny and challenge.
Cost
Costs for this service will vary according to how much support you require. Governance reviews will be costed following the scoping meeting, at a rate of £650 per day (excl VAT) for Natspec members, plus travel expenses and overnight accommodation if required. This is payable as a one-off fee once the report has been received.
Request a governance review
To request a governance review, please complete our consultancy expression of interest. If you have any other queries, please email transform@natspec.org.uk