Governance
The college corporation is responsible for the overall functioning of Kirklees College.
The Corporation oversees the college’s strategic direction, financial performance and quality of service provided to learners and the community. The Corporation Board is made up of highly experienced individuals, who have extensive experience across industry, business, law, finance and the community, as well as students and staff.
The Corporation meets at least once each term to discuss the college’s strategy and its progress on key performance matters. The Corporation also has several governor committees which look at the college’s performance on finance and quality matters and in more detail at all key areas of the business.
Governors also play an active role in college life through support and advice, as well as attending events and promoting the good work the college does in the community.
The Corporation
Janie Walters
Independent Member
Professional background
Ms J Clement Walters is a chartered accountant, now retired, who has worked in the private and public sectors, notably including the Manchester Chamber of Commerce where she was once company secretary. Ms Walters has experience of supporting staff development, mentoring and training apprentices.
Special interests
Mentoring, employer engagement, work readiness.
Corporation Roles
Appointed 16.07.21. Member of Audit Committee.
Chris Robinson
Independent Member
Professional background
A chartered accountant, now retired, who has held a number of senior roles in the private sector, as well as in the Further Education Sector as Vice Principal Resources for three colleges.
Special interests
College funding and finance, estates planning.
Corporation roles
Appointed 16.07.21. Member of Finance Committee.
Wayne Bailey
Independent Member
Professional background
Wayne is the Associate Dean (International) in the School of Education and Professional Development at Huddersfield University. He began his teaching career in a large Further Education college and his academic research is concerned with all aspects of teaching and learning.
Special interests
- Widening participation and the impact of social deprivation
- Higher Education
- Blended learning
- Confidence and teacher educators
Corporation Roles
- Appointed 15 July 2022
- Member of the Quality, Performance and Standards Committee
- Higher Education & Skills Link Governor
- Strategic Priority Link Governor
Prof. Peter Roberts OBE
Independent Member
Professional Background
Career academic and manager at various levels in universities. Also experienced governor of public sector, charity and private sector originations, most recently Chair of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Chair of the Kirklees Climate Commission and Vice-Chair of The Kirkwood. Professor Roberts has also advised national and international governments on a range of matters.
Special Interests
Strategic planning, sustainable development, curriculum development and assurance, finance of further education, equality and diversity and property and facilities.
Strategic Priority Link Governor
Joshua Robinson
Staff Member
Professional background
Kirklees College Electrical Lecturer.
Special interests
Community engagement.
Corporation roles
Appointed 21.11.23.
Justine Daniels
Independent Member
Professional background
Justine is Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange at one of the UK’s largest universities: Manchester Metropolitan University. An accomplished academic, her knowledge and understanding of the Higher Education landscape helps the Corporation with curriculum design and progression planning. Justine also has experience of coaching and developing leadership skills, and has worked extensively and impactfully in the equality, diversity and inclusion space.
Special interests
Coaching and mentoring
Project and financial management
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Corporation Roles
Appointed 20 September 2023
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Group
The Independent Director of Governance
Clause 4(1) of Schedule 4 to the Further & Higher Education Act 1992 provides that all Further Education Corporations must provide for the appointment of a ‘Clerk’ within their governing documents. Many colleges use a different title for the person who occupies this key statutory role; at Kirklees we call it the Director of Governance.
The Director of Governance is independent from management, in order to be able to offer impartial advice to the Corporation.
The main responsibilities of the Director of Governance are:
1. To support the Corporation in meeting high standards of governance and fulfilling legal or regulatory requirements.
2. To provide guidance on legal issues relating to governance, as well as the implications of policy or regulatory developments.
3. To advise the Corporation with regard to the operation of its powers.
4. To advise the Corporation with regard to procedural matters.
5. To advise the Corporation with regard to the conduct of its business.
As an independent officer of the Corporation, the Director of Governance plays a key role in ensuring that the college’s system of checks and balances operates effectively.
The Director of Governance is appointed by and accountable to the Corporation only. There is a clear separation of functions and lines of reporting and the main responsibility for managing the Director of Governance rests with the Chair of the Corporation.
The current Director of Governance & Compliance, Carol Tague, may be contacted at ctague@kirkleescollege.ac.uk.
Governance Documents
Corporation Board and Committee Minutes
Corporation Board
Academic Year 2024 - 2025
Academic Year 2023 - 2024
Meeting Minutes
Academic Year 2024- 2025
Academic Year 2023 - 2024
- Audit Commitee - 17 April 2024
- Audit Committee - 6 December 2023
- Curriculum Strategy Group - 6 December 2023
- Curriculum Strategy Group - 4 October 2023
- Curriculum Strategy Group - 24 February 2024
- Curriculum Strategy Group - 11 June 2024
- QPS Committee - 10 November 2023
- QPS Committee - 29 April 2024
- QPS Committee 3 April 2025
Other Documents
Corporation Documents
External Governance Review findings
In 2022, an external review of governance was undertaken by consultancy firm the Governance Forum. We are pleased to share their findings, as set out in this summary report below. The review looked at the culture and quality of discussion in board meetings; the quality and focus of meeting packs; and took a general overview of board performance via discussions with current Governors.
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Where development needs were identified, these were discussed and have informed our development plan. Across the majority of areas assessed, the Corporation showed strength and confidence. The board meeting observation demonstrated that the board is operating at a good level, while the review of meeting packs concluded that the papers presented to the board ranged from good to very good.
Terms of Reference
Written Resolutions
Academic Year 2024 - 2025
Could you be a Kirklees College Governor?
Whether you are an experienced trustee or board member or are looking to take your first step at board level, we want to hear from you. We need talented people to join our team who are well networked and will bring a high level of understanding of the barriers to learning many of our learners face.
You might be an environmental or digital guru, a community or faith leader, have expertise in policing or family law, have overcome barriers to learning yourself or have experience of promoting equality and diversity. Whatever your background, you will be a strong believer in the transformative power of education and will share our college values.
Information for Prospective Governors and Application Forms
Due to the loss of two valued and long-serving board members, we now seek to appoint a new Independent Governor at Kirklees College.
As well as being a member of the Corporation, the successful candidate will be invited to join one of the Corporation’s committees and can share their professional expertise, whilst providing appropriate challenge and scrutiny.
We would particularly like to hear from individuals with skills and experience in:
- Finance
- Estates/Property
- Law
- Digital
- Human Resources
To apply, please email the application form and EDI monitoring form to Carol Tague, Director of Governance and Compliance, ctague@kirkleescollege.ac.uk.
Please note that current students and staff are not able to apply for this role.Â